Anto Youssef Photography

Tiger’s nest and me, Paro, Bhutan

Anto — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:00:58 +0000

A look of triumph and satisfaction, which hides the tiredness I was also feeling after my exciting climb all the way up to Tiger’s Nest monastery.

Taktsang Palphug Monastery, Paro, Bhutan

Anto — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:30:04 +0000

This lovely religious building was built on the high rocks of a mountain many centuries ago. I can only imagine the difficulties and obstacles workers of time must have encountered. As I was climbing and feeling my lack of oxygen, I couldn’t imagine having to carry a big rock on my back as must have been done at the construction time.

When I finally reached the monastery, after hours of hiking and climbing, my fatigue was surpassed by the breathtaking beauty of the landscape. The hike was a small but very significant accomplishment for me!

Illuminated trees, Paro, Bhutan

Anto — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:00:10 +0000

For some reason I feel that most people don’t favour this photograph. As for me, it’s one of my most admired ones of my trip to Bhutan, just for the clarity in the light and colour reflecting on the leaves of the trees.

Paro river, Bhutan

Anto — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:00:18 +0000

The river was almost dry on this beautiful autumn day, but the blue sky had a beautiful contrast on the warm red-orange colour of the dead leaves on the ground.

Paro Valley from Paro Dzong, Bhutan

Anto — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:00:30 +0000

Paro Dzong is the biggest tourist attraction in the Paro area, and is also a religious building of high significance for Bhutanese people. When you get on top, you get a wonderful view of the Valley and the village. The airport of Paro, the only international airport of Bhutan, can also be seen from the Dzong.

Chorten of Chele La, Bhutan

Anto — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:00:13 +0000

At 4,000 metres in altitude, the Chele La is the highest road point in Bhutan. Hiking from there can be very demanding physically, although very rewarding with the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, monasteries and chortens.

Rainbow truck, Haa, Bhutan

Anto — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 21:00:37 +0000

Jomolhari Mountain, Bhutan

Anto — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 16:00:06 +0000

Standing in front of this mountain, looking at it with admiration and respect, was my favourite moment in Bhutan! I was at an altitude of 4,000 metres, the mountain is over 7,000 metres high, the air was fresh and the skies were clear. I was in bliss and feeling spiritual.

Prayer flags, Chele La Point, Bhutan

Anto — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 15:00:31 +0000

Bhutan is a land of tradition and spirituality. This could be noticed by the way people welcome you, the respect they offer you and the traditional way they are dressed. Old traditions are also demonstrated by the abundant presence of prayer flags that are placed in various locations in the wilderness, often in elevation on a hill or a mountain, where there is a beautiful landscape behind.

The flags have different shapes and colours, which someone could think they are random. but each flag has a specific meaning. There are some who invoke prosperity, other health, good luck, etc.. I myself bought a prayer flag in a monastery, and I was helped hanging it on the trees of a hill in Thimphu.

Periwinkle flower, Thimphu, Bhutan

Anto — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 18:00:42 +0000

Haa Valley, Bhutan

Anto — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:00:42 +0000

Traditional entrance, Haa, Bhutan

Anto — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:00:23 +0000

Wangchuk River, Thimphu, Bhutan

Anto — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:00:56 +0000

Chorten of the Tango Monastery, Thimphu, Bhutan

Anto — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 19:00:29 +0000

Punakha valley, Bhutan

Anto — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:00:31 +0000

Punakha Dzong, Bhutan

Anto — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:00:09 +0000

Sidi Bou Said

Anto — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 21:50:43 +0000

Blue Door, Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

Anto — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 20:00:34 +0000

Djebel Zaghouan

Anto — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:00:28 +0000

Posing in Carthage

Anto — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:42:21 +0000

Every historical site is a picture opportunity. For some it's capturing the beauty of a monument, for others it's posing with the monument! Here are my friends Vincent, Anne, Vivian, and Antoine, who use their artistic skills to pose as models each time we arrive at a tourist attraction. But their talent and energy are so advanced that they attract all the eyes of the other tourist, becoming the attraction itself!