One of the most iconic pictures in internet history is the photograph of a lush green slope with a bright blue sky that welcomed Windows XP users into its systems. The image titled "Bliss," which was Windows XP desktop wallpaper has become one of the most seen photos in history, as per a report. But now, almost three decades since it was captured, fans are devastated to find out what the actual location is like today.
One commenter mocked and wrote, "In ten more years it'll be a parking lot," another added, "So, it's ruined. Nice," quoted Daily Mail.
However, not all comments were negative, some users highlighted that the major variation between the pictures could be caused due to the changing seasons, reported Daily Mail. Someone commented, "Every picture from 2006 on is just the same grapevines. Some are just during the dormant season and others during the growing season," as quoted in the report. Another hopeful comment said, "I've been there and I assure you it's just as beautiful today. Breathtaking really," as per the report.
In Napa Valley, California, by photographer Charles “Chuck” O’Rear.
Why are people upset?
Many feel nostalgic and sad that the iconic green hill no longer looks the same.
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A Familiar View
The picture was taken in 1998 by photographer Charles "Chuck" O'Rear in Napa Valley, California, the image was not digitally altered, according to Daily Mail. Its vibrant colors were natural, snapped with a medium-format camera while O'Rear was driving along the Napa field. He spotted an unusual, vacant field among the vineyards, the land had been cleared the previous year because of a phylloxera infestation, a pest insect that kills vines, as per Daily Mail.What It Looks Like Now
But, as the photos compiled and posted on the Instagram account @insidehistory showed things are quite different today. Comparisons of the same spot in 1998, 2006, 2020, 2024 and 2025, reveal that the green grassy field has become a vineyard, as per Daily Mail.A Flood of Mixed Reactions Online
Users on social media reacted instantly, with one commenting, "I used to stare at this for minutes and would wish I was there... it's sad now," as quoted in the report. Another user wrote, "The "spark" the world used to have is gone, the once vibrant colorful world has turned dull approaching grayscale," quoted Daily Mail.One commenter mocked and wrote, "In ten more years it'll be a parking lot," another added, "So, it's ruined. Nice," quoted Daily Mail.
However, not all comments were negative, some users highlighted that the major variation between the pictures could be caused due to the changing seasons, reported Daily Mail. Someone commented, "Every picture from 2006 on is just the same grapevines. Some are just during the dormant season and others during the growing season," as quoted in the report. Another hopeful comment said, "I've been there and I assure you it's just as beautiful today. Breathtaking really," as per the report.
FAQs
Where was the Bliss photo taken?In Napa Valley, California, by photographer Charles “Chuck” O’Rear.
Why are people upset?
Many feel nostalgic and sad that the iconic green hill no longer looks the same.
