I'm with my driver and I notice the word 'lenge' being tossed around from one person to another as I walk by in a few remote villages, not in the city.
I think to myself that it might mean something common like "foreigner" or something or other.
I finally ask the driver "what does lenge" mean? He laughs hysterically at me.
I'm confused.
He finally says "Ruby, it means Naked."
I say naked?
What?? I explain that people keep calling me naked!!! Granted, I'm not covered head to toe, but I'm not anywhere near naked. My clothes consist of long skirts and tank tops or....pants and short sleeve shirts. (I'm thinking if they think that's naked, they'd about die if I was really naked.)
He says..."I have to be honest with you. Men never see arms on Kashmiri women. Then they see you and they're confused. You have the dark hair and brown eyes and they think your Kashmiri but perhaps a Kashmiri prostitute."
OMG.
A Prostitute?
Now it was my turn to laugh. I've never been confused for a prostitute!
Needless to say, everyone was always pleasant. I guess I was just different to them. I smiled at everyone in my path and they always smiled back.
I'd go back in a heartbeat.
Lenge or not!
A few Hindu holy men below, they're called Sadhu.
"Dear God, Thank you for allowing me to be a good man to my wife and WELL WHAT DO WE HAVE HERE SANGRIT? A LADY WITH ARMS SHOWING! LENGE! PERHAPS ONE OF OUR OWN? NOT SURE."
am i the only one who thinks he needs to move out of the way of the big fat truck?
So apparently, this holy man comes to visit this one particular area in Kashmir every 12 years for one day.
I was lucky enough to be on there on that day. I don't know who he is, but he seems to be a big deal to the ladies and men below who are separated in different parts of the mosque.
The only way I was able to get in and photograph, was by my driver telling the guards that I was a photojournalist. {which at first i was hesitant about}
24 comments:
girl.... you never cease to amaze me!! your travel photography is amazing, so much emotion and so much detail you feel like you are actually there, there is one image of the men in a mosque or something man..... i feel like i am right there with you!!!
Wow Ruby! Your images are so amazing. They feel so journalistic. And your stories make me laugh out loud. Literally. I hope you make a photo book or something about your travels, your stories and your images from India.
there are not enough superlatives ruby, very good. Please don't stop, share India for as long as you feel so to do.
Ruby, I will NEVER get tired of seeing your work, India or otherwise. It is always amazing and full of life! :o)Thanks for everything you share here.
Amazing! I feel like I am looking at photos from National Geographic. Oh and I love the new header and logo. Go girl!
You are such a lenge!!! :) I am laughing so hard right now because I know that if we were together it would so be on!!! :)
I love you and your photography!! Did you get my message?
Ruby, PLEASE tell me you looked into that contest! PLEASE!
I love the muted colors. You have an eye to see detail that most of us miss. Keep it up and keep sharing with us!
HO LEE CRAP ruby!!! the arm showing... must stop typing can't see through the tears in my eyes!!!!!! you rule! have a killer weekend! i never get tired of your posts! NEVA!
So, what was up with the ladies with bare arms in #8?
Beautiful images, I am looking forward to seeing more.
Thanks everyone, much appreciated... :)
Kymberli, NG wants a model release for any faces submitted.
Dena, Miss bare arms in #8 is also a tourist. She went a step ahead and beat me, she's even got jeans on.
Darn stupid NB - well anyway, we don't need a stupid contest to know you are amazing. These images are surreal - so much emotion. And thank you sooooo much for the donation, Ruby. Your heart is wonderful. :)
Oh my goodness!! I'm over here laughing from all your captions! Especially the one of the men praying and then suddenly seeing you! :D That's priceless! And yes.. I DO Think that man should move out of the way of that truck. Seriously! :D Great shots! :D
Please don't stop sharing India. Love the captions and the photos. Don't be discouraged by the NG contest rules. Enter anyway without faces. It will get you out (or in) there. Then when you win for the non-face ones, you can blow them away all over again with the faces. Love you!! Natalie
These images are sooooooooo amazing...they belong in national geographic or something. All I can say is WOW! Can't wait for the next post.
Hey girl;-) what would I do if you stopped sharing? I really enjoy your work, or should I say, your life:) you know, taking pictures is wrighting with light. you do that sooo well. your pictures have a voice. they speak to me.
oh, by the way, be sure to cover up;-} i look forward to seeing what your eyes saw. {A MOMENT IN TIME}
God U R hot! U R pix rock what an expierence! I luv U GS miss U too!
a prostitute huh, too flippin funny, I can see you in shock as the man tells you this.
yes...i hope you DO keep blogging about india for another month...i can't get enough!
this set of "people" pics are incredible. your pictures tell a story and i want to know more! heehee...still giggling about the prostitute story!
once again you blow me away with your images. These are some really great shots I love the look and feel of them.
Rock on Ruby!!!
Ahhh, thank you for the laugh this morning. I needed that. You are truly the most amazing person I know and I'm so honored to call you friend. Naked or not. :0)
Ruby! these shots are awesome!
DIL,you are amazing with the work of art that you do.. i hope you get the recognition you so well deserve. hopefully fully clothed, not LENGE...hahaha.
love you kid
MIL
thank you again :)
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