REFLECTIONS: Dal Lake

I know you've all seen my images from Delhi, but what I have yet to share with you is Northern India: Kashmir.

I consider myself somewhat well traveled and feel so blessed to have gone where some people will never go. Its a craze and obsession I've always had with the globe. It's a big reason why we postponed having children.

So then why is Kashmir a love affair for me? Because I didn't see it coming. I left Delhi disappointed with that whole ordeal and took someones word for Kashmir. I remember sitting on the plane during the one hour flight giggling with excitement about heading into the 'unknown' and figured nothing could be worse than what I had already experienced.
Kashmir was that prince charming that came out of no where and took me away into fantasy land. But it wasn't fantasy, it was all real.

The people and their generousity and happiness will never leave my mind. Each encounter with a stranger was special. I squealed with excitement every day because this wasn't a vacation, it was an experience of a lifetime.
True bliss. Thank you especially to my friend, Mr. Aziz, who owned the houseboat and took me on long day trips where tourists don't go.

I spent this day (below) on a canoe eating fresh bread and drinking tea with two sweet and sincere local gentlemen who went out of their way to make sure I enjoyed myself so I can tell the world how beautiful their homeland is.
So I'm keeping my promise and telling the world....pictures included~

I think when you are in love with something, it reflects in your work. I am madly in love with Kashmir.....and I have to say I think this is some of my best work.

Now have you ever heard me say that?
Nope.





































We stopped to dock for a short break in a tiny park by the lake when I noticed these kids. I didn't think twice, smiled at them, and continued on with my camera. Imagine my surprise when they came up to me with flowers they had hand picked from the park! I had to snap a picture of them, they were too cute. When they left, they blew kisses.







I dropped 400 rupees out of my backpack accidentally one night by the boat dock area getting out of the taxi and into a canoe to go home. When I realized the money was missing about 20 min later, I was bummed but thought "it's only 8 bucks ruby....someone needs it more than you do." I went outside in the night air and just sat on the front porch of the houseboat. A man rowing another canoe says "madam, madam, question for you." I interrupted and said "You found $400 rupees?" He continues on: "Yes. Someone saw you drop them and took them and I saw him... I asked him how much was in his hands and he said $200 rupees. I told him to open his hands and if its not $200 rupees then I know he stole it for sure.." He continues to tell me he took the money back from that other man and came to find me. Talk about the kindness of strangers! I offered him a portion and he refused but I made him take it.