Waiting for the sun to go down on the 4th of July is about the hardest thing for a kid to do - especially after "holding a sparkler" has been a topic of conversation for a few days.
This was the first time the kids got a crack at it (under adult supervison of course!) Tenetative at first, they were soon asking for two at time! The whole evening was a ton of fun - some cool photos - click HERE for the album.
"Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of humanity." -Rabindranath Tagore
This amazing, beautiful girl is my new niece. While I was busy packing up to leave India, she was busy getting ready to make her own transition - into the world. I have been anxious to meet her since the news of her arrival in late June.
It is impossible to "squeeze in" all the love I have for her during my short visit. Taking full advantage of the time I had, I sang her a few songs, told her a story or two, held her while she slept and gave her some of the kisses I had wanted to from the day she was born. She is incredible - a reminder of all the possibilities that surround.
The photos in the album - New Arrival - document a few moments while I was visiting. Here is hoping her parents find there way onto a plane headed down under - ok, maybe a couple of planes - fingers crossed.
A mentor once told me, if you fail to learn from life’s attempts to teach you, life will continue to try – only using a bigger stick. Setting off for new adventures, I was confronted with the reality of my choice. My preferred coping mechanism – to direct experiences with precision and planning only brought about harder lessons – in a nutshell, I needed to get out of my own way and relax.
Once I stopped trying to control, quibble, and define India on my terms, I fell in love and actually started to experience my new home. The lens of my perception shifted a bit. Serendipity began to show itself. The inconveniences became opportunities to practice learning: about openness, negotiation, sustainability, small pleasures, and patience. I paused to witness - the people who graced my journey, the amazing sites offered daily, and the occasional extreme situation or experience. Living in India was a gift; stripping away many things I thought I knew for certain, changing my perspective and allowing me to develop a deeper sense of wonder. For those lessons and more, I am eternally greatful.
The pictures in India Memories are some of my favorite photos. Designed to reflect the contrasts, beauty and unpredictability of my experience, this is one of the ways I am saying thank you for each moment I was given in India. I hope you enjoy them.
“It blunts its sharpness. It unties its tangles. It softens its light. It becomes one with the dusty world.” – Tao Te Ching Translation by Wing-Tsit Chan
There are many, many things I love about India.
I am sure I am waxing poetic because we will be leaving soon - on to a new adventure - but everyday I am privileged to see amazing things - a wonderful melange of contrasts that sometimes feel like they only can happen here.
I was on the way to the market a few weeks ago. As was often the case, that meant spending copious amounts of time in the car, stopped in traffic. Thankfully, I had brought my camera as a distraction. On the way home, I was luckily able to grab the shot below right before the traffic began to move again.
{As a side note, these horse carts are one of my favorite things on the roads in Bangalore - the paint jobs are fantastic. They are growing increasingly rare with all the motos and nanos clogging the streets now.
Astoundingly, similar horse carts are available for rent from various places around the city should you feel so inclined. One potential upside - street wandering water buffalo and cows might be more inclined to allow a fellow quadruped to pass with more ease than something on 4 wheels.}
Family from all over the globe gathered to honor this man, my Grandfather, who graduated from West Point 70 years ago.
May 1941 was an uncertain time. As he graduated, the US had taken decisive steps to end neutrality, still not "officially"entering the war - that would come in December. The maelstrom of war was enveloping Europe/North Africa. It must have seemed like the world was descending into madness.
Looking at this picture I can't help but wonder what he was thinking about - in the halcyon of youth seemingly undeterred by what may lie ahead. I wonder if he was just happy to have made it through the graduation ceremonies without error. I do know this - his recollections of a lifetime of adventures make for great listening and are full of almost unbelievable moments of serendipity.
I should have said at the outset: I love my Grandfather to bits, especially his sense of humor.
Some of my fondest childhood memories (probably age 5 or 6) are of frequent visits to my Grandparents home in Los Altos. On most occasions, my sister and I would jump out of the car (no car seats then), run to the door and, standing on tippy toes, rap on the door with the knocker (one of those brass jobs that seemed huge in a small child's hands). They had a front door that was split - so the top part could open separately. He would open the top, poke his head out and with a fake glower - a smile glimmering in his eyes - say "We don't want any!" and shut the door. But the smile as he shooed us away, told me all I needed to know - he loved us and was happy to see us. A second or two later, he would open the door and we would dissolve into his hug.
He is an incredible man who is living an amazing life - a series of remarkable stories - too few of which I have been privileged to hear. I am immensely humbled and proud of what he and my Grandmother (Buddy - her nickname says it all) accomplished - partly I guess because it includes me - the number 5 grandchild, my siblings, nieces and nephew and my huge extended family - all spectacular people in their own right. I admire his zest for life, willingness to "get on with it" through hardship and loss, his dedication to principles, and his pride in the family he helped to create.
He is, without question, one of my heroes. I hope he knows how grateful I am to him for all he has given me.
The pictures in the albums below are from our time together as a family - aunts, uncles, cousins, great grand kids - the works. Click on the underlined links to see the albums.
West Point , Storm King and Just Hanging Out
The videos will be loaded shortly. And Dawn, thanks so much for uploading this fantastic picture!
A pretty intriguing piece of history in Fyshkill.
Finished in 1731, the church served as a prison and state government seat during the revolutionary war. A large number of graves recorded the years and months of age but the specific days - maybe each day was precious to the folks of Fyshkill. The ages of those buried here are amazing - I was struck by how many were over the age of 60.
There is a interesting Book with Tombstone Inscriptions from the churchyard.
There are bogs everywhere in this part of the country - the Bog of Allen being a rather large one near to Kells. Bogs are interesting places - they are amazing preservers of the past - from 5000 yr old celtic sacrifices to "bog" butter stored (in the bog) for hundreds of years. There is a preservation movement to save what is left...let's hope the amazing biodiversity and archeological importance aren't lost in the pursuit of a cheap power...
We went for a few long walks in "reclaimed"bogs - here are the photos - Bog Walks
There are a few places in the world where I feel totally at peace and in my element. Ballyteague is one of those places. The animals, the smell of a peat stove, the family, the flowers and the walks out to Mabes (the fields) are heaven to me. I look forward to visiting everytime we are in Ireland and carry it in my heart when we aren't there.
We went out to Ballyteague twice - once to celebrate Dar's birthday with the family and once just Dar and I. DD and Peter took Dar and I to Donadea Forest Park - DD and Peter have been going for walks here since they started dating - an amazing place where you can wander for hours in the trees, admire a duck or two, nibble on a choc ice, and see a bit of history.
A quick note about the photo below - Peter and DD's house sits right opposite a canal making the picture all the more pertinent. (I wonder how many times it hasn't been heeded - especially since there is a pub right on the corner)
The rest of the pictures are here - Ballyteague and Donadea - Hope you enjoy the pictures of this very special place and surrounds.
While in Kells I headed into the city a few times to see the sights....Dar and I were chuffed when we discovered on our first trip that the National Museum at Collins Barracks was free - so was parking....score!
The collection was awesome....we also made it to the Irish Museum of Modern Art in time to see a Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera exhibit in the carriage house. Being a bit miffed that we weren't able to see the rest of the museum, I decided I would go back....on a Monday.
17 euro spent on a Bus Eireann ride into Dublin....a 20 minute walk down the Liffey to the IMMA. I stop outside the museum and make a phone call to Darren.
Me - "Hey babe, yep, I am here...quick question...how many countries have we been to"?
D - "About 25...why"?
Me - "And how many museums have we been to"?
D - "Tons....honey, why are you asking me this"?
Me - "And how many of those museums have been open on a Monday"?
D - "O crap....sorry babe".
Yep - there I was, standing in the rain in front of a closed museum. Thankfully, the cafe was open and they had killer vegetable barley soup and bread for 5 euro. Full belly and warmed, I left the cafe to wander around down town for a bit before heading back to Kells.
The 17 euro Bus Eireann trip was repeated on the Friday with more success...and I was able to add in a trip to the national library...where I saw to my great surprise and excitement... W. B. Yeats' very own handwriting....and it was one of my favorite quotes....for your pleasure below.
The album from my multiple trips into town are here: Dublin
The super stealth secret surprise was out - no, not that Darren was turning 40 - that is still "secret". The surprise was that his best friend from Uni had come from the UK with his family to celebrate....This of course was revealed once Peter called Darren to ask what his plans were and if he could pop over to the next village for a drink to celebrate.
The plan - to hang out for the weekend with a fantastic dinner at a super duper place sandwiched in between.
We had lots of tea, conversation, looked at a megalodon tooth, visited Trim castle - read the "don't climb on the castle sign" a few times for clarification. We even went to the Dunderry Village Fair (think county fair with Irish accents) which was fun - we got to play on tractors - however, sadly, the youngest Heyes was robbed of a bonny baby contest win.
The dinner was great - Dar's brother, parents and the Heyes clan convened at the Bellinter House. It was a fantastic dinner - evidenced by the clean plates at the end of each course - the best part was having everyone together.
Here are some pictures from the night - Birthday Surprise
This is a picture from outside the Bellinter House... I loved this tree - so incredibly grand.
Up early, tea and toast, then into the "jeep" heading 3 hrs north was how we started the day...
Goal: the oldest licensed distillery in the world - or to some, whiskey mecca. The distillery was put on the back of the Irish Sterling note - that is how serious this stuff is people!
Arriving a bit after 11 and after averting disaster (someone..ahem...had managed to break a bit of the only working key to the car but luckily with the loan of an all purpose tool from a friendly Bushmill's maintenance employee and a bit of skillful metal manipulation by yours truly, the key was sorted, if only for the short term), we decided it might be good to fill our bellies before indulging in the local fair.
A steak and kidney pie (with chips), veggie soup, and banoffee pie later, we started our tour....ending of course where all good tours end - the tasting room...There was no skimping on the portion and you could pick from their entire range - including the super exclusive stuff....nice. Dar had the 21 yr old malt and I tried the 1608 special reserve.After our tasting (no, we didn't finish it but it was only 2pm), we headed out to find the Giant's Causeway...even if it was spitting rain. It is Ireland of course.
Amazing....Stunning....Super Cool. Basically, that was what we were thinking after a 30 minute walk down when we turned a corner and got our first glimpse of the causeway. Scottish giants aside, I can completely understand why this place is associated with myths and legends.
Also legend...and lucky was Dar's amazing fall down from the beautiful basalt columns...it is what happens when rain meets the slippery shoes of someone taking photos. Lucky for us both, he was fine even though he landed on his head. The camera - not so lucky but thankfully that is replaceable.
Here are the photos from the day: Bushmills and Boom!
What to do on a blustery Irish day in May? Country Car Show! A farmer's field outside of Kells was let out for the day to facilitate a fine gathering of cars, folks interested in them and a few vendors with bit's and bob's to sell.
"The Negotiator", Dar and I headed out to see what was what. It was a lovely day out - even stopped in at the local for a pint and a packet of crisps....how Irish am I??
Here are the pictures from the day - Country Car Show
No, I am not channeling Tom Jones....although I know your singing the song in your head now....sorry.
The crisp, fresh air of Ireland bursting into spring was a nice change of pace from Bangalore. The time adjustment was funny for me this time - finding myself wide awake at 4 in the morning and not wanting to wake the rest of the family I did the only sensable thing...
I heaved on layers of clothing - again, when I am I going to learn to pack more sensibly? - grabbed my camera and headed out to walk the lanes of Kells as the sun was coming up. It was a wonderful way to start the day and allowed me to do some exploring without getting run over by a lorry (aka truck).
Sidebar - for those of you who haven't been to Woodhaven House in Kells - it sits beside a main road that is frequented by many, very large lorries going at breakneck speed down into the village.
Once on the side lanes, the country opened up and there were fabulous, bucolic views to be had - grass glistening with dew, the clean mowed hedges and fields and their inhabitants - rabbits, a couple of foxes, and the odd (not a judgement on their person mind you) farmer out for a walk.
There was something delicious about being up and out before the world got busy - and I am not a morning person. All in all it was a great way to start the day and helped balance out the mounds of tea, cake and pavlova that inevitably finished each day.
You can see the full album of pictures here - Around Kells
Forgot to post these after Rick and I went to the City Market....each time I go there is amazing stuff to photograph. These are just two that I really like...glass bottles for lime soda and an advertisement for underwear.
No, this will not be a debate about whether Kingfisher is better than Guinness - please, some credit.
Cricket, an obsession in this part of the world, had it's world cup competition this year and Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and India were hosting. Needless to say Bangalore, along with the rest of the country, was whipped into a frenzy.
Honestly, I had never followed Cricket before the World Cup came here. However, when the Ireland v. India match was scheduled for Bangalore, I got interested. I was able to purchase a couple of tickets as a surprise in large part because no one was really interested in the game. Ireland wasn't really taken seriously UNTIL they beat England (Go Green) the week before. So, we lucked out with our box seats which included free food and drink (free cocktails - yummy) throughout the game as well as a great view.
We actually weren't sure who to cheer for so we each took a team. It made for great conversation starters for others with us given Dar, wearing the Irish jersey, was holding hands with me wearing the Indian jersey.
It should be said that this was particularly helpful as Cricket is a long game - the world cup 50-over matches lasted over 7 hrs. What was amazing and impressive about this was the energy, spirit, and enthusiasm for the game NEVER wained. The stadium was electric and continued to be through out the game. Accordingly, the time flew by ...suddenly it was dark and the players were still going....
The stats of the game were actually fun to learn and helped us realize that while Ireland gave it the lash, they would not likely win the chase game. We left with about an hour to go and the funniest moment came when Prasana was driving us home as he ribbed Dar as to India's empending victory and that there was no way Ireland could pull it out.
Needless to say, India won - we knew this not by the TV but by the bevy of fireworks set off a little while after we reached home - displays went off all over the neighborhood and I would venture to guess all over India.
There were no cameras allowed in to the stadium so all I have for you is the excitement evident outside - India vs. Ireland Album
My sisters - all 4 of them - and I headed to the city to hang out for my and Michaela's birthday. My favorite hotel, great vietnamese food, a jewish deli and amazing chocolates were serious highlights. However, the best part was just being able to hang out with some amazing gals.
Not too many pictures were taken but here are a few...notice the blur as many hands go for the chocolate....
Chinatown
We headed north for New Years. Another year done and dusted....
After an amazing dinner we hung out around an outside fire pit laughing and joking. What a great way to ring in the new year. Our visit also included huge ice cream bars (seriously - they needed to be shared), a visit to a fantastic bakery (hence the Bimbo's) for a wholesome lunch (and fights over who could finish the last chocolate croissant) and reminiscing about our childhood as we watched the boy wonder zoom up and down the street on his 3 wheeler thrift store find.
Here is the album: New Years 2011
After getting in the holiday spirit in Frankfurt, we headed west to hangout with family. We made it just in time for a nephews birthday - still can't believe how quickly they grow.
During the holidays, there was a huge amount of fun, eating, laughing and more eating. The kids were great - their smiles made the holidays as well as the multiple games of Pétanque.
You can view the album here - Christmas
Our way to San Francisco for the holidays we decided to extend our stay in Frankfurt. We stayed in Römerberg near the Christmas Market and enjoyed walking around the area for a day. Mulled wine to warm us and tons of sweets to choose from made for a very good start to the holidays.
Here is the album: Frankfurt Album
I love heading out to the forest - quiet respite from the crazyness of the city. A good friend is working on her Phd on the Racket tail Drongo and suggested a lodge near her location. K Gudi turned out to be a fantastic find.
Tent accomodations inside the nature reserve served as a base for safaries over a couple of days. I do not claim to be a nature photographer - too slow and my lenses are too small (no comments please) but we were very lucky on the trip.
Frankly any safari, where on the way to the lodge, you see a leapord sitting by the roadside - intently watching you - is a tailsman for good things to come. The small life was as amazing as the large and while I failed to get a picture of a Drongo, the trip was a huge amount of fun.
Here are the photos: K Gudi Album
What a great way to vacation....the train. My single most favorite way to travel in this country or any other....feels like you are connecting with a time where, not to be redundant, people took their time and enjoyed it.
The overnight train ride to Badami started a little crazy, needing to actually run for the train and hop on. The town itself has a great feel and we really enjoyed poking around. Small town India is always great to explore, finding hidden gems and meeting people. The temples and caves weren't on the scale of Hampi but were fantastic in their own right. My favorite part was wandering around the houses surrounding the central lake - the ladies working around the lake were great fun as evidenced by the sunglasses. Great carvings, beautiful temples and wonderful people.
Spent a few days knockin' around Delhi. Used a home stay accommodation this time vs. a hotel given it had worked out well in Jaipur and Jodhpur. Interesting neighborhood and a great experience to live like a Delhi-ite for a few days.
Most of the photos I shot were around Humayun's Tomb - my favorite place to go in Delhi.
Full photos here: Delhi Album
Getting up early and driving through the countryside is second only to train as my prefered mode of travel here. It is a great way to catch the villages starting the day and spectacular scenery along the way. Ahh Jodhpur, what an amazing place.
I now understand what fairytale castles and the great epics of old were based on - the Mehrangarh Fort. The blue city is a beautiful spot in the world.
The photos from the trip are here: Jodhpur Album Enjoy!
We took a up to the north for a bit stopping in Jaipur on the way. An amazing city in a continuously amazing country...the full album is here: Jaipur Album and here is a teaser...
We took a short vacation to hang out in Phuket and do some diving. Great boat, crew and the best part is we had the ENTIRE ship to ourselves. If you thinking about diving in Thailand - definately check Diva Marine out!
The trip was amazing and the full album of photos is here - Phuket Album. Enjoy.
Summed up perfectly by this photo of some urban art in our neighborhood....
For those of you who haven't experienced the wonders of auto rickshaws (I say that in all seriousness because they afford me a great deal of easy, cheap transportation) - there is always the wrangling for price and attempts to get a few more rupee out of the rider. My favorite tactic is to just say no and walk away when the driver doesn't want to use or pretends the meter isn't working. 8 times out of 10 they acquiesce.
Always on the list to see, finally got there and fell in love. Hanoi was by far my favorite but Ho Chi Min was good for knockin around. Museum of Ethnology in Hanoi - AMAZING, What a great place to spend the entire day. Reunification Palace in HCMC - great architecture and spaces, very retro. Ho Tram was of course lovely but that was because I spent most of the three days lounging in the salt water pool.
Biggest cultural revelation - Wedding photos being taken months before the event in seriously amazing (and sometimes strange) dresses. On old military helicopters, in museums, parks, you name it.
Can't wait to go back.
Darjeeling is beautiful - wet, but beautiful. I participated in a photography workshop there for a couple of weeks and it was a unique experience - those who know me, know when I say that there are often many stories that don't bear reapeating in a public forum. Suffice it to say that organization and communication were not strong points of the workshop.
Adventure was the theme of the trip quite literally - from figuring out how to traverse the narrow, slippery, steep paths in the dark whilst in the pickers villages to when we had to "sneek" out of Darjeeling at 2 am on the day before the workshop ended due to some political unrest. All in all an unforgetable experience.
Regardless of the difficulties, I met some amazing people, was humbled by one families generous hospitality and took some photos I really like.
Full album is here: Darjeeling Album
So after a discussion with our local south indian take out place, they agreed to stop sending the plastic containers and start using our tiffin. We just deliver it before when we want the take out. System works great accept they still bring the tiffin in a plastic bag and the sauces in little plastic tubs...but we are making serious progress. Now I just need to find a mini tiffin for the sauces and we are set.
If your interested in doing the same thing and can't find a tiffin, let me know and I will see if I can help!
So we headed out for a fun night on the town. Apart from the very funky silver, red and blue shoes you had to wear, the bowling was a bit rough...it consisted of me getting my butt handed to me two games in a row (I managed a very, very sad score both games). I would love to blame it on the bad lane etiquette exhibited by those on either side of us, the poor fitting ball, etc ... but in actual fact, dear reader, I have know for a long time about my severe deficiency in the hand/eye coordination department.
My nephew had his family birthday party (an event designed to save other adults from dealing with large groups of loud, rambunctious children - an idea for which I am deeply grateful and appreciative) a couple of nights before we headed back to India.
We finally made it to Cali with time to spare (before sunset). This ranch is beautiful ...horses, a few cows and a crazy squirrel (serious hoarding issues). The photo opportunities were great - the light was awesome. The night was so quiet. It was great to fall asleep knowing the next day we didn't have 10 hours of driving to do...
No one is really sure of the story...locals say the guy who built this was running drugs, others think he was a medicine man trying to work out a dream. I thought it was strange and interesting...these were my favorite of what I shot there.
So pretty...so hard to take pictures from a fast moving car....
So maybe we really need to direct more money to education or at a minimum require spelling tests for Nevada state employees.
