Travel, culture, & photography

Entrepreneur | Travel Concierge | Tour Creator | Drone Pilot | Photographer | Videographer

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Enhance your life through art & travel.

Partner Choose Chicago & Tahiti Travel Specialist.
Click here for a virtual tour of Tahiti!

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Join me. Take a look around my site. I created it as a way to share my joy with you.

As a traveler, travel concierge, tour creator, photographer, drone content creator, cultural explorer, and polyglot, I am dedicated to curating unforgettable journeys that transcend the ordinary and offer a profound connection with the destinations I serve.

From the unexpected beautiful image to brighten your day to the latest news on events, my list is the first to know what’s new, travel specials, and what’s going on. And since I know you appreciate being the first to know, I invite you to sign up here and get a photo from Tahiti to use as a zoom background : click here to join me

Larissa

Follow me on instagram to see some of my travel photos and inspirations:

larissarolley

Travel, Voyages & Creativity
Chicago, Tahiti, the World
✈️ drone pilot
Connecting Cultures with a polyglot soul.
#LifeIsBiggerThanBorders
👇🏼

The golden hour in Ahmedabad ! I was fortunate to

The golden hour in Ahmedabad !
I was fortunate to have time in January to explore a small part of India. So many mor images to look through!
I discovered a poet from the state of Gujarat, Niranjan Bhagat (1926-2018), a giant of Gujarati poetry. I like this poem as it encapsulates something about traveling and a life lived that I resonate with.
Take a read, what are your thoughts ?

To roam have I come
Not to do anything for you
Have I come

How sweet the wind on this path
How glowing the faces I see!
Return, I shall not
I shall slide into my dream
Taking seven happy steps on a trot

Wish I could find the magic
Or love, for a moment or two
Or sing with joy, a verse or two
To bequeath a song of love
For the earth’s ears
Have I come

To roam have I come

— A translation of "hun to bas farvaa aavyo chhu" by Salil Tripathi

#ahmedabad #gujarat #niranjan #NiranjanBhagat #exploreindiatravel #startupindia #gujarattourism #gujaratdiaries #gujaratphotography #gujarathistory #solotravels #roaming #roamingwomen #earthlove #iroam #travelmore #lifeisbiggerthanborders #larissarolleyphotography #travelphotographyindia #travelisthenewblack #traveltocreate #viajaresvida #travelislife #voyagevoyage

Gulls when they fly move in a liquid arc… Sunri

Gulls when they fly move in a liquid arc…

Sunrise in Chautauqua while seagulls take flight, iconic bell tower waiting to ring
@chqdaily @chq1874

🚁✨ Exciting news! Returning for a second yea

🚁✨ Exciting news!
Returning for a second year, I'll be back to share the wonders of #drones at the Chautauqua Womens Club.
Join me on July 24 at 5pm
🎥🌍
Get ready for an incredible journey into the world of drones!
#womenwhodrone #droneeducation #chq

Behold the iconic Sears Roebuck tower with downtow

Behold the iconic Sears Roebuck tower with downtown Chicago's majestic skyline in the background.
But wait, there's a twist!
This isn't the renowned Sears Tower we all know today.
It's the original Sears Tower that paved the way for its successor! 😲

From the original Sears Roebuck Tower to the masterpiece that is the Sears Tower (Willis Tower) in the distance, this photograph encapsulates the ever-changing nature of our urban landscapes.

🇺🇸 🗽Happy 4th of July! ✨ 🇺🇸💙❤️
Let freedom ring as we celebrate this day of independence. 🗽🎉

#Happy4thofJuly #IndependenceDay #USA #ProudToBeAnAmerican

Super excited to share this special moment - the i

Super excited to share this special moment - the interviews by Doris Ramseyer (@dorisd.phototahiti) have finally been published online on InstanTane Magazine's website. From last year's exhibit at the Te Fare Natura eco-museum of Moorea. I am incredibly honored to be included in this article just published. 🌸🎨📸.

See the full article here:
https://www.tahitimagazines.com/post/troisième-opus-du-world-art-day-des-artistes-inspirés
Third Edition of World Art Day: Inspired Artists!
An idea initiated by Here’iti Vairaaroa (@here.e.t) and @Valmigot
🌸🎨
Below is a screenshot of my photo and text in French, here is the translation in English:

Upon arriving in French Polynesia ten years ago,
Larissa Rolley fell in love with the purau flowers
scattered on the black sand of Pointe Vénus.

*Moments of purau. "Larissa Rolley has been
fascinated by purau flowers since her first encounter
with the Mā'ohi land. They remind her that life and
nature are intimately connected."

"It's magical, these hundreds of flowers along a stream! They look like little lamps."

The American photographer, who divides her
time between Chicago and French Polynesia,
created the series "Moments of purau" to honor
these common flowers that tend to be overlooked.
"The perpetual flowers are always there. They witness
daily moments. Behind them, there are families,
friends, and fishermen." Nature and flowers resonate
with life. "The flower is the meeting point of special
emotions where dreams from the past and hopes
converge in the simple beauty captured in a present moment."

a big thank you to Here'iti, Valgamot and Doris, and Te Fare Museum!

#tefarenatura #InspiredArtists #WorldArtDay #fleursdepurau

🌟 Check out my exhilarating drone piloting jour

🌟 Check out my exhilarating drone piloting journey as I explore destinations from Chicago to French Polynesia and Sicily! 🌍🚁✨
I'm thrilled to be featured in a Women Who Drone spotlight, showcasing the incredible experiences I've had as a drone pilot.
Follow the link below to watch the captivating video on YouTube:
🎥 YouTube link: [https://youtu.be/Nvp7EZHqhW0
Join me for a 2 minute mini-vacation and let me take you on a drone-powered journey like no other. 🌟🌌✈️

Drone view of the Chicago Loop with the iconic Wil

Drone view of the Chicago Loop with the iconic Willis Tower rising above the city with the haze from Canadian Fires at the golden hour.

Honored to be included in this group show "Animal

Honored to be included in this group show "Animal Beings' in Minneapolis at Praxis Gallery, June 17-July 1

My image: Curiosity

Step into a world where nature's allure and boundless curiosity converge, Picture yourself standing on the shores of a black sand beach at the breathtaking Pointe Venus on the island of Tahiti. In this picturesque paradise, some delicate purau flowers are laying on the beach. A dog is drawn to the allure of the petals of magnificent hues of orange and salmon. With a curious heart and an outstretched paw, this furry adventurer bridges the gap between humans and nature, reminding us of the importance of curiosity, connection, and the exploration of the unknown.
🧡⁠
Because of the dog’s joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift.⁠
⁠-Mary Oliver⁠
🧡⁠

ANIMAL BEINGS
Curated By: Praxis Directors
Opening Night Reception:
Saturday, June 17TH from 6-8PM CST

Join us for art, conversation, beverages & treats
@praxis_gallery
2637 27th Ave S. Minneapolis, MN 55406 • Free, Secure Off-Street Parking
Praxis Gallery | Photo Arts Center

Exhibition Dates: June 17TH – July 1ST, 2023

A single moment of reflection creates magic. Un s

A single moment of reflection creates magic.

Un seul moment de méditation peut faire naître une bonne pensée, et celle-ci faire éclore une résolution qui décide à jamais de nos destinées.
—Félix Guillaume Marie Bogaerts

Mauruuru @lanikai_tuariihionoa

Plucking a flower star from the sky in Tahiti.

“If you love a flower that lives on a star, it is sweet to look at the sky at night.
All the stars are a-bloom with flowers...”

― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

Happy April! 'La couleur est plus forte que le la

Happy April!

'La couleur est plus forte que le langage.'
- Marie-Laure Bernadac

Color is more powerful than language.

Life, like the vibrant colors of this flower, holds a power that transcends mere language. It can evoke feelings of joy, love, and wonder that words can scarcely express. Like the colors that blend and dance within the petals of this flower, life is a complex and beautiful tapestry of experiences, emotions, and relationships. And just as we cannot fully describe the intricate beauty of this flower with words alone, we cannot fully capture the richness of life with language alone. Instead, we can embrace the fullness of life with all of our senses and allow ourselves to be moved by its beauty and complexity. Then we can appreciate the depth and meaning of our existence, and find true fulfillment in the journey we call life.

WORLD WATER DAY 2023 Your actions, no matter how

WORLD WATER DAY 2023
Your actions, no matter how small, can help
Happy World Water Day everyone! 🌊💦
Today, we celebrate the stunning natural beauty that water provides us with.
Being in French Polynesia now, I feel incredibly grateful to have access to such pristine waters. The joy of kayaking or va’a, encountering whales and turtles, and basking in the beauty of sunset reflections is truly priceless. The sound of the waves!

Let’s protect these treasures not only for ourselves but also for future generations.
Let’s pledge to use water wisely and take actions to preserve its quality and availability.
Together, we can ensure that the wonder and magic remain for generations to come.

Happy World Water Day! 🌊💙🐢🐳
🚿 Take shorter showers
🌱 Create a rain garden
🥕 Buy local, seasonal food
🚰 Turn off the tap
🔌 Unplug from tech
👖 Shop sustainably

For my final installment of women in Pune, India,

Let me take you on an exciting entrepreneurial jou

During a conversation with Aditi Athalye, I learne

During a conversation with Aditi Athalye, I learned about her efforts to help women in modern India provide traditional foods to their families. With more women working outside the home, time is a precious commodity. Aditi explained that some women who continue to cook are forced to take shortcuts to prepare meals faster, leading to unhealthy options for their families. She wanted to provide ready made options while remaining faithful to the traditional recipes, creating Faralandmore and Shreepad Enterprises.

As Aditi was preparing handmade sweet dumplings for me made with rice flour, I couldn't help but notice the beauty of her hands and the shape and formation of her fingers. I remarked that they looked like those of a dancer, and to my surprise, Aditi revealed that she used to be one. She went on to show me that the shape of the hands from Indian dance when applied to physical form can lead to the creation of miniature works of art that resemble the tops of certain Indian temples. She also shared that the symbolic meanings of the mudras, or hand gestures used in yoga for example, infuse her production with vital energy.

Aditi further elaborated on how her dance background has influenced her food manufacturing business. She explained that learning rhythm in dance has carried over to the rhythm of her production line. The precision and flow required in dance are also necessary for manufacturing, and Aditi has found that her experience as a dancer has helped her to maintain that rhythm in her work.

Aditi's journey from dancer to entrepreneur highlights the deep connections between various art forms in India. Her ability to incorporate her dance background into her food manufacturing business demonstrates the resilience and creativity of Indian women as they navigate the challenges of modernity while carrying forward the traditions of their culture.

BTW, the sweet dumplings are delicious!!
You can purchase her signature product - the red box of coconut-filled Karanjee at her boutique in the Business Hub in Pune, India. Karanjee is a sweet snack from the Maharashtrian cuisine and is often made for festivals

Taste, Tradition, Trust.
www.faralandmore.com

In honor of International Women's Day, I would lik

In honor of International Women's Day, I would like to take this opportunity to celebrate and highlight the achievements of two young female entrepreneurs in India.

Suhani Dhadphale is an inspiring young female entrepreneur who is actively creating markets for artisans and artists to sell their unique creations. By recognizing and uplifting these women, we can help to create a more equitable and inclusive world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. In my previous post, I focused on her friend, whom I also had the pleasure of meeting, Janhavi Joshi. We all met up for a bite to eat and to chat in Pune, India and that is when I really learned what excites both of them.

Suhani's motto, "Hustle | Seek | Give," is a testament to her determination to help others succeed. Suhani has initiated multiple businesses that support artists, artisans, and mindset newsletters, to name a few.

It's incredible to see how Suhani is using her skills and resources to uplift others and bring value to her community in Pune. Her passion and drive for entrepreneurship are truly admirable, and her efforts are making a significant impact.

Even though I may not have won the lottery of talents like Suhani, it's essential to remember that everyone has unique strengths and abilities.

Many thanks to Anand Godse of the DeAsra Foundation for introducing us.

In honor of International Women's Day, I would lik

Welcome to the world of the studio of MatiBani, wh

Welcome to the world of the studio of MatiBani, where functional ceramic meets artistic expression inspired by traditional motifs of India.

Tejal Mehendale's work is inspired by the rich cultural heritage of India, and she incorporates traditional motifs like mandalas and folk art into her designs. Slip tracing and Mendhi (henna art) are two traditional art forms in India that share similarities in their design and techniques. Both are used to create intricate and detailed designs that are considered a form of body art or decoration.

Slip tracing involves applying a mixture of clay and water, known as slip, to the surface of the pottery, creating intricate designs and patterns. Similarly, Mendhi is a form of body decoration that involves applying a paste made from henna leaves onto the skin in intricate designs, which are left to dry and stain the skin.

The designs in both art forms are often inspired by traditional motifs such as mandalas, flowers, paisley/mangos, and other natural elements. They may also be symmetrical, creating a sense of balance and harmony. Tejal offers her fresh take on these designs, which are then glazed with beautiful colors.

Tejal is constantly experimenting with new glazes and techniques to bring a fresh perspective to her creations. She continues to be inspired by and influenced by traditional art forms. Her dedication to experimentation and incorporation of traditional motifs certainly makes her creations unique and meaningful. In the last photo, I am having a morning coffee in one of her mugs in Chicago. It's amazing how a simple mug can hold such special memories and remind us of cherished moments.

Thank you for allowing me to share my experience and appreciation for Tejal's work.

For more info check out her Instagram page: @matibahi_pottery

Her studio, MatiBani, offers pieces from mugs and bowls to vases and plates, each with its own story to tell. And if you're feeling creative, join one of Tejal's workshops and discover the joy of pottery for yourself.
Mātibāni ~ (माटीबानी) - MatiBani means 'the language of clay'.

I had the pleasure of visiting C'ya boutique in Pu

I had the pleasure of visiting C'ya boutique in Pune, India, and meeting the talented woman behind the store, Vaishali. Her passion for creating unique, custom outfits and incorporating traditional hand embroidery techniques is truly inspiring.
As I walked up the stairs into her boutique I could see the 3 words that speak to her philosophy: Design Stitch Create.

Inside, I was struck by the beauty of the outfits and fabrics on display, from stunning embroidered blouses to elegant fusion wear. What sets C'ya apart is their ability to take an heirloom sari and turn it into a beautiful, modern outfit that can be worn for any occasion. The team is skilled at working with delicate fabrics and can create new clothing that honors the beauty and history of the original piece. Or if you are like me with no sari, I will have to buy an old one at a market in Mumbai to bring to her. Plan in advance, so she will have time for the creation.

Vaishali maintains a commitment to using traditional South Indian handwork techniques and her embroidery is simply stunning. Each piece is created with care and attention to detail, resulting in garments that are truly works of art.

Whether you're looking for a custom outfit for a special occasion or a unique off-the-rack casual piece (one collection has pockets!) to add to your wardrobe, C'ya is the place to go.

Of course, we had to have a quick bite to eat nearby! Thank you, Vaishali!!!

If you're in Pune, stop by C'ya boutique!

C'ya Boutique
Laxmibhargav, Plot No. 53, Pratidnya Hall Lane,
Natraj society, Karvenagar, Pune 41105

Design | Stitch | Create 🌼
Customized outfits | Western and Traditional Wear
Embroidered Blouses | Fusion Wear

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