Varanasi is the most holy city in Hinduism and the spiritual home of India’s Sadhus, or holy men who have renounced the worldly life. They are revered by Hindus as representatives of the Gods and sometimes worshiped as Gods themselves. They are ascetics and wanderers and are often displayed as private, dignified, selfless people, respected for their Holiness and feared for their curses.
india
Kolkata 2017
No one would call noisy Kolkata a peaceful city, but it will definitely leave you speechless nevertheless. We had the pleasure of visiting Kolkata again in December 2017. With only two days to spare (due to a very delayed overnight train from Varanasi), we decided to stick to the wonderful markets in the North of Kolkata. After all, they’re our favourite photo spot anyway. Great photo opportunities can be found at markets around the world, but what you’ll come across in Kolkata truly can’t be compared. The City of Joy once again was worth the trip and left us with exceptional memories that will last a lifetime.
Street Life
Probably most people reading this are born into a well situated society, meaning a roof over the head, proper school education and if ambitious, a job with a fair wage. Very often, people don’t realise that they were born on the sunny side of life. But don’t forget that approximately 1.6 billion people lack adequate housing and their homes are the streets and alleys of more or less every country in the world.
India 2016
One lifetime wouldn’t be enough to explore all of India. We’re trying to see as much as we can. In 2016, we travelled from Mumbai all the way to the Pakistani border to a town called Bhuj and back across the country to Visakhapatnam. India has been in our heart for over two decades and it’s one of those places we can never get enough of.
Kolkata Market Life
There are some countries, where the expression “Man Power” is still literally in use; countries where machines haven’t taken over yet and where human labour is still essential. One can only admire these people for their strength, power, endurance and willingness.
Kashmir 2015
Getting to Kashmir involves one of the most adventurous trips in the world: a journey across the fantastic Leh-Manali Highway. We were up for this adventure and after a two day trip (479 kilometres from Manali) across the Himalayas, we arrived in the beautiful town of Leh – exhausted, tired and with a headache.
Leh lies at an altitude of 3.524 metres and due to the strong influence of Tibetan Buddhism, the city is also known as Little Tibet or the Land of Lamas. Although not as high as some of the passes across the Leh-Manali Highway, the atmosphere and especially the sky is exceptional. You’re closer to heaven and not only can you see, but feel it! Leh radiates something I can’t quite nail down. Something peaceful and mysterious at the same time. We felt like staying in an old western town with a gold-rush mood… the next three days would let us explore this amazing town and the beautiful surrounding Gompas.
Varanasi 2015
Once in every lifetime an observant Hindu hopes to make a pilgrimage to the holy city of Varanasi. Some come to wash away sickness and sin in the Ganges River. Others bring their dead to be burned. Still some come to live their last days here, for to die and be cremated in Varanasi guarantees eternal release from the cycle of birth and death.
Food
On our numerous journeys all over the world, we’ve come across all sorts of food and “delicacies”. Some of them have made it onto our personal menu list, while others were eye-candy for our lens.
Barbers
If you’re travelling through India, you’ll notice that the hairdressers you’ll pass along the streets are barbers for men only. Lady hairdressers are mostly hidden behind closed doors or curtains. If you insist enough though, even a local barber will give you a nice wash and blow dry … and if you’re really lucky (and you’re up for it) even a haircut. Don’t worry, hair grows again… after all, no risk, no fun.