A Breathtaking Experience.........Majestic
India
Although there
are many wonderful places throughout the world, there are few places that are
so humbling and yet so majestic that they take your breath away. Throughout my travels I have visited many
awe-inspiring places but a few stand out above the rest. One of those memorable journeys is Petra in
Jordan, such a stunning experience which is very hard to describe. As you drink
in the amazing structures an emotion overwhelms you that create tingles throughout
your whole body. I couldn't believe my
luck when I came across such a similar encounter in India. As you walk around the corner you are met with
the most amazing topography, lustrous temples standing proud, rock formations
commanding attention. For those of you
that have had the opportunity to visit this marvellous place you will know I am
talking about Hampi in Northern
Karnataka. The tranquillity that engulfed
this wonderful World Heritage Site was such a contrast to some of the
astonishing Indian cities that I have had the pleasure to visit.
As I walked around the monuments and sites I couldn't help but smile,
although a serene mystic place, the cheerfulness of the people was still as
infectious as I have found throughout all my travels within India. From vendors
to tourists I couldn't help but get lost in the emotions of these individuals.
I was in awe of the precision to which the young men handled the
magnificent elephants as they bathed them in the river. The tourists watching
this everyday occurrence were amazed at the exercise, the local’s didn’t appear
to notice what was occurring, they just continued with their daily chores. It’s on occasions like this that I stop and
realize just how much we take for granted. When had I last observed a tradition in the
city I come from acknowledging the uniqueness? I really do not remember!
There were groups of men and women that had travelled specifically to visit
Hampi. The striking colours of their
attire projected a three dimensional visual against the surreal background of
the stunning scenery. Here I was amidst
this amazing World Heritage Site and still the vibrant colours of India that I had
become so familiar with engulfed me. The
jewellery worn by the women glistened in the bright sunlight adding extra
richness to a location already rich in history.
I watched the children playing totally oblivious to their surroundings, the
usual joy on their faces as they became engrossed in their games. Hopefully they would grow up to appreciate
this magical place and not become complacent about it as we so often do. The young boy masquerading in his precious possession
his sunglasses amused me. He was so
proud when he viewed the photograph I had taken and before I knew what was
happening I was surrounded by youngsters competing to get their photographs
taken. Some of the professional models
could learn from the poses these children displayed! The young girl adorned in a vivid blue dress
complimented by vibrant orange bows placed tenderly in her hair was unaware of
what was happening around her, the most important thing to her at that moment
was enjoying the kernel from the coconut she was eating.
As I weaved through the lanes they became alive with activity, vendors
selling their wares, craftsmen displaying their skills, tourists spell bound by
the atmosphere, teenagers giggling and children running around. I observed the
‘Holy Man’ zigzagging his way amongst the crowds stopping to bestow his
blessing on those who had the time to spare and individuals who purposely
approached him. The women carrying their
heavy loads not having the time to stop and chat, the determination in their
face was one of someone with a deadline to complete.
The sun was getting hotter and it was time to rest with an ice cold
drink! I sat back in the shade watching
the family drying their clothes after having fun cooling off in the river. The small motor boats ferried people back and
forth to the opposite sides of the water the passengers gingerly exiting the
vessel but smiles beaming across their faces.
It is these special moments that I realize just how important my camera
is, what better way to capture such timeless moments but through a lens of a
camera. As they say every picture tells
a story and I certainly have a story book from my short trip to such a
fascinating corner of India.
After resting I strolled to the hub of Hampi where shops displayed their
goods, the aromas of food and coffee filled the air and the hustle and bustle
of people stretched along the streets. Groups of families and friends blocked
the pavements as they talked and laughed amongst themselves, again evidence of
closeness amongst families. These
wonderful moments often transport me back to the times when as a child we would
go on a family outing to the countryside, packed lunches and outdoor games for
amusement. How precious those trips were,
family and friends spending quality time together trying desperately to find a
balance between work and pleasure. My observations of India show that this is
not an issue family always comes first and quality time is automatically a part
of a daily routine. I'm sure many European countries could learn from the
Indian way of life, I certainly have!
I do not say goodbye to Hampi I know I will return again.
You can read more about my perceptions
and experiences and why I choose to capture the images that I do in my travels,
in further blogs. Please visit my
website www.ellejestudio.com to see
more of my portrayals.
Happy Clicking!
Lesley J Saunders
