The lovely Madhu over at http://theurgetowander.com/ chose me for the http://blog.hostelbookers.com/travel/7-super-shots/ and gosh was it difficult. I have 20-25 thousand photos to choose from, how do you decide which are good and which you just like? So mine are possibly a mix of both.
The first was in India a few years ago when I had a point and shoot, to date it is the only photo of mine I have framed. It takes me right back to how I felt that day. It was taken close to the top of Ratnagiri hill in Pushkar which has a temple to the goddess Savitri at the summit. We got up before dawn to climb up for the sunrise as suggested by our driver the venerable Magan Singh. What he didn’t know – until now maybe – was that we didn’t actually quite reach the top, but didn’t have the heart to tell him as he was so sure that we would love it! The problem was that we had been so ill for a few days before and were still incredibly weak. He was right, the view was beautiful. I remember every moment, every laboured step, and most of all, the tiny, bent old ladies climbing to the temple as they do each day for prayer. This one literally took my breath away, I couldn’t breathe as I struggled upwards!
Next, a little closer to home, this is close to the finishing line of last October’s Commando Challenge on Yettington common in East Devon. I love this photo because it shows the determination of these women to complete a really gruelling and hideously muddy course. They ran 10 kilometres through water and mud filled tunnels and tracks that is part of a marines endurance training course. This particular group were so supportive of each other, and it makes me think, isn’t it wonderful what can be achieved when you work together? 
Over in Malaysian Borneo this time, at Kota Kinabalu. There had to be at least one sunset! These are two of the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman park taken from Jesselton Point. This the photo that makes me dream!
At the village of Baobeng-Fiema the story goes that the monkeys are considered special. The locals give them all names and they are buried in a graves when they die. It wasn’t the monkeys that I found special in this Ghanaian village, it was the children. This is the shot that makes me smile
This young woman’s backpack must have weighed as much as she did. I couldn’t help wondering where she was headed, I suspect a local youth hostel. More interesting still, where had she been? For me, this photo tells a story.
In Western Anatolia breakfast was early one day last June. We had a lot of miles to cover that day so we had to skip the hotel meal but were promised a treat instead. Delicious local yoghurt and honey, sprinkled with poppy seeds, it worked for me and made my mouth water, I’m not sure about the carnivores though. 
Now, I don’t know if anyone else will ‘get’ this photo, what I see in it. Again its a shot that conjures up atmosphere for me. I love the quality of light, I love the activity, the between time. It was taken in Marrakech from a rooftop cafe at a time when the work of the day was ending, and the evening’s entertainment and culinary delights had not yet begun. So this is my photo that I am most proud of , aka my worth of National Geographic shot. 
So there we are, all seven, I hope you like them. Is there one in particular that you think is good? or terrible?
As always there are rules! I have to nomnate five bloggers to take part, but only if you want to. My five are,
http://sophomorejinx.wordpress.com/
http://jobryantnz.wordpress.com/
http://catbirdinoman.wordpress.com/
http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/
http://flickrcomments.wordpress.com/
The photograph of the children is superb. 🙂
Love, love the smiles of those children! They made me smile. All are super shots, Gilly!
What a beautiful selection Gilly! Love all of them. The last one of the Djemaa el Fna is just brilliant, and those little children truly made me smile, as did the ‘breathless’ photo 🙂
How very wonderful to see these photos Gilly, each one a treasure! We are stuck in the airport in Sydney due to bad weather on the island, so your beautiful photos are just right for bringing a smile, a dream, and inspiration, thank you 🙂
I especially love the kids, and the yoghurt, and the islands of dreams!
But they’re all wonderful. And you have such a range of interests and responses, they’re really terrific, Gilly.
All of the shots are beautiful and distinct. Your vast experience in traveling to unque places is one to marvel at. Fantastic.
You’re a wonderful photographer. Love, love the pictures.
Wow, amazing Gilly!! I especially love your National Geographic-worthy Marrakech shot! And the sunset of course. That backpack picture does tell a story. Your photos are great dream material…
Thanks too for nominating me! What a hard act to follow! I will work on it soon… 🙂
Wow, Gilly……. these are all wonderful. I love that last one too, but my favourite is the one of the Ghanaian children. Their smiles are unbeatable. Thanks for nominating me. I’ll see what I can come up with. You’re certainly a very hard act to follow. 😉
Hi, it’s amazing how we just became followers recently and got awarded on the same blog. Will be looking forward to your reply.
Hi there, Rommel. 😉
Not being biased but these are really your best shots. I guess that’s the whole point. Truly frame worthy shots… which by the way, I have been contemplating to do but haven’t done.
My golly, so much to say about each one, Gilly. Of course, the village children smiles are not to be neglected. The backpacker shot is so big, it looks so professional, and that it has so many rooms left for imagination. The dirt obstacle run is my most favorite, they maybe struggling but having so much fun.
The loudest Thank You! I wanted to receive this award so badly.
the last one is unbelievable / unforgettable!
thank you for inviting, Gilly Gee!
http://flickrcomments.wordpress.com/2012/07/15/7-super-shots/
Such a great selection Gilly! YOur last shot is indeed truly spectacular!
Gilly, you know I’d love the one about the kids best. My kinsmen! Wonderful shot and beautiful smiles. BTW, the word is ‘Buabeng’. Many thanks for showcasing Ghana.
Wow Gilly…these are amazing. Thanks for including me…this could be interesting
I’m glad I got you first Jo!
I bet you are…just remember what goes around comes around Gilly…
😉
Oh, Gilly … these are beautiful beyond words! I love them all. But if I HAD to pick one, I think it would have to be the first one of the tree on that rocky hillside.
Done Gilly…but just remember what I said…your turn is coming woman
Really enjoyed them all – great choices and variety….bravo!
I’m stealing your photo. You can’t do anything about it. I got a rose’s thorn to poke you with. Don’t YOU dare resist.
Really great photos specially the sunset/sunrise (not sure which one).. So stunning