Inspiring Places: India

How generous of this cow to have a rest in front of these beautiful fabrics
making for a great photo opportunity! (Photo by Me)

Morning!


I was just browsing through all my photos this morning, looking for inspiration, and decided I had to just share a few pics with you from a trip to India in 2008. It is without a doubt one of the most inspiring places I have ever visited  - on every level - the colour - everywhere, the sheer size and diversity of the place, the rich history and heritage, the chaos and craziness that rule, but somehow just work and belie a country completely built on systems and codes, and the resilience and grace of the population in even the most trying circumstances and environments.


India is kind of an endurance test, it's not necessarily for the fainthearted and it can get exhausting at times, but if you can live with all of that, you will come away with memories that will stay with you for life. I just LOVE the place and can't wait to go back.


Me and the lovely D flew into Mumbai less than a week after the terrorist attacks in the train station and Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (not to be confused with the utterly stunning Taj Mahal itself in Agra). I was pretty nervous but after a few days, realised that it was absolutely business as usual and so we set out on journeys that took us as far north as Agra, west into Rajashtan and south to Goa. We travelled mainly by train - which I would highly recommend - and which gave us a real insight into how this amazing country works. Here are just a few of the things that inspired me along the way.....(all photos by me & lovely D)


Beautiful Trucks: Every single lorry, truck and tractor is painted and decorated with tinsel garlands and streamers - they are so beautiful and colourful, I could have spent the whole trip just photographing these!

Cute painted truck with tinsel streamers

Truck painted with Hanuman the monkey god

Colour Everywhere: India is all about colour, from the pink palace of Jaipur to the goods on display in the markets and even on the quietest rural street...

Jaipur's pink palace

Bangle-Tastic!

Taking a snooze in a colourful spot

Amazing Markets: Well, I love markets and we found some brilliant ones in India, from food markets and the Vintage haven of the Chor Bazaar flea market in Mumbai, (Chor means thief, but this is pretty safe, and tons of fun) to the narrow alleyways of the Jaipur Bazaar where different kinds of supplies were sold in different streets........

Beautiful fresh produce, Jaipur

Wedding supplies stall, Jaipur

A whole alleyway dedicated to party supplies and tinsel - yum!

I'll take that one please...and that one....and that one! Ribbon & Trim stall, Jaipur

And yes, I did have to buy extra bags to bring all my purchases home!

I will follow up with a more detailed guide soon in case you are planning a visit, but in the meantime, hope the colour and energy in these pics provides a little eye candy for your Friday - have a great day.

L. x