tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3900635534058973622011-12-15T22:59:23.955+07:00Ok, so there is really no purpose to it. Just Wandering.Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.comBlogger3451100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-42295279816349447472011-08-29T09:44:00.000+07:002011-08-29T09:44:38.242+07:00

St. Croix has rivers? Who knew? Actually, it is not a river, just a gut. No, not a gutter, a gut. But it flows almost year round. And at this point, for some reason, there is no culvert under the road. Some big tree. I should find out the name. Flamboyant. And wow, I have forgotten the name of this flower. I took these photos with my wanna be almost smart phone. Then I had to spend some time

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-41194876266535276892011-03-14T03:46:00.000+07:002011-03-14T03:46:43.938+07:00

I should first point out that I was not lost. I knew where I was at all times. It was Alicja's place that was lost. At the beginning of the year, I made the decision to visit Morocco in either February or March. And I almost did. I reserved a plane ticket, but I couldn't get myself to pay for it, so the reservation expired. At the same time, my friend Alicja, whom I met in Turkey in 2009, was

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-8603820197741213592011-03-14T01:12:00.000+07:002011-03-14T01:12:34.733+07:00

No words... Exhibit seen in Warsaw. Everyday, this guy stands here begging for money for beer. Beyond the cable-stay bridge is the new soccer field under construction for the Euro 2012.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-38523130199222826962011-03-14T01:11:00.001+07:002011-03-14T01:11:38.855+07:00

Warsaw was almost completely destroyed by the Nazis during the Warsaw uprising. The people tried to resist the Nazis and got crushed. During the communist era, the old town was rebuilt to look like it did before it was destroyed. Parts of the castle wall still exist. From the cieling inside the rebuilt palace. Me, somewhere in the old town. Poland is a very Catholic country. There is religous

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-62222459627884174652011-03-14T01:11:00.000+07:002011-03-14T01:11:17.226+07:00

Chopin is one of Warsaw's most famous sons. This statue is in Park Łazienkowski. He is sitting under a willow tree. Took me a while to believe that it was a willow tree. This piano belonged to Chopin.  Cast of the talented hand. Replica of Chopin's death mask. Piano styled crosswalks!

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-26392636038387629892011-03-14T01:10:00.000+07:002011-03-14T01:10:38.828+07:00

I just spent some time with my friend in Warsaw, Poland. Remind me not to do that again, in the winter! I didn't take many photos because my trusty Canon PowerShot is no longer trusty. And my Panasonic video camera takes really bad still shots.The newest and biggest shopping mall in Warsaw. A refuge from the cold and a welcome source of fast food.I have to say, I do not particularly like Polish

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-77363641435952281742010-09-04T22:54:00.005+07:002010-09-04T23:46:37.853+07:00

Why am I struggling to learn Arabic? No, no, no. Not why it is a struggle, but why do I even bother in the first place? Well, it is fun to study languages, but this one is really tough. It would be nice to know the language when I visit a place, to get a better feel for what's really going on.But today, I came across this article from the BBC, Campaign to save the Arabic language in Lebanon. What

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-53798097447471978482010-07-12T06:13:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.646+07:00

This little pineapple, barely a handful, grew outside my bedroom window. That side of the house does not get any rain (unless there is a storm, then everywhere gets wet), so it stayed small for months, then gave up and turned yellow. But it smells so good. I'll eat it in a day or two. The lighthouse at Hams Bluff. I hadn't planned to hike up there on that day, so I didn't take any water. But I

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-45367001036360976562010-07-12T05:39:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.646+07:00

A pretty neat location on the north side of the island. After a 1.5 mile hike up and down the hills and thru the bushes, you arrive at these tide pools. When the tide is high, the water comes crashing over the rocks and look like water falls. Looking out at Protestant Cay from outside the house where my mother grew up. The botanical gardens held their anual Mango Melee. They had on display

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-16582054880549366472010-07-12T05:28:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.646+07:00

A bar named Three Sheets. I did a little research into the phrase "three sheets to the wind" and found out that in sailing terminology, a sheet is a rope not a sail! But I still don't quite understand what three sheets to the wind means. Yeah, I know it means drunk, but I don't get the connection. I just like the style of this building. At one of the marinas. This phony building. The walls

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-12443913689454700282010-07-12T05:11:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.647+07:00

My first chicken roti. When I was a child, we would have Christmas parties at school, and most of the time, there would be roti. But being the non-aggresive person that I am, by the time I got to the table, it would be finished. Everytime. Roti is an Indian dish from Trinidad. It is curried chicken, potatoes and vegetable wrapped in an Indian bread. Some kind of chicken dish. It was a lot of

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-68198433327928439962010-02-18T08:49:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.647+07:00

Ahhh...the tranquil Trellis Bay on Beef Island, near the sleepy airport. The view of the harbour from my uncle's house. Notice the large cattle ship. The same view late at night. There was good moonlight, and by keeping the shutter open for 15 seconds, I was able to get an excellent night photo with no graininess. I actually took this photo in 2007, prior to the incident in New Zealand, which

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-80092402551077500582010-02-18T03:25:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.648+07:00

It didn't take long......to degenerate into a shameful display... ...of flesh.But really, since when is it the standard to wear a bikini and feathers on your head and call it a costume?...and the conduct...they need to clean up this mess. It is embarrassing.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-55221647898439896932010-02-18T03:17:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.648+07:00

One of the largest cultural events of the year, the festival parade, held on January 2nd, began innocently enough. This is Ms. St. Croix.Interesting skirt. The girl in front was a bit energetic.Some beautiful shots here and there.Colorful costumes.Hmm...the costumes are shrinking.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-30384649316685405292010-02-18T02:57:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.648+07:00

Fruits in the yard today. How long does it take for pineapples to grow to full size and ripen? That fig is almost ripe, but I doubt I will get to taste it. The birds always get them first. I thought it was an oversized weed and almost chopped it down when I saw two ripe tomatoes. I've never eaten a papaya, (I know, you don't have to say it.) but I guess I'll try one when these are ready. Big sour

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-714698301887637342010-02-18T01:02:00.006+07:002010-07-13T02:03:07.191+07:00

I am still here on St. Croix. My travels have been suspended for the time being. I have been studying Spanish and plan to spend some time in Puerto Rico, maybe during the summer. I've also been studying Arabic, as I plan to spend time in North Africa and the Middle East once I get moving again.This morning, I had an Arabic conversation at the gas station. Remember, all or most the gas stations on

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-31847640314107446142010-02-18T00:25:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.648+07:00

Orchids in bloom today. I don't know their names, although I could just go back into the greenhouse and read the names on the tags. lc Nippan 'Livinza x blc Momilani Rainbow blc Hawaiian Leopard slc Marie Nohava Hallowed blc Golden Tang lc Blazing Treat

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-35221224290974667592009-12-18T02:45:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.649+07:00

Some of the boats in the boat parade. My photos came out all fuzzy because I took them from aboard one of the boats. Judging of deserts at the botanical garden. Oooh...little guava tarts.... Now this is fish the way I like it - complete with the head and eyes looking at ya. Virgin Islands International Islamic Society, Inc. I figured that since all the grocery stores, furniture stores & gas

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-89131745780154210772009-12-18T02:32:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.649+07:00

Overlooking the beach at Carambola Beach Resort. At the beach, not too far from Sandy Point. Sitting in a life guard chair at Cramer Park. Fort Frederik in Frederiksted. The pier at Frederiksted, where the cruise ship dock and people go swimming and scuba diving.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-7543597360980825212009-12-18T02:18:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.649+07:00

Geocaching atop Mound Eagle, the highest point on St. Croix. Compared to the Himalayas, calling this a mountain is almost a joke. Exiting the "rain forest" at St. Georges Botanical Garden. A pool of lilies? at the botanical garden. The botanical garden is at the site of an old plantation ruin. The eastern end of the island is more dry and has cactus.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-9179242653687030802009-12-18T02:00:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.650+07:00

Sunset on the boat ride from Tortola back to St. Croix. We held one funeral service for my mother on St. Croix, then took her to Tortola for a second funeral service and entombment at the same location where my father was buried twenty years ago. In this photo, from front to back, my brother Pierre, two of his sons, my uncle Irvin. At my mother's house, there are numerous fruit trees. This is

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-24527266323689232952009-12-18T01:00:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.650+07:00

I told you this place is crawling with cats. Actually this is at the dock of one of the small islands in the Marmara Sea, just off the coast of Istanbul. Meet my friend Tugba. (It is pronounced Tooba. The g is supposed to have a breve on top, but today my computer is not cooperating.) I stayed with her on the big island my last weekend in Istanbul. She has like a million cats. One of which wakes

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-64333693385234244842009-11-26T06:55:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.651+07:00

Ah...Turkey...Should I return? Sculpture in the park in Izmir. more cats The ramp to no-where! Or rather, the ramp from no-where. Boats in the Istinye neighborhood of Istanbul.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-47734684096355186472009-11-26T06:20:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.651+07:00

The travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Sarcophagi in the necropolis of the ancient city of Hieropolis. Some colomns in Hieropolis. The ancient amphitheatre. This hot spring has been a health spa since ancient times.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-8868644816650947342009-11-12T23:05:00.007+07:002010-07-13T02:02:39.499+07:00

Verona Euritta Henry Smith, 6/23/1939 to 11/07/2009, known to many as Miss Smith, the tough math teacher. Known to me simply as Mammy.My mother loved flowers. For many years, she was exclusively a rose person. I remember when I was in high school, at one point she had around 100 rose bushes. Then she started rooting new ones by the dozen.Over the years, her focus shifted from roses to carnations

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-41674462882697800372009-11-03T05:58:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.651+07:00

Capadocia, a landscape unlike any other. Early Christians lived here. And they carved churches inside the rocks. As time went by, their paintings got more detailed. You can see the older artwork where the paint peeled off. It is quite amazing. They also had underground cities. I would be scared if the lights went out.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-59824789463973459522009-11-03T05:46:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.652+07:00

The first thing you see when you arrive in Capadocia early in the morning is a sky full of balloons. The ride is a bit expensive - like 200 Euro - so I skipped it. But Capadocia is unlike any place I've been before. This is where we stayed. Inside this rock. The rock, which was formed by vocanic eruptions a long time ago, is very soft. You can carve it with a spoon. This is a nice hotel.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-58245006285968202162009-11-03T05:04:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.652+07:00

Amasra, a small city on the Black Sea. View of the Black Sea from a cave. This was a funny scene. There was a little fish in that plastic container. This young cat and a few others didn't know how to get the fish out. Then an older, much more experienced cat came and snatched the fish and ran away. He then played with it until it died and then lost interest in it. Another view of the Black

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-72243089607384818702009-11-03T04:39:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.652+07:00

Safranbolu is a World Heritage City because of the old Ottoman architecture. More Safranbolu. School children in Safranbolu Puss 'n Boots We ate grapes straight off the vine, without washing them, and did not get ill.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-90905961229320770722009-10-26T22:22:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.653+07:00

The Grand Bazar The Egyptian Bazar A fish market A good lunch for 8TL in the Aksaray neighborhood cats, cats everywhere

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-86467260808754356222009-10-26T22:19:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.653+07:00

An old cemetery in Istanbul Istanbul University The old city wall A street with a large Turkish flag Sunset along the tram line.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-13018063047878300142009-10-26T21:05:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.654+07:00

Images from the Harem. The eunochs area. Unfortunately, most of the harem was roped off and you're not allowed to explore. Not really worth the additional 18TL. The royal toilet. The room where the sultan entertained guests. The sultan's room was locked, so I put my camera up to the keyhole and took this picture.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-46563554470923217192009-10-26T20:51:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.654+07:00

Some images from Topkapı Palace, home of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years. ceramic tiles ornate ceiling محمود خان بن عبدالحميد مظفر دائماً

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-41751377666468134112009-10-26T20:02:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.654+07:00

Images from the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. Snakes for legs....interesting... Sarcophagus of the Crying Women The Alexander Sarcophagus, one of the many rediculously ornate sarcophagi.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-9215249331000804952009-10-26T19:05:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.655+07:00

Aya Sofya at night view of Sultanahmet Camii from a window in Aya Sofya This is Galata Küprüsü, bridge over the Golden Horn. On the lower level are many expensive fish restaurants. On the upper level, with the road and tram, are many people fishing. Remnants of the old city wall Cats rule Istanbul. They are everywhere!

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-46421746715258705322009-10-26T18:40:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.655+07:00

Aya Sofya was built in the 530's by the Byzentine Emperor Justinian. After the Ottoman Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453, it was converted into a mosque. In 1935, it was converted into a museum. Some of the Christian imagery suvived nearly 500 years while the building was used as a mosque. ? This mosaic from about 1261 has the Virgin Mary, Christ and John the Baptist. This mosaic from 1122

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-60421479716661340392009-10-26T18:25:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.655+07:00

I think this was Laleli Camii, but I'm not sure. There are so many mosques, it is difficult to tell which is which. Inside Laleli Camii? Inside Aya Sofya Inside Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque) Inside one of the sultan mausoleums. I have no idea which one.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-22522986607997581052009-10-26T17:32:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.656+07:00

Some posters seen while walking around Istanbul. Whitney more Whitney lots of Whitney Whitney someone doesn't like Whitney

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-55564969018179049292009-10-16T20:21:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.656+07:00

The following photos were taken by Alicja, my travel companion for 3 weeks. Trying to take a photo of one of the minarets thru the window of Ayasofia. Trying some kind of oyster on the streets of Istanbul. I didn't get ill, so it was ok. Smoking a nargile (hooka) at the Sultan Cafe. I didn't inhale, as I didn't want to cough all night. I don't know when or where this photo was taken. Playing my

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-89183570430309938402009-09-14T20:52:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.656+07:00

Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), the most famous mosque in Istanbul. Ayasofia Muzesi. Used to be a church, then a mosque, now a museum. They have a good metro & tram system in Istanbul. There are many mosques, in the style of the Blue Mosque. The two closest here are Yeni Camii and Rüstem Paşa Camii. There are churches here also. I have no idea what this one is.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-70348154472878406212009-09-14T20:20:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.657+07:00

Shimla has a real monkey problem... ...so people are kept in cages. Shimla This was the worse hotdog I've ever had. The bread was saturated with oil, and those were not strips of meat.But I did have good food in India, and it was cheap. This meal was about $3.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-69993135344275146432009-09-14T20:14:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.657+07:00

I am going to miss the mountains of India. And the mountain streams. Women at Pressar Lake Shimla was the summer capital of British India. It is very clean. Christ Church

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-46185521757811860282009-09-14T20:07:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.657+07:00

This is my friend Rakish at Pressar Lake. Rakish making Puja at the temple. The wood carvings at the temple. Rakish's twin brother, Mukish. Rakish & friends singing folk songs for me.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-1890326366333231782009-09-11T02:32:00.000+07:002010-07-13T02:02:39.499+07:00

After dilly dallying in India for almost a year, I finally moved on. Today I flew from Delhi to Istanbul, Turkey. I had hoped to travel overland through Pakistan and Iran to Turkey. However, the Iranian embassy in Delhi told me flat out, that they would not issue me a visa. And the US embassy was strongly warning against traveling to Pakistan. So I figured I may as well just fly to

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-20512600765547706792009-08-28T22:05:00.003+07:002010-07-13T02:02:39.499+07:00

Today, I did what some Whitney fans said they'd do when they finally receive this highly anticipated album. I shut myself in my room, turned off the lights, and listened, again and again, each time trying to determine the order of my favorites. Since the critics are mentioning it, I'll say it: This is not the same voice we heard singing I Will Always Love You in 1992. Now that that is out of the

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-11609547686118750142009-08-22T21:26:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.658+07:00

What is this weed, which grows wild in the Parvati valley? I am not 100% sure that this is what I think it is, because no one has ever pointed to the plant and told me "this is marijuana." But it looks a lot like what I see on t-shirts. Parvati valley is known for its charas, and no wonder, as this stuff grows everywhere. Pistils of tetrahydrocannabinol? These are local Mandi guys. I don't know

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-78190900351376953662009-08-22T21:21:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.658+07:00

Manikaran is known for its hot spring. The water here is hot enough to cook flesh. The hot water is mixed with river water for bathing pools. Another bathing pool. People come here to bathe, not to relax or swim. All the river has to pass between those two rocks. And that bridge... I got this close and decided not to cross.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-16933688250303707642009-08-22T21:12:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.658+07:00

The slums of Mandi. A flower in Mandi. The town of Manikaran. The view from my room in Manikaran. A sheep in Manikaran.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-63568590001605860452009-08-22T21:06:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.659+07:00

This is the local bus stand. It also the location where public functions are held, like the Independence day function. This is a one-lane bridge. There is a traffic signal at each end. And this officer in the Idea box controls the signal. Hanuman, the god with a face like a monkey. Donkeys are used for carrying sand for construction. These donkeys were all afraid to be the first one to step in

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-73996990802998477922009-08-22T21:00:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.659+07:00

This is an interesting feature of Mandi. A sunken garden surrounded by the market. At the top, parking is at street level. A colorful temple complex. I later discovered that they burn bodies on the river, just below this temple. Delicate carvings on an old temple. Some religious procession. There is one almost everyday.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-1346722200258113462009-08-22T20:55:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.659+07:00

A goat on the way to the waterfall in Bagsu. At the time it was but a trickle. Later after lots of rain, it was gushing, but I have no picture. Food. Birds in Bagsu. A panoramic shot of Mandi. An old temple in Mandi, viewed from a bridge.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-5876022492134482572009-08-22T20:40:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.660+07:00

A cold spring bath. I counted more than 100 persons - mostly Punjabis - around the pool. This road is for 2-way traffic. It get clogged when the Punjabis come up for the weekend. A bull hanging out in the vegetable market. This is my friend Ravi. I spent my days hanging out here. There is a little jewelry store on the right. Mustafa, who remembers me from Hampi, works there. Incidentally, I also

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-5388811658330470792009-08-22T20:32:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.660+07:00

A photo from the Tsuglagkhang Complex in Mcleod Ganj, where the Dalai Lama lives. Tibetan monks protesting the Chinese government. Monks doing laundry in the stream. Monks relaxing on the side of the road. A flower seen while I was searching for a nonexistent cave.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-57110004385388928932009-07-23T14:07:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.660+07:00

A special presentation from the Department of Silly Walks in coorporation with the Department of Silly Hats. The border closing ceremony, at the Indian/Pakistan border in all its silliness. The Department of Silly Hats really outdid themselves this year at the Republic Day Parade.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-85342148040644223272009-07-18T20:04:00.006+07:002010-07-13T02:02:39.500+07:00

I wrote this a year ago when I was in Cambodia and never got around to posting it until now.My visit to Angkor Wat, you can say, began with my visits to Borobudur and Prambanan, in Indonesia. My guide book said that Borobudur ranks with Angkor Wat as one of the great Southeast Asian monuments. My impression of Borobudur was that it was big, no huge, and had lots of carvings on the walls, but I

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-41804376581807618982009-07-18T18:51:00.004+07:002010-07-13T02:02:39.500+07:00

I first started writing this story more than a year ago, but it just was not turning out the way I wanted, so I abandoned it. I have decided to give it another try and completely re-write it.What we call the “bathroom”, is generally referred to as the “toilet”. So the toilet is the place where you go to expel waste and take a bath. It is one room. In one corner, there is the actual toilet, which

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-62947037499724313802009-07-18T15:32:00.003+07:002010-07-13T02:02:39.500+07:00

I have been pretty lucky, that with nearly two years of traveling, I have not had any major crisis, requiring me to sell my things to avoid imprisonment or anything like that. I had brought along a gold chain for that purpose, but then I forgot it in a hotel room in Varanasi. That was like losing $100. I have had a few slight scares, however.The first came the day I flew to Melbourne, Australia.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-44925999186616449652009-07-18T02:22:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.661+07:00

Hey, they put down a tack coat before filling the depressed areas. I have given up on trying to workout, so I didn't even look inside this gym. I returned to Dalhousie and took this photo of the view from my hotel. See the burnt out areas. Sunset in Dalhousie Yes, more Punjabis in turbans. On weekends, they invade the hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, and drive like maniacs on the narrow

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-43454144069996835702009-07-18T02:12:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.661+07:00

People relaxing in the park, in Chamba. A temple in Chamba. This temple had these images, three on each side, but they seemed out of place, like someone added them later. Lord Shiva A street scene in Chamba.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-52163925781422217912009-07-18T01:35:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.661+07:00

Buddhist rock paintings. More Buddhist rock paintings. I don't know what the deal is with these horses, but whenever they returned from giving someone a ride, there were a little too excited. I dare you to drive around this corner fast and hit me. I own this place. On the way to Chamba, waiting for a flat tire to be changed.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-40779452435593402902009-07-18T01:21:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.662+07:00

On the way back to Srinagar, there was a landslide. We had to wait quite a while for a backhoe to clear the roadway.On the way back to Jammu. This was the place where I had first met Shabir's brother. This place is known for their cricket bats. And I don't remember its name. Just across the border in Punjab, military tanks being transported, while we wait for a flat tire to be changed. My first

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-38746882312236809262009-07-17T22:35:00.002+07:002010-07-13T02:02:39.501+07:00

When I first came to India, my hosts, Dilip & Krishna, advised me to never give to beggars. Beggars, they said, made lots of money, were part of an organized racket, complete with doctors who specialized in maiming, so they could fetch more money.Should I believe this? Should I just ignore the beggars? Well, that's a difficult thing to do. There are beggars everywhere in India. In every tourist

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-6650348421214322032009-07-17T18:41:00.006+07:002010-07-13T02:02:39.501+07:00

If you thought I was being bit harsh when I said the people of Kashmir "are very willing to believe in any report about police violence against the people", here is an example that happened not long after I left. Read this news report, 13 injured in clashes, grenade attack in Kashmir, from the Times of India.Pitched battles between a stone-pelting mob and police were witnessed in some localities

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-57095073381482290822009-06-28T21:56:00.000+07:002010-07-13T02:02:39.501+07:00

Previously on Welcome to Kashmir, I had left Srinagar in a huff, for Leh, the Buddhist city in the Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir. Two week later, instead of heading on to Manali, as would be logical, I was back in Srinagar. No, I am not a glutton for punishment. In my haste to leave, I didn't get a chance to return the sim card that my friend Arshad had lent me.Because of terrorism or the

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-28656140855379812302009-06-19T21:19:00.003+07:002010-07-13T02:02:39.502+07:00

I had decided to breakup the trip from the city of Jammu to Srinagar, the main city in Kashmir, with a stop in Patnitop. Patnitop is a nice green hill station, in the Jammu region, with some nice hikes. When I arrived I went in search of the tourist office for information about hiking trails. On the way, I met a guy from Kashmir. He could not believe that I was from America, because, as he said,

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-31492774838574771752009-06-19T21:10:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.662+07:00

I found the building materials to be very interesting. Because it does not rain here, most buildings are made of mud bricks and mud for mortar. For some of the newer buildings, concrete is used. I think this is a calf. It is a bit furry. Animals here tend to be a bit furry because of the cold. These might be Himalayan wild asses, but they didn't seem to be very wild. Images from three

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-37210866541126270452009-06-19T21:04:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.662+07:00

Shanti Stupa has images from the life of the Buddha. One of the images, Defeating the Devils. After visiting Shanti Stupa, which can be seen on the right of the photo, I climbed a barren rocky hill and sat for a while. I am amazed that they can coax life out of the desert. Apparently, the government raised some tax or the other, so the people went on strike. All businesses were shut for 3 or 4

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-54112404984397696642009-06-19T20:57:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.663+07:00

The Leh Palace and further up, the Nyamgal Tsemo Gompa & castle. The Gompa holds a 3-story high Buddha. The castle is not in the best shape, but still interesting. At the top, the elevation is 3721 meters. One view from the Gompa. Another view from the Gompa. A third view from the Gompa.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-11618567921809628362009-06-19T20:50:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.663+07:00

Leh is a predominantly Buddhist city. It lies at an elevation of more than 3500 meters. The people, culture & architecture is more similar to Tibetan than to Indian. Prayer wheels are a common sight. There are many old, decaying stupas throughout the city. It is interesting what you can find as you wander through the alleys.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-66490541089664889972009-06-19T20:45:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.663+07:00

There were numerous police check posts, where we had to present our passports. Stunning desert landscape. Pee break. In another small town. Example of the traditional building type. Mud bricks held together with more mud.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-42742676394910813792009-06-19T20:39:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.664+07:00

I think the mountain pass was somewhere here. I did not have out my GPS unit to check the elevation. This area gets almost no rain. Overnight stop in Kargil. Kargil is much bigger than this... Lunch stop in a small town along the way. Nice view at another stop.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-73093791814663665362009-06-19T20:24:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.664+07:00

Overlooking Srinagar is Shankaracharya Mandir. This temple predates the Islamic invasion by 1000 years. There is heavy security around it. After hiking 1.5 hours up the hill (without eating first), I found out that cameras, mobile phone & all electronic devices are not allowed. I had 2 cameras, a mobile phone, an mp3 player & a GPS unit. I couldn't visit the temple. That's when I decided to

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-19131508973648729752009-06-19T20:19:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.664+07:00

Several times a day, you can see large herds of sheep and goats traveling down the streets of Srinagar. Some of the sheep can be found on the dinner plate. Mutton kebab. On a side note: everything I ate in Srinagar disagreed with my stomach. Panoramic view of the lake. Two guys fishing on the lake. The guy in the blue shirt caught a fish every few minutes. The other guy had no luck. Sunset

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-28534799437032544462009-06-19T20:12:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.665+07:00

There is a heavy military presence in Srinagar and all the rest of Kashmir. Many hotel are occupied by the military and are surrounded by razor wire. The lake is the big deal in Srinagar, and shikaras are used to transport people to the houseboats and for sightseeing. The guy in the yellow t-shirt is Arshad. I met him several months before in Varkala Beach. Meet Yasir. He has a shikara. Sunset

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-23378667848800168252009-06-19T20:07:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.665+07:00

Stopped at a railroad crossing, on the way to Jammu. This guy has a pistol tucked into his waist. Jammu & Kashmir is a troubled state. Entrance to Raghunath Mandir in Jammu. I didn't go in because cameras are not allowed. And not being Hindu, it is just another temple to me. The first and only modern shopping mall in Jammu. There is a Christian colony in Jammu. Jhelum River, Srinagar, Kashmir.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-17461618916332883452009-06-19T19:59:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.665+07:00

more turbans These guys obviously take their time in the morning. There are different ways of wrapping a turban, and each person chooses the style that best suits him. Some can't be bothered and just wear what looks like a stocking. another turban

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-20731021145884215542009-06-19T19:53:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.666+07:00

Punjab is the home of the Sikh religion and the best place to see turbans of all colors and styles. Often the color of the turban matches the color of the shirt. Some look like they were wrapped quickly without much care. 5 yards of fabric! Younger guys generally have smaller turbans. They told me it is because they don't have the time or patience to carefully wrap a large turban.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-13722306721968709022009-06-19T19:49:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.666+07:00

At the border closing ceremony, there is a huge crowd of spectators on the Indian side of the border. But a less inspired, gender segregated crowd on the Pakistani side of the border. One of the more popular Indian soldiers. I think he's bored. I think he's bored.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-10756723178230229052009-06-19T19:43:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.666+07:00

Man praying at the Golden Temple. At night, many people sleep on the floor inside the temple complex. An administrative building lit up at night. Horse and cart - still a popular mode of transporting goods. Everyday, there is a ridiculous border closing ceremony at the Indian/Pakistani border. These are Indian soldiers.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-62760158349744081852009-06-19T19:33:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.667+07:00

My first glimpse of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Hari Mandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) surrounded by Amrit Sarovar (the Pool of Nectar). Hari Mandir Sahib (the Golden Temple) surrounded by Amrit Sarovar (the Pool of Nectar). The temple is built of marble, with inlay work similar to the Taj Mahal, and with gold overlay. One of the guards inside the temple complex.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-18410091540818720012009-06-19T19:28:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.667+07:00

A building at Ram Bagh in Amritsar. A statue at Ram Bagh. Eternal flame at Jallianwala Bagh. This park is the site of the 1919 massacre, where more than 400 Indians were killed by British authorities. Inside this structure is a well where many jumped to their deaths to escape the gun fire. A monument at Jallianwala Bagh.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-46396300869240172862009-05-19T15:34:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.667+07:00

Short video clip to show the water movement at the source. The glacier is constantly retreating. This rock marks the terminus in 1935. The coordinates near this rock are: 30° 56.270N, 79° 04.132E, and at my closest approach to the glacier: 30° 55.633N, 79° 04.748E. Calculate the distance between these two points to get an idea of how much the glacier is retreating. Mountain goats? Some of the

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-79821305481209345822009-05-19T15:31:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.668+07:00

Gaumukh. Gaumukh, a little closer. Gaumukh, even closer.Gaumukh, as close as I dared to go. A glacier is unstable and large chunks of ice could break off at anytime. 3962m is the elevation at this location, according to my handy dandy GPS unit. I really wanted to get to 4000m. I'll have to try another location sometime in the future.Here it is - the source of the Bhagirathi (Ganga). I did not

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-48656747075806816822009-05-19T15:22:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.668+07:00

Ah...Bhojvasa. It took me 8 hours to get here! Other people did it in 4.5 hours. But because of the elevation, I took my time, not wanting to get altitude sickness. I still got a headache once I arrived. In the distance, about the center of the photo, you can see Gaumukh, where the river begins. I stayed in the ashram, sleeping on the floor, in a room with 5 other guys. Although it was very cold

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-44436933648395282582009-05-19T15:16:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.669+07:00

View of the scenery along the trail. The morning sun made it difficult to capture the color. Another view. And another. Yet another. I don't know what this sign says. But I know it is warning that I am about to enter a landslide area. This is a potentially deadly area, as rather large rocks come tumbling down regularly.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-37279851983403418342009-05-19T15:11:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.669+07:00

Yes, it was cold in Gangotri. I went for a short walk. It was surprisingly peaceful. Everyday, bus loads and bus loads of pilgrims come to Gangotri to visit the temple. But most get right back on the bus once they've been to the temple and the river. The white domed building is the temple. Here the river is disappointingly unattractive. I never know what I'll get when I order a banana pancake.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-88776451647824556272009-05-19T15:00:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.669+07:00

The tiny log building in the middle of the picture is the forest office in Uttarkashi. No one in the office spoke English or they pretended not to. There was no map of the park or any useful information at all. A permit is needed to go trekking in the Gangotri National Park. It was raining when I arrived in Gangotri. There are spectacular views on the way from Uttarkashi to Gangotri. Or so they

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-39716318065396763392009-05-19T11:36:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.669+07:00

On the way to Uttarkashi, we were stopped by road construction for more than 1/2 hour. Uttarkashi panorama. It seemed that the Himalayas were conspiring against me again. On the day I decided to head for the mountains, the skies became hazy. There had been many fires, as it had not rained in months. Late afternoon sun in Uttarkashi, reflected on the Bhagirathi. Thali. My mistake was in poring

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-58746523221722131202009-05-19T11:31:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.670+07:00

Another view of the deceptive river. Meet my friend, Pankaj. Everyday he does a ritual that involves some smoking, drinking the water, and washing his face & hair. There are many monkeys in Rishikesh. One day, I was chased down the road by two of them when I was returning from the river. Here is a small Shiva Temple. I am used to English mis-spellings on menus, but sometimes they are still

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-70070280919646713782009-05-19T11:24:00.000+07:002010-07-13T01:58:35.670+07:00

Welcome back to India for another 6 months. This border crossing from Nepal is quite open. Dispite the military presence, Indians and Nepalis cross back and forth freely. I was therefore not surprised to hear that militants from Pakistan, wishing to cross to Indian Kashmir, find it easier to fly to Nepal and cross into India at this border crossing. I am back in Rishikesh, enjoying the Ganga

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-23177832039438802132009-05-11T21:25:00.000+07:002010-07-12T07:14:08.099+07:00

I am here.30° 55.633N79° 04.748E3962mAnd where is here?Gaumukh, the face of the Gangotri Glacier, the source of the Ganga.Ok, I am not there right now, but I was there. My pictures will come soon.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-54861578142761335812009-04-17T19:00:00.000+07:002010-07-13T02:46:07.569+07:00

Me on Poon Hill, at 3210 meters, with the Daulagiri mountains in the background. People come to Poon Hill for the sunrise and then leave. After everyone left, I stayed a few hours to enjoy it, just me and the birds. The watch tower on Poon Hill The view from Poon Hill. I did adjust the colors in this photograph. Another Himalayan mud stove, at a guest house in Tihkedhunga.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-32010795957161658992009-04-17T18:54:00.000+07:002010-07-13T02:46:07.569+07:00

A hail stone lodged in a tree. I got caught in a hail storm at about 3100 meters. Prepared for rain, not quite for hail. The ubiquitous rhododendron. I waited 3 weeks for clear skies like this. At 5am, when I saw this, I knew I'd have spectacular views of the mountains from Poon Hill. The Daulagiri mountains. Nice.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-42123976428394233772009-04-17T18:45:00.000+07:002010-07-13T02:46:07.570+07:00

On my second morning, second glimpse of the snow capped mountains. Not the best view, but still good. Curious Buddhist prayer flags and rhododendron. I almost stepped on these two. I was looking at the other side of the trail, not where I was going. I had the pleasure of following these yaks up the mountain for a couple hours. It turns out that their pace and my pace were the same. When they

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-72160027758738869002009-04-17T18:39:00.000+07:002010-07-13T02:46:07.570+07:00

More stone shingles Typical Himalayan bridge Relaxing in a hot spring pool There is something pre-historic in the appearance of these buffalo. The village Jhinu Danda. The hot springs is about 20 minutes hike from here.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-10652308849189919902009-04-17T18:27:00.000+07:002010-07-13T02:46:07.570+07:00

Flowers I saw in the Himalayas, mostly at guest houses.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-36748650664850704542009-04-17T18:23:00.000+07:002010-07-13T02:46:07.571+07:00

There is no vehicular traffic in the mountains. Supplies are brought up on donkeys or people. On my first morning in the mountains, I got my first glimpse of the snow capped mountains. That morning, the bees were a-buzzing. I had to share my toast. Mountain home

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-70868026051371043532009-04-17T18:17:00.000+07:002010-07-13T02:46:07.571+07:00

Man selling flutes. More of Thamel, Kathmandu Back in Pokhara. I'm not sure I like when they play with my food this much before giving it to me, but it was interesting and delicious. The starting point of my 7-day trek in the Annapurna Sanctuary. Typical stone shingles in the Himalayas.

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-49922929697710494232009-04-17T18:13:00.000+07:002010-07-13T02:46:07.571+07:00

Look at the way this guy is carrying the load with his head. This is the way they do it in Nepal. I saw a guy carrying a large file cabinet in this way. I thought this was Hanuman, but I asked a couple Nepalese guys, and they did not know. Don't know who this is either. People waiting to see the living goddess, Kumari, emerge to go to a festival. I did get to see her. I felt sorry for the poor

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-390063553405897362.post-26580367038380663462009-04-17T18:08:00.000+07:002010-07-13T02:46:07.572+07:00

Nepalese children I went on a 2-day rafting trip on the Trishuli River. Ganesha A Scene from Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square Entrance to temple

Jamilehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05791022676699234020noreply@blogger.com0