Lungta Flag Shop - and John Keats

Over two years ago during a small break to the city of Mussoorie in the northern part of India, I discovered a Buddhist village on a morning walk.

It was my first time to see prayer flags gently blowing in the wind and the site was one of amazement and beauty. I had written a blog post about the experience in which I described the meaning behind the flags, but often wondered about who and how they were made.

Check out my Blog archive written on October 19, 2009.

Several months ago, on a trip to Gangtok, in far northwest India, the answer to my question was answered.

So I thought I would give you an insiders look to the people behind the scenes.......

Gangtok is a delightful little city that is blessed with clear skies, a rarity in Delhi and in most major cities in India. While walking to my destination, I noticed a sign for the Lungta Flag Shop......with an arrow directing customers to use the stairs to the second floor.
Now keep in mind that Gangtok is in the mountainous region of the lower Himalaya's and most buildings are built on the slope of the mountains, so it was an oddity that while at street level I was actually descending a stairwell to reach the second floor of the building.

The pathway was dark and the surroundings were pitch black......no electricity...and a stark contrast to the brightness of the day. Even after allowing my eyes time to adjust to the darkness..........there was no light in site......and I was forced to use the dim light of my mobile phone to navigate the dark corridor.

Needless to say.......it was a bit scary.....like descending into the underworld......but I was up for the adventure.

I finally found the shop and made my way inside, armed only with English and not able to speak the local language...........but in such situations, a smile  breaks such barriers of communication.

The shop was small........no lights, except from the window at the far end......using the outside light, two ladies sat behind sewing machines that required no electricity and the continued to work throughout my visit.

I have seen such sewing machines in antique shops in the US............long past their prime and cast aside decades earlier after being replaced with more modern machines that required electricity............yet hear in India, machines like these are common and many make their livelihoods pedaling away for hours upon hours.

The shop walls were filled from floor to ceiling with material printed with prayers............in all colors, and were a stark contrast to the dingy walls behind.

After I took my photographs, I thanked the shopkeeper and her staff and made my way back into the dark hallway and back up to sunshine.

I have to admit, two years ago my imagination ran wild with thoughts of Buddhist monks sitting in a quiet monastery in some remote location hand sewing the flags before they were bestowed upon villagers for hanging in outside locations to put their prayers forward to be carried by the wind.

I found the following quote and I believe that it is quite fitting considering what I have written:

             “My imagination is a monastery, and I am its monk”
              ― John Keats

The Economist - Why do I love living in India?

I came across an interesting article today that I thought I would share with all of you.....and yet another interesting fact about India, my adopted homeland .......and I have found yet another reason why I enjoy living in India and am so fond of the country.

I am not sure what many of you will gather from this, but I can assure you that it made me realize that there are several places in the world that I wouldn't want to live in.....

I never thought that I would be influenced because of the price of a 500ml bottle of beer!

Here are the stats!

Daily chart

Thirsty work

Sep 24th 2012, 16:04 by The Economist online

How long does it take to afford a beer?
ON SEPTEMBER 22nd, the beer started flowing at Oktoberfest in Munich, an annual Bavarian beer festival which confusingly begins at the end of September. Last year, over the course of the 16-day event, visitors glugged 7.5m litres of beer, sold at an average princely price of €9 ($12.50) a litre, which is what a typical large stein holds. Germans love beer and down around 100 litres per person a year. Away from the Oktoberfest beer is readily affordable. Analysts at UBS, a Swiss bank, have calculated that it takes a German earning the national median wage just under seven minutes of work to purchase half a litre of beer at a retail outlet. At the bottom of the pint glass, low wages and high taxes mean that boozers in India must toil for nearly an hour before they have earned enough to quench their thirst.

 

 

Now here are some additional things to ponder......China and Nigeria have the lowest prices for a 500ml beer........I have been to China, but the beers I consumed were not cheap! I was obviously in the wrong place..............and Nigeria........not tops on my places in the world that i would want to live in.

 

Japan......$4.15 USD for the average price of a beer..........No Thank You......I'm not sure if i even want to visit the country!

 

Australia.......I have a friend from Australia........he drinks beer like a fish..........it is a good thing for his wallet that he lived in the USA, because at $3.70 USD per beer down under he would have never been able to afford his beer tab! He would have had to take a second mortgage out on his home.....it certainly is an eye opener for me I have a completely different perspective regarding "Beer and Barbie"!!...It is not a casual thing but almost the price of a gourmet meal with champagne!

 

Britain, Spain, Canada - All over $3.00 USD............nice places....but unless I got a substantial increase in salary, or stopped drinking beer altogether............I wouldn't want to live there.

 

ARGENTINA - out of all the places on the list...........the price is reasonable..........less than the USA's average price........and they have great wines also..............has potential

 

So next time you are asked......"If you could live anyplace you wanted to in the world, where would you choose?"..........what would your answer be?

 

CHEERS!

Khyber Mountain Resort & Spa - Gulmarg, Kashmir, India

We are getting close..........very close.......to the opening of what I consider to be the finest hotel in the Himalayan region - Khyber Mountain Resort & Spa.



Khyber Mountain Resort Exterior in Winter

For the past three years I have been making trips to Kashmir to see the resort rise from its foundation to what it is today.......and in just 3 short months we will be launching this magnificent project for the world to enjoy.


My first trip to Gulmarg is unforgettable simply for the reason that when I stepped onto the property for the first time, I immediately understood how special "this place"........the hotel and Gulmarg truly is......it was more than I ever imagined, and as a hotelier, the opportunity to be part of such a special project had my mind racing as to its potential.



Towering Trees and Fresh Crisp Air Winter

The setting was idyllic.........perched in the foothills of the Himalayas, with commanding views of the white capped peaks........surrounded by towering trees and the lobby overlooking a beautiful lush green valley, and perfectly located next to the area’s most world notable attractions.....the tallest Gondola in the world and a Golf Course at the highest elevation in the world……the location is a dream!


Lovely Scent of Pine in the Summer Air

I have literally watched Khyber Mountain Resort & Spa come to life.........and on this most recent visit, I am finally able to see past the construction and witnessed for the first time the hotels "personality" coming through.


Kashmir is an area of India notable for many things; saffron production, pashmina's, cashmere wool, some of the finest handmade carpets, kawah tea (more later), and papier-mâché and hand carved items from some of the most beautiful walnut wood.



Hand Carved Wooden Ceiling in Lobby Tea Lounge


Not surprisingly, the architect and interior designer along with the vision of the owner have done a remarkable job to incorporate all things that make Kashmir special into the look and feel of the hotel. The attention to detail and Kashmiri influence can be seen throughout the resort and in its guestrooms.



Wall Sconce in Guestroom Corridor - Hand Painted Papier-Mâché over Copper

So I thought I would provide you with some pre opening peeks into what is taking place right now as we begin to breathe life into this magnificent hotel.

Khyber Mountain Resort & Spa Exterior work  under way

There is no doubt that at the end of the short drive from Srinagar, we will be greeting each guest with a nice warm offering of Kawah Tea........while I am not much of a "chai man", this tea is one of the most delicious warm drinks I have ever tasted. It is made with the following ingredients; saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, sugar and noon chai leaves. Slivers of fresh almond are placed in the tea just before serving. The result of this infusion of flavors is simply one of the most amazing creations from this region of the world......yum!

Warm Cup of Kawah Tea Upon Arrival



As our guests walk into the cathedral like lobby, they will be standing under the hand painted papier-mâché ceiling that was most recently installed in the reception area of the lobby.......yes, hand painted.......and while my photographs simply cannot do justice to this beautiful work of art, once the lighting is complete and the construction dust is removed, the ceiling will truly provide the perfect setting for our guests to be welcomed.


Hand Painted Papier-Mâché over Carved Wood Ceiling in Lobby

At the opposite end of the lobby is the Tea Lounge with its magnificent views of the mountain peaks and the valley.......whether the valley is covered in a blanket of fresh white snow or during spring and summer when the lush green carpet is laced with the various colors of the natural flowers that grow during these times of the year, I envision guests just enjoying the view for hours at a time.......enjoying a cup of Kawah made and served in an authentic Samovar.



Authentic Kashmiri Samovar for serving Kawah


A samovar is a traditional Kashmiri kettle used to brew, boil and serve tea. Kashmiri samovars are made of copperware with engraved or embossed calligraphic motifs. Inside a samovar there is a fire-container in which charcoal and live coals are placed. Around the fire-container there is a space for water to boil. Tea leaves, sugar, cardamom, and cinnamon are put into the water and the result is simply indescribable.


View from Lobby Tea Lounge - Summer

On the left side of the lobby is the main restaurant.......and on the right is the Hookah and Cigar Bar............upstairs just over the tea lounge is a covered open air gallery, a one of a kind for Kashmir, and a place to be enjoyed all year long by our guests. In winters, our guests can enjoy watching the falling snow and the skiers and snowboarders make their way down the slopes.........a billiards room is also on the same level.


View from Lobby Tea Lounge - Winter

The resort is complete.......an indoor swimming pool with floor to ceiling windows offering some of the most breathtaking views one could imagine......picture yourself in winter, swimming in a nice heated pool while just outside snow is falling and the temperature are minus 10 Celsius or lower.
Then take a moment to relax in the areas world class spa.....with treatments designed to help you relax or rejuvenate after skiing, trekking, sledging, yoga, fishing, ice skating, white water rafting, horseback riding, a work out in the fully equipped fitness center or simply after taking a ride on the world’s tallest gondola to take in the views of the Himalaya's.



Sledging in Gulmarg - Winter Activity

Khyber Mountain Resort & Spa has left nothing to chance. Multiple places for Food and Beverages, outdoor activities year round and a fully equipped and staffed children’s activity center to keep young guests and teens alike entertained while parents enjoy other areas of the resort. There is even a movie theater that will show past and current favorites throughout the day and evenings. An amphitheatre, tiered gardens, relaxing terraces, outdoor dining areas, indoor and outdoor banqueting spaces, and on and on!

Guestrooms? Yes............the finest...........the only.....ONLY resort in the area at which customers can control the temperature of their rooms with central heat and air. Trust me, while this may seem like a "standard" for hotels throughout the world...............it is not so for this area of the world......relax in an oversized tub......maybe a bubble bath with scented bath salts while enjoying the breathtaking views just outside the window.



View from Relaxing Soaking Tub - Winter

Deluxe Rooms with balconies that can be enjoyed all year round....the perfect place to enjoy a private breakfast while taking in the gorgeous view or just enjoying the fresh, crisp scented air of the pine trees. Private cottages with multiple bedrooms.......kitchens for those who travel with their own chef or perhaps you would like to have us provide a chef for you to cook customized dishes for you and your family and friends........anything can be arranged.


Khyber Mountain Resort & Spa - Deluxe Balcony Room - Summer

More?.........yes I will be writing more about Khyber Mountain Resort & Spa over the next few months.......and I will share more photographs with you as I take you through the "unveiling" of this truly world class resort in one of the most remarkable and beautiful places on earth!



View From Balcony of Delue Room - Winter

For inquiries and reservations, please do not hesitate to leave a comment........I will be quick to respond.
Enjoy!

Car Games - INDIA GPS

I grew up playing games on long car drives.......the tradition carried on by playing them with my sons as they were growing up during long trips by road to visit family or when we travelled on vacation......car games are meant to keep trips from becoming boring and to keep young minds from asking "ARE WE THERE YET?" or "HOW MUCH LONGER?"

I was recently on a trip in south India where I found myself playing a new car game specifically to be played only in India......during a journey to four cities by road............Bangalore - Yercaud - Mahabalipuram - Chennai.......I have named the game.......INDIA GPS



I almost missed him....this is when I got the idea

  Throughout the world, GPS is the abbreviation for Global Positioning System, but in India......GPS stands for Gurpreet, Pranav, and Sanjay.......or any other Indian names starting with the letters G,P and/or S.......you see, in India, the way of finding your way, is by stopping and asking someone along the way.......nothing electronic....not even a map.......your driver simply stops and asks his way.



Day 1 -

My day began at 3:30am when my alarm awakened me in Chennai, India.........the driver had been instructed to meet me at the hotel at 4:30am to transport me to the Chennai airport for a 6:00am flight to Bangalore.




The Bus Man


After arriving in Bangalore, I retrieved my luggage and proceeded outside.......drivers dressed in white lined the railing, holding signs with names of other arriving passengers........I scanned the signs, but could not find one with my name....the driver that had been arranged for me was nowhere in sight.......I dialed the number that had been sent to me, and the dialog started with a driver with less than the required command of English that we had requested.......After several phone calls, we finally identified each other and my journey began.

A "Double"

My driver, Srinivas, was to accompany me during my entire journey........and after a rather "rough" start, together we battled our way through the morning traffic of Bangalore......it was then that I realized that what was to be a "3 hour journey" would not be possible......I confirmed with him that he was familiar with getting to Yercaud...my first destination......and as usual, I received a very confident "Yes sir. Yes sir"

The Rickshaw Man

Needless to say, after 4.5 years living in India.........I am used to things not going as planned and I am also familiar with the practice of drivers stopping to ask for directions, but, even though we stopped several times along the way, nothing was out of the ordinary about the journey, and I did not pay much attention.......and 5 hours after leaving the airport I arrived in Yercaud.

The Hotel Man

My meeting was at a lovely hotel named Lake Forest .......a beautiful hill station hotel surrounded by a working coffee and pepper plantation....simply beautiful. More on this location later.....but my meeting went very well.

By 5:00pm, the meeting had concluded and after the customary "goodbye's", I settled into the front seat of the car for what was to be a 6 hour journey by road to a city called Swamimalai.




The Bus Stop


Srinivas dutifully took directions from the Lake Forest Hotel Staff, however, within 15 minutes of leaving, Srinivas stopped and asked directions.....after several subsequent stops I noticed a pattern emerging.......every 15 minutes, like clock work he would stop and ask directions......It was then that I began timing his stops and began keeping count...........by the time we reached Swamimalai, Srinivas had stopped to ask directions 43 times.

Yes, FORTY THREE!!!!!!!!!

It was actually comical........what would have been very irritating to some of you became very entertaining for me....what would have caused some of you to lose your patience, had become a game of predicting what would happen next.....the hand gestures and the passion in the language was fascinating to me but may have been aggravating to many........I have been blessed with a sense of humor and with patience.......two qualities that have served me well while living in India.



The Motorcycle Man - I

  Throughout this leg of my journey, I was communicating the experience to my wife in the United States via email......."It happened again.......# 24"......etc........and she would reply........with an occasional message offering her sympathies.......but I was smiling and laughing inside.

I was also keeping in touch with my staff.........who were concerned about me being on the road at such a late hour........but I was reassuring them that all was "good"......

Motorcycle Man - II

We reached Swamimalai at 11:30pm........6.5 hours after leaving Yercaud.
After a welcoming foot massage, and a great meal, I headed to my room for a good nights sleep.......remember my journey had started that morning at 3:30 am and it didn't end until 1:00am.......22 hours.....11 of which were spent with Srinivas in the car.......I was very tired.

It was a very long day.......and my journey had just reached the halfway mark.......Srinivas and I had one more day and two more cities together.......and after the fun I had on day one, I couldn't wait for the second leg of the trip to begin the next day!



Day 2

After sleeping like a rock, I awakened the next morning at 6:00am at my hotel in Swamimalai, had some amazing food and that wonderful South Indian filtered coffee......toured the hotel and by 8:30am......Srinivas and I were off again on our road journey to Mahabilipuram.......after my previous days experience, I knew I was going to keep count on this journey as well.........

The Scooter Dude and his Wife

The staff at the hotel gave him directions........"out of the hotels drive, take a right, etc.......needless to say,  10 minutes into the journey, he instinctively felt that something was wrong..........so he stopped and asked directions and realized that he made a wrong turn......we were in the middle of a small village and he had to turn around and make his way back to the main road......

Rickshaw Man II

Three more stops for directions and we were on our way.......the fun had began again and in addition to counting I decided that I would begin taking pictures of those people he stopped to ask along the way..............unfortunately, this idea did not pop into my head until he had already asked 5 people........The pictures scattered throughout the blog are the photographs of the Indian G.P.S in action.......



The Coconut Water Man

By the time we had reached Mahabalipuram, he had stopped and asked directions 18 times from 17 different people. The motorcycle driver in the pictures below helped us twice!

The Toll Taker Man


I wish I would have asked them their names........they were all very helpful........good sports as I snapped their photographs.......I wonder how many names actually started with G, P or S?

The Tailor

Another observation is that Srinivas never asked a woman for directions....only men.......I am not sure why!

I hope that you found this to be an interesting, insightful,educational and informative story.......and what some of you have experienced, and for those of you planning a trip to India what you might expect if your visit will involve a journey by car.......India is certainly never boring! And you can play your own version of INDIA GPS.

Since I have originated the game, the current record stands at 4 cities, 770 km and 61 stops

On future trips I will be more diligent in my photo documentary and I will get photographs and names from all who help......from the very beginning.

Enjoy playing!

From "Blue Dogs" to "Yellow Cows"

There is a somewhat famous poem written by a man named Frank Gellett Burgess entitled "The Purple Cow"......for your enjoyment I have included it below:

I've never seen a purple cow
I never hope to see one
But I can tell you anyhow
I'd rather see than be one

I discovered the above poem while researching the origin of a phrase I grew up hearing in the US......"How now, brown cow?"

There are several opinions of the origin and meaning behind the phrase, so I have chosen the one's I liked the best to share with you :

The meaning and purpose of the phrase is to ensure proper diction and annunciation of the vowel sound "ow" since all of the words in the phrase end the same

.......this seems to make sense.

The term "Brown Cow" was a Scottish term given to a wooden barrell of beer around the year 1742......and of course when the keg was empty, the term "How now brown cow" was used to refer to ......"what are we going to do now that the beer is gone? Today it is used the same way to make fun and casual inquires as to "whats next on the agenda, etc"

...............interesting!


So why the fixation, fascination and research into cows with colors?

Simply....... because India never ceases to amaze me and each time I discover something unique and interesting, I am compelled to delve into such activities to learn more about whatever I see.

So while I have never seen a purple cow, I can now say I have seen a yellow one............and not just one, I saw several,  while I made my car journey from Aurangabad to the city of Shirdi.



It seems that I found myself traveling during the festival of "Pola".

Pola is a bull worshiping festival celebrated mainly in the rural areas throughout the state of Maharashtra.

On the day of Pola, farmers decorate and worship their bulls, and the entire community typically participates in the festival with music and dancing. Usually, the oldest bull in the community leads a procession of all of the bulls by breaking through a rope of mango leaves stretched between two posts, and the bulls that follow are typically in order of the villagers with the highest social standing in the community. These celebrations typically take place in the evenings.

 

Pola takes place on the day of Pithori Amavasya (the new moon) in the month of Shravana (usually in August).

On this day, the bulls are first given a bath, and then they are rubbed with peanut oil and turmeric powder to give them that beautiful yellow color. Garlands of flowers are placed around their necks and their horns are also painted. Some have special hats that adorn their heads. Indian do not lack in creativity when it comes to decorations of any type.



The day following the festival, the bullocks return to the field to begin preparing the soil for the upcoming planting of the fall crops.

What a site!
We were driving approximately 80km per hour down this rural road when out of the corner of my eye, I first spotted these yellow wonders. I quickly asked for the driver to make a U turn and take me back so I could take some photographs.




Upon exiting the car, I met Sandeep..............who obviously did not speak any English. I began asking questions and was obviously getting nowhere....so I called for translation backup. Sandeep and his family had done an excellent job of coloring his bulls and stood out among the rest. While most of the decorations had been removed, they were still the most vividly colored. Upon closer look, I noticed a bracelet/anklet made of shells around the leg of only once cow........I asked if that was for some special reason and they stated that the others were decorated in a similar fashion, but that the bracelet had simple fallen off.



While I cannot be certain, it appeared to me that Sandeep and his mother were equally curious about me,  as I was with seeing (and wanting to photograph) yellow cows.



After leaving Sandeep, I saw several more colorful animals working in the fields with their owners or beside the road as if on display for passersby to admire.






Animals in India are worshiped for various reasons, so it is certainly understandable that the festival of POLA takes place here for such an important animal.




India is an agriculture based society, whereby almost 80% of the population in India make their living by farming.

Farming today in India is still largely non mechanized which means that farmers rely on animals to help them in their fields. Bullocks play a huge part in rural life here in India, not only in the fields but also as a means of transportation.





So why "Blue Dogs"?

I wanted readers of my blog, specifically readers from India to know that I come from an area of the United States that also has an animal of color........the "Blue Dog".

However, our animal is not real and only exists on canvas...................the creation  of an artist name George Rodrigue.

His paintings of the Blue Dog have become very famous and he has created paintings of the Blue Dog depicted in various scenes and situations......they are whimsical and fun, and I urge you to find out more about him. The Art of George Rodrigue

So I only found it appropriate to name the title of this blog accordingly........to celebrate two cultures and my journey moving from the land of the Blue Dog to the land of the Yellow Cow........Happy Pola 2012.

May God bless all animals in all shapes, species and color..............mythical, on canvas, or alive.

 

Oop's there goes another rubber tree plant!

Traveling by road from Cochin to Thekkady is simply beautiful.

The state of Kerala is truly blessed by its varied topography. During my journeys throughout the state, I have seen some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world and some of the most scenic hills and cloud covered mountain ranges as well. It is no wonder that it has appropriately been named "God's Own Country"!

The entire state, no matter where your travels bring you is lush and green. As you leave the coastal areas and make your way up the curving roads into the hill stations above, you are surrounded by dense forest areas and cooling temperatures.

The tea and coffee plantations, with their perfectly symmetrical rows of plantings and the mosaic of colors cannot be adequately described by my words........but describing it as breathtaking is not an exaggeration in the least.

By now you have come to know me as someone who is easily fascinated by the simplest of things that I see, so it will come as no surprise that this journey provided me with yet another experience that I had never had in my 50 years of life.

By now, the title of this blog post should have provided you with some insight, but as embarrassing as it is for someone my age to admit, had I not moved to India I may have never seen first hand where one of the most commonly used materials in everyday life comes from and how it is harvested..........RUBBER!

Of course, this blog post would not be mine if I didn't share with you all of the interesting things I have learned in the course of doing research on this topic.......and some of the information may be eye opening to even my readers from India.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Did you know that India is the third largest producer of natural rubber?

• Did you know that "Rubber Tapping" is the process by which raw rubber latex is extracted from the rubber trees? To tap a rubber tree, a skilled rubber "tapper" uses a gouge to make an initial spiral cut 180 degrees around the trunk of the tree at least two feet in length. The cut is a mere 3-5 mm deep, which opens the latex containing vessels in the bark and not harming the cambium layer of the tree. A metal tap is inserted in the cut which allows the latex to flow into a collection vessel (half of a coconut shell) in the morning when the internal pressure in the tree is at its highest, and workers collect the filled cups in the afternoon. This process is repeated every second day to each tree.

• Did you know that commercial cultivation of rubber in India began in 1902 and was introduced by the British and Dutch in Kerala?

• Did you know that a rubber tree has a life span of approximately 32 years - seven years to grow to maturity and it will produce rubber latex for approximately 25 years thereafter?

• Did you know that there are approximately 1.72 million acres of rubber trees planted in India and there are about 180 trees per acre.

• Did you know that there are approximately 580,000 rubber "tappers" in India and that 64% of them are over the age of 40 and and only 4% are women?

• Did you know that the average worker "taps" approximately 270 trees per day which could be as many as 3 acres depending on the density of the planting? A skilled worker can tap one tree every 20 seconds.

• Did you know that the skilled worker wage is approximately 75-150 paise per tree tapped or (1.63 - 3.55 cents US) at 2010 conversion rate?

• Did you know that a skilled worker will produce about 1900 kg of latex per year?

• Did you know that as of the date of writing this blog 100 kg of raw latex was selling at 16,900 Rs. or $303.72. so the average worker produces approximately $5771 USD per year at current prices?

• Did you know that the rubber production in India is a 4.5 billion USD industry?

I will stop boring you with all of these fun and interesting facts, but it just goes to show you that there is more than meets the eye while you are gazing at the passing scenery on whatever road you may be traveling on.

Had I not been inquisitive enough to ask the question as to what kind of trees I was seeing, dressed in partial sheets of plastic, and then asked the driver to stop so I could take a few photographs, I would not have learned so much about such what appears to be a very simple and ordinary topic.

But it also made me ponder a few more thoughts.........just how many of the children and adults living in two of India's most populous cities, Mumbai or Delhi, have ever seen a rubber tree up close and personal?

Growing up and living in the United States most of my life never provided me with the opportunity to experience how rubber latex was harvested............and there are many more just like me.....even in my family.

So next time you think about the tires on your car or bicycle or rubber boots or even latex gloves.....think about making a trip to Kerala and getting up close and personal at the source.

In closing, until a few months back, the closest association that I had to a "Rubber Tree" was from a song entitled "High Hopes" and popularized by Frank Sinatra........well I hate to tell you Frank.......I didn't see one ant around any of the rubber trees that I saw......but I'll keep an eye out on my next journey!

Still in India.........playing "Catch Up"......Stay Tuned

It has been some time since I have written a blog post…………… almost seven months to be exact………..the reason for the lapse is not because I have left India……….I am very much still here in this amazing country…………it is not because I do not have adventures to share………….there are many……..in fact, I have them well documented in photographs. I have been “snapping” away,  cataloging and organizing and they are simply awaiting me to find time to put my words in action to describe the experiences…………..it is not because I have lacked the inspiration to write…………this blog has always been an enjoyable “escape” from the pressures of work……………..sharing this incredible country through my lens and words has been extremely rewarding………so why……..distractions………work….more work……perhaps not an excuse, but it has been difficult to justify to myself taking time to “pen” my thoughts while knowing that there are several things on my “To Do List” that are pending………I am not trying to portray myself as a “martyr” to my job………………it was simply that I got out of the habit of writing, during a very busy time………….and during the “down times” I have spent my time gathering material to write about at some time in the future.

That time has now come………..a New Year has began, and my resolution, in addition to beginning YOGA, is to begin writing again…………..there is much to share………….six months or more worth of catching up…………my next dilemma is where to begin?

It is very easy for me to pick back up from June…………….my camera and photo program has organized my photographs in chronological order……………..but that would be too simple…….and predictable.

So I have decided to begin with a post on my first visit to Gulmarg, India……….from June of 2010………..over a year and a half ago…………..certainly much farther into the past that the last six months…….so why have I waited so long to share this experience with all of you?

Just last week, after almost two years of negotiations, we have signed the management agreement to operate what will undoubtedly be the finest hotel in Jammu & Kashmir, and perhaps all of northern India. I realize that my claim may seem to be biased and perhaps a bit pompous…………….but Khyber Mountain Resort and Spa is a truly special destination.

Now that we are “official” I can write…………..and tell you all about this truly amazing place on Earth……

But before I share more about the Resort……I thought it would be best to begin by sharing all of the many reasons to visit…………

I have visited Gulmarg twice……..and will be returning again next month for my third visit…………my second visit in the peak of winter………and what I have described to many of our friends and family as “one of the most beautiful places on Earth”……..stay tuned.