In India

[ahbian]

SOLID work... I am still pretty depressed that I was only able to visit India for 3 days last month

Thanks. I was looking at your flickr, quite a lot of good captures for just 3 days, especially like the black and white portraits you got.

 

[ahbian]

u have improved a lot. in fact, the first picture got a little magnum in it. the rest are good, #3 is special too, but none other have that factor in it... yet. hope to see more of such stuff like in #1.

Thanks zoossh. I was particularly pleased when I captured #1 as it seems to tell a story more than the others. Looking at the rest of the pool, this is still one of my favourites so far.

 

[ahbian]

Had this discussion on this forum regarding giving photos to people we meet on our travels, so decided to try it out.

Took a shot of these two boys, developed the photo and gave it to them (held by the boy on the right) the following day.

Technically not a very sound photo due to the dim conditions and the flurry of activities from the other family members, but was quite meaningful capture to me.

#10

 

[ahbian]

The number of operators in Jaisalmer city offering camel safaris is bewildering; there are two main areas of sand dunes- the Sam sand dunes and Khuri sand dunes, the latter is of a smaller scale and thus less crowded with tourists.

Many hotels recommending camel safaris are actually middlemen and have commissions factored into the prices, it might be worthwhile to source for independent camel safari drivers.

#11

#12

It was actually quite funny how different groups of people take to the sand dunes, the locals would turn up in big groups and run around with their friends while the foreigners preferred to sit at the sides and take in the sights. So if you would like a bit of quiet time to yourself, you should communicate your intention of reaching the dunes before the big crowds turn up for sunset viewing.

#13 Changed to a bigger sized to show the sand patterns.

 

[ahbian]

Some scenes from Khuri Village

#14

#15

 

[asterixsg]

Awesome work, dude. Liked #13 and #15. Just keeps getting better and better. :thumbsup:

 

[ahbian]

Awesome work, dude. Liked #13 and #15. Just keeps getting better and better. :thumbsup:

Thank you.

If I may do a bit of advertising here, I would like to recommend those interested in camel safaris to engage the services of small-time, independent operators rather than the big companies as the latter usually involved higher costs due to commissions to middlemen.

This was how I met Mr Badal Singh, a man whose principled approach to charging low prices and omitting out middlemen had let to commission seekers trying the best to steer businesses away from him (e.g. spinning rumours of him migrating to other parts of India.)

While he is listed among the Lonely Planet recommendations, he is adamant about keeping his business small so that he can "take better care of those who come to him" and "also have more time with his livestocks."

In my five weeks of India, I had witnessed how badly the stray dogs were treated, so I was amazed that Badal Singh makes the effort to set aside leftovers for the faithful few who turns up at his doorsteps every evening.

I would not write too much here, many people have written testimonials on this intriguing man, you should be suitably impressed if you Google his name (Badal Singh, Khuri Village).

http://travel.paintedstork.com/blog/2009/01/rajasthan-jaisalmer-badal-singh-and.html

http://www.google.com.sg/search?q=Badal+singh+khuri&btnG=Search&hl=en&sa=2

The next photo shows Badal Singh triming goats' hair in preparation for the upcoming warm weather

#16

Badal's nephew occupying himself with a propeller toy in the backyard

#17

 

[ahbian]

Nahargarh (Tiger Fort) overlooking the city of Jaipur

#18

Hawa Mahal (Palace of Wind) in Jaipur city

#19

 

[ahbian]

Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Rat Temple; where countless rats run around the compound and are worshipped by devotees.

#20

It is considered lucky to have a rat run over your feet (no shoes allowed), I waited motionless for 5 minutes at one spot, but no luck for me.

#21

 

[lcy]

It is considered lucky to have a rat run over your feet (no shoes allowed), I waited motionless for 5 minutes at one spot, but no luck for me.

Hmmm... I had wanted to go to this temple when I was in India, in the end didn't make it coz schedule was too tight. But I did have a giant rat running over my feet while i was waiting at a traffic light in Orchard road some years back. I must be dead lucky man

 

[Numnumball]

Karni Mata Temple, also known as the Rat Temple; where countless rats run around the compound and are worshipped by devotees.

#20

It is considered lucky to have a rat run over your feet (no shoes allowed), I waited motionless for 5 minutes at one spot, but no luck for me.

#21

Wow, are these rats dead? Tks for sharing, India looks like a wonderful place to visit

 

[ahbian]

Hmmm... I had wanted to go to this temple when I was in India, in the end didn't make it coz schedule was too tight. But I did have a giant rat running over my feet while i was waiting at a traffic light in Orchard road some years back. I must be dead lucky man

Yah, its also more of a stopover for most tourists (from Bikaner). I spent less than 2 hours in there, its a rather small compound. By the way, rats in Singapore aren't as auspicious as their indian counterparts. :bsmilie:

Wow, are these rats dead? Tks for sharing, India looks like a wonderful place to visit

Now that you pointed it out, it does look like they are dead. :think: They are blissfully enjoying a bowl of milk (the white part on the right), which was not obvious unless pointed out.

 

[asterixsg]

bro, I totally love #21. Such wonderful composition - with the black and white checkers. How long did you wait for a rat to run past through your frame ? :bsmilie:

I can't stand rats and gave this place a miss during my maiden trip to Rajasthan few years back. Didn't have an SLR and took many snapshot pictures with a P&S film camera :bsmilie:

 

[ahbian]

bro, I totally love #21. Such wonderful composition - with the black and white checkers. How long did you wait for a rat to run past through your frame ? :bsmilie:

I can't stand rats and gave this place a miss during my maiden trip to Rajasthan few years back. Didn't have an SLR and took many snapshot pictures with a P&S film camera :bsmilie:

haha. thanks. I was actually waiting for a rat to run into the frame instead of out of it, but didnt happen during the two hours - i think the locals were starting to look at me in a weird way, strange chinese man who kept pointing his camera at his feet. :bsmilie:

I was fine with the rats, its the pooping pigeons overhead that I really hate. ;(

 

[ahbian]

Instead of haphazardly including large and small photos, I think its neater I post the small version, and provide the link to the large ones from now on.

Shop selling celebrities photos, I liked how the stall owner look like some of the celebs on our right.

#22

Click to see larger version
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School children on the way to lessons, unfazed by the badly cut-up streets and open sewers.

#23

Click to see larger version
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[asterixsg]

...

School children on the way to lessons, unfazed by the badly cut-up streets and open sewers.

I have a term for that. Its called "Immunity towards imperfection".

Nice shot of the school kids, by the way...

 

[ahbian]

I was asked about my itinerary of trip in the five weeks, so I will post them here.
Spent quite a bit of time in Jaipur to coincide with the festive dates.

The stand outs for me were Jaisalmer (camel safari + village stay) and Ranthambhore (National reserves).

18-Feb Amritsar
19-Feb Amritsar
20-Feb Amritsar
21-Feb Amritsar
22-Feb Agra
23-Feb Agra
24-Feb Agra
25-Feb Agra
26-Feb Agra
27-Feb Jaipur
28-Feb Jaipur
1-Mar Jaipur
2-Mar Jaipur
3-Mar Bundi
4-Mar Udaipur
5-Mar Udaipur
6-Mar Jodphur
7-Mar Jodphur
8-Mar Jaisalmer
9-Mar Jaisalmer
10-Mar Jaisalmer
11-Mar Bikaner
12-Mar Nawarlgarh
13-Mar Jaipur
14-Mar Jaipur
15-Mar Jaipur
16-Mar Jaipur
17-Mar Jaipur
18-Mar Jaipur
19-Mar Ranthanmhbore
20-Mar Ranthanmhbore
21-Mar Ranthanmhbore
22-Mar Ranthanmhbore
23-Mar Delhi
24-Mar Delhi

Excluding air tickets, I have spent around $1600, my friend and I hired a car + driver for 2 weeks which added quite a bit to the costs. With careful planning, I think $40 (meals + transport + accommodation + tourist attractions) is more than sufficient per day.

 

[luosangjian]

Excellent series:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[hetfieldpaul]

Lovely series, India certainly lives up to its name "Incredible India" :bsmilie:

 

[ahbian]

Excellent series:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Thanks!

Lovely series, India certainly lives up to its name "Incredible India" :bsmilie:

Thanks! I wouldn't say its a trip without frustrations, with the touts and whatnots, but once we become realistic and mentally prepare yourself for the usual hassle here and there (as with many other countries) , it is quite a great place for photography.