Happy New Year with the Flammarion engraving

I have always been deeply fascinated by these kinds of images, ever since I was a child. The traveler peers through the horizon but the sun doesn’t look happy. (Image taken from Wikipedia.)

In wandering steps, the traveler strides to see,
Beyond the horizon where dreams take flight,
Yet the sun, veiled in clouds, seems not to be
In joyous mood, its radiance held tight.

The traveler peers, seeking sights anew,
A vista vast, a world of untold tales,
Yet the sun’s visage wears a somber hue,
As if its glow in sorrow gently pales.

What secrets lie where the horizons blend,
What tales untold in shadows cast askew,
The traveler’s heart with wonder starts to bend,
As sun and sky share their melancholy view.

Oh, traveler, amidst this sun’s saddened gleam,
Find beauty still in every distant dream.

Trip to Bihar, India

I was invited to talk at the 3rd International Conference on Quantum Foundations in Patna, the capital city of the Indian state of Bihar. Great hospitality and many brilliant students eager to discuss and interact with the international community. A visit to the remains of the ancient university of Nalanda completed the program.