Years ago I invested in a lovely camera which I have not taken the time to learn how to use. On this trip, I am really enjoying sitting in one place and people watching. Capturing children's faces as they move around markets is my favourite, their expressions so innocent and excited. More often than not, adults look more worried and resigned.
Sitting down also makes me relax, forcing me to slow down and sit down, soak up the beauty of my surroundings, the people and the cultures weaving around each other.
Years ago on a trip to Beijing, I met a friend of a friend and we strolled around the Forbidden City together. I was trying to figure out how much time we had and what we could fit in together in the time we had. He laughed and said that regardless what we managed to squeeze into the day, it is the conversation that we have that I will remember... and this is so true.
Babas of India.
We call these men Babas. The are believed to have a connection to the divine and are found outside temples and shrines. They are often also just great chancers!
Dan and I sat for a while on a bench in Manikaren to get the perfect shot of this third Dada. The sun was glinting off his face so it was hard to catch his eye but this shot that we finally got was the winner because of how it captures the lines on his face and the individual whiskers of his beard.
Indian tourists love to dress up in traditional Indian clothes when they travel. An irritated photographer caught these two ladies posing for me instead of him at the City Palace in Udaipur. I am sure that it crossed his mind to charge me for the photo also... but I smiled sweetly and moved on!
Water is precious in India. With an ever improving infrastructure system, fewer people are seen bathing and washing their clothes... but obviously with the divide of wealth, the poorer people still do.
Washing is time for chatting and catching up with friends, boys with the men, babies and girls with the women. I was in Udaipur at the close of the rainy season so it was a rare sight to see people hanging around in the chilly water.
I chose these shots because I love the colours, facial expressions and the third shot of this guy washing his teeth... looking very Jesus- like!
Traditional Dharohar Dance Show at Bagore Ki Haveli
Every time you look at her dress you will see a new detail.
This family were all out together to celebrate just being together. Rajasthani women often hide their faces with their shawls to hide their emotions. I noticed that the wives of the brothers hide their faces but the brothers sister's did not... Although it may not seem like it, they did all want to be in the picture!
Rishikesh
On the banks of Ma Ganges you'll find people doing all sorts of activities. I was making up the story of the boy on the right hand side... he is escaping to the river to study his book, eager to fully understand and retain Patanjali's 8 limbs of yoga. At home he has 8 sisters who are always vying for his attention and so he escapes to the river to read with only the rushing sound of the water in his ears.
Selina, half Japanese, half German. Wise beyond her years. Dreaming of being seen, a concept with a different meaning for those of us who have lived in Tokyo.
One of my favourite pictures. I took this at the Gats in Rishikesh, during the light festival which never really happened that day!
If I was her Mama, I would also keep a tight hold on her.
Chai - the most important moment of the day.