Leh Ladakh

Leh was the loveliest place. It existed nestled close to the north Indian border. A stark contrast to the city of Delhi. It was at peace. Beggars, merchants and hustlers were replaced with gentle smiles, small nods and people who were happy to share their craft, not squander it off. Values were held, shared and respected. With daylight there were only the whispers of the crowd as you strolled along the main street. And in the night only the crackles of the road from the occasional motor vehicle. 

From the moment the plane entered the mountainous regions I knew things were going to be good. An applause erupted as the captained announced our arrival. Strangers exchanged smiles, laughter and cameras as people tried to capture the beauty that was just on the other side of the plexiglass. There was so much excitement in such a confined space that I couldn't help adding to ridiculously loud applause that already was. I like to think it was because everyone knew we had reached a place worth celebrating.    

The Dalai Lama's Birthday Party

The day we went to the Dalai Lama's birthday party was an experience that I can only describe as wholesome. 

We have bigger houses but smaller families; more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicines, but less healthiness. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor. We’ve built more computers to hold more
information to produce more copies than ever, but have less communications. We have become long on quantity, but short on quality. These times are times of fast foods, but slow digestion; Tall man but short character; Steep profits but shallow relationships. 
It is time when there is much in the window, but nothing in the room.

- H.H The XIVth Dalai Lama 

 

About Jin

Here's what I know:

1. I cry when I'm angry

2. I smile when I'm sad

3. I am emotional 

4. I believe in people almost to a fault. Call it naive but I think deep down everyone is a decent human. 

5. I will forgive but I will never forget

6. I will never be able to decide between nachoes or tacos. I mean they both bring such different things to the table. Living life with regret is my biggest fear. 

7. I always think of what could have been. What if I said something different? What if I picked the other thing? 

8. I am a fence sitter. 

9. I don't believe in any Greater Being. I believe in energy and humanity. People should have faith in themselves. Religion gives people false hope and unnecessary guidelines. 

10.  It frustrates me when people give up, when people walk away from potential opportunities and futures. There will always be tough times and everyone will always have the ability to make things work if they really want it.  

11. Sometimes I do things without thinking. I seem reckless. But the reality is I'm really not. I choose to be abrupt in action because if I give myself the time I know I will over think things. To let my mind rest is unthinkable. 

12. I like to be by the ocean. It's a reminder of how insignificant we are in the world and maybe we shouldn't be caught up in our own world. 

*Disclosure: Above statements are subject to change. 

INDIA

India was a whim. It was an unplanned adventure that turned into one of the greatest. An experience captured perfectly by the words of Tom Blanchford. 

'We anticipated babbling crowds, consuming smells of spice and sewer, and a humbling insight into brutal poverty. It overloaded our senses even more than we could imagine. We saw a country that lives and breathes. It seems to oscillate between running perfectly in unison and completely imploding under the stress of its people. 

The concept of an eyesore is not understood in India. Mansions sat next to fields of rubbish. Buildings and faces were painted in brash colours. Smells would swing wildly between festering sugar cane and open sewers, and markets of frangipani, jasmine and fragrant spices. The sound of car and motorbike horns soon assimilated to what we once considered silence. Chutneys and pickles could in one teaspoon seem to contain all of the sourness spice and heat of the land.'

- Tom Blanchford, Paper Sea Volume 2

Previous stigmas were cut through and faith in the culture was developed with an understanding. A country that my mind retained apprehension towards became one that i truly believed in; one that i would revisit again in a heartbeat. 

The last sunset in Delhi we sat and sipped our masala tea despite the summer heat. Looking over the streets that somehow captured our spirit it was crazy to think that the chaos of the streets below had become almost calming. As the sun dipped below the horizon the children that were a few hours ago on the streets emerged on various roof tops. They began flying kites appearing as small black dots that a disposable camera could only capture in such away. Though to the human eye they were also no more than tiny speckles in the sky. It was only when two boys came up on the rooftop next to us did we realise that the kites that were being flown so high were made out rubbish materials from the streets. It is a moment I will never forget and one where feelings ran far to deep for words for words to describe. At least for now. The only thing I can say is that India so graciously gave me the greatest sense of gratitude. 

H E L L O !