Not far from the worries of the world and noisy traffic is an island of peace and tranquility. A place where sunlight plays hide and seek with the trees, birds sing, water plays music and the cool breeze help you escape fatigue like a secret passage in a castle. I first arrived in Cape Town in 2008 and lived in Southern Suburbs not even 2 km away from Table Mountain. The first day view of this mountain from the large windows of my room was as mesmerizing as it is today, eight years later. Through the roof top of my office building, from the treadmill of Virgin Active in Claremont, and on my way to work everyday, Table Mountain and the forest that lies in its feet have never seized to amaze me. I never knew that walking on the beautiful paths of of a forest, relaxing under a tree, sitting on a boulder next to a stream, or dipping my feet in fresh water would become my favourite activities. It is astonishing that only a few minutes walk into the forest brings you to a different environment where you enjoy nature without getting distracted by human activities around it. As I write these lines, I see that the wallpaper of my laptop's screen is a photo from Newlands Forest, and through the headphones, my ears resonate with the sound of the forest rain, taking me spiritually into nature, and preventing me from losing focus.

Newlands Forest, Cape-Town. Far Off Corner

In my early days of living in Cape Town, I frequently came to Newlands Forest with friends and family. After I got more involved in my passion for photography, it became a source of learning and adventure for me. On a very short notice to my family, I would run to the forest to take photos. To date, I keep my camera, tripod and rain jacket ready in my car for unplanned trips as it is only less than five minutes drive from work and ten minutes drive from home. Some of my best photographic experiences are from my shoots here. I have my favourite spots and corners here which are very dear to me, and because I know the place very well, I have developed a bond with it. I am actually not sure now if photography comes first, or my ritual of silently sitting at those spots and enjoying the moments. I owe a lot to this forest for shaping many aspects of my photographic career and spiritual grooming.

Newlands-Forest-Cape-Town-Young and Strong

Here is a collection of images and my memories.December 22, 2012 (photo above): We call it the "land bridge", a name my brother-in-law gave to this beautiful path which is towards the end of a walk next to the steam. This shot was taken after sunset. Dedicated to Zunaid Barday and Naseema Barday.April 2, 2013 (photo above): Only I can hear the music of trees with a cool breeze touching my face.

April 17, 2013 (photo above): The path to where I wanted to go in the forest was slippery because it had rained heavily. I was walking at a good pace but these strong headed trees, which are fairly young as compared to the rest of the trees in the forest, grabbed my attention. The trees allowed the breeze to pass through them, it made me feel fresh. I can still feel the sense of coolness on my finger tips as I type... When we are young, we have the ability to be strong and be where we want to be, the only constant thing in our lives should be growth and strength... just like these trees. One day, we will have to provide shade to the ones below us, and protect the the young ones from strong wind... just like these trees.

April 17, 2013 (photo above): This stream is usually dry in summer, one heavy rain and you can't hear a word if you stand on its bank. I crossed the stream to take more shots, but it wasn't easy as the water was in a rush to reach the bottom. The stream was recharged but I am sure it will slow down and wait for rain to supply to fresh water. In it, will then flow, not only the water, but anything that comes in its way...

March 8, 2013 (photo above): I spotted this area sometime ago during summer. You have to walk a few meters into these cracks to get to this beauty. I was waiting for rain for this place to get full of water. Patience is not only good for soul, but for photography as well. If you are a photographer, you only think of taking cool shots when you get to such places, sometimes you must try to move away from the camera... sit back and enjoy the music of water and air.

The moments I like the most are from continuous shooting of three to four days in the winter of 2015. My family was out of town, and I spent sunrises and sunsets here with my camera. Because of heavy rain, I even got fully soaked on several occasions and I had to put my shoes and jackets on electric heater overnight so that I can resume my adventure in the morning.

Muji

Memoirs from Newlands Forest

Lake Pingvallavatn, South Iceland

Camping at Wolfberg Arch, Cederberg