India's People

A few weeks ago I was asked to stand in for a photographer to cover a assignment for a local charity. I was incredibly nervous having never done anything like this before. It turned out to be very relax and I was asked to capture some images they could use on their website. proVISIONASIA was founded by two Americans back in 1986. It is a non profitable charity based in Bangalore which focuses on helping the physically challenged generally from poorer areas. Facilities they offer include medical treatment, rehabilitation, work placement, training and play groups. It's a very worthy charity and has been life changing to a number of people who would have been seen as outcasts in India. Their goal is to empower people and give them the future they deserve.

This little girl was always playing up to the camera. Her large eyes draw you in.

His Furrowed Brow

A life time of outdoors manual work shows in his face. This hard working gardener very kindly let me photograph him whilst we were walking around the Garden of Five Senses  in Delhi.

Colours of Delhi

We had to fly up to Delhi for a business dinner at the weekend. It was a fleeting trip but we managed to visit the India Gate.  Built in 1931 by Sir Edwin Lutyens and inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. We also visited a wonderful garden called the 'Garden of Five Senses'. Its spread over 20 acres and has many themed areas show casing amazing stone and bronze sculptures. It's built over a rocky terrain. The many types of flowering trees and shrubs supported by hard landscaping, creating private spaces for the young courting couples.

Courting Couples

Bucket anyone?

Today was a good day. I felt I actually achieved something. After visiting a number of curtain shops around the city I finally settled on two shops who will supply the material and make the main and sheer curtains I need. Would you believe how difficult it is to find 100% cotton/linen voile in India! Afterwards I felt a manicure and pedicure was well deserved and then I treated myself to lunch at the best hotel in Bangalore. Well, what else is a lady meant to do with herself?!?

A regular sight on the streets.

Blooming Beautiful

Ive spent most of this week in the calming surroundings of the hotel. I just couldn't face the challenges of life on the streets of Bangalore. Some of the sights are quite shocking and could certainly discourage some people from ever visiting. You do have to see past these things and although I do not want to gloss over the  everyday life here there is sometimes true beauty in Bangalore.

Health & Safety

The locals here take motor bike safety very serious. As long as the driver of the motor bike is wearing some sort of helmet thats ok!

The roads of bangalore remind me of wacky races. Its a free for all and the biggest and boldest wins the space! It certainly not for the faint hearted or nervous passenger.

Blogging from Bangalore

It's day 5 of living in India. Admittedly I'm still living in a hotel. Some parts do feel like a holiday and there are other parts like the admin required to stay here, which may have caused some people to get straight on the next flight back home! But at the end of the day, drinking a cool Kingfisher beer we have to pinch ourselves to remind us it's all real. We are now Indian residents and live in Bangalore.

Girl at Lalbagh Botanical Gardens