All posts tagged: india

filled with wanderlust for the sea

faded, so lost

A soft crackling noise can be heard from below, tiny crabs letting loose of the rocks, fleeing for the sea with the sound of our feet landing on each new stone. The air smells like salt with a hint of coconut breeze between, or perhaps that’s just what’s left of the island’s native beverage of choice lingering on my bottom lip. I lift my eyes slightly to see his feet leading the way, and up just farther into the expanse of the never ending horizon of the sea. After a 24 hour delay, we made it – this was India, on the shores of Port Blair of the Nicobar Islands. photography:KUNDAN KUMAR & KRISTINA PETRICK | camera:CANNON 5D MARK III | location:PORT BLAIR IN THE NICOBAR ISLANDS, INDIA | dress c/o:JOAH BROWN After much ado, welcome into a few of the first moments of the travels across the world to a tropical escape tucked just far enough away to escape the touch of most human contact. Like a hidden corner of the earth left just …

faded

The elephant keeps walking as the dogs keep barking. Something they don’t teach you in business class. This adage from India came from my partner in crime, and I will continue to keep the words in heart. With the growth of success, comes an onslaught of negativity. And no, I’m not talking about constructive criticism that helps you grow. I’m talking about the truly nasty, nonfactual, and unprofessional based nagging and manipulation of situations with seemingly no purpose or cause. You’ve probably worked with a few such people in your life, and if you continue to grow in a path of success, you can probably expect a lot more. While the spirit’s first reaction may be to reflect the attitude, the best advise I’ve received: The elephant keeps walking as the dogs keep barking. The fact of the matter is, you’ll never be able to train the dogs. Instead, an elephant walks steadily through the streets, seemingly unaffected by the barking around them. Focus on your goals and how to achieve them. The rest around you, is just noise fading away. photography:KUNDAN …

bermuda triangl

Couldn’t think of a better thing to write about than vacation to get through the mid-week blues. At least my mind can be in a happy place while my butt is glued to this uncannily uncomfortable office chair. Need a break but stuck in a swirling vortex of work and life chaos? Take a day – or a half day. Or a couple hours with your favorite glass of wine. The reset is crucial, especially when you don’t have time. Eat, drink, breathe, repeat… then get your lazy butt back to work. Only twice I have felt the sun and shade of palms this year. Once during my tour of India, and the other last weekend just for a day at the semi-local beach in VA. Posting a couple pictures of both to aid in my mental getaway. Also taking my new Tringl suit for it’s first spin. It’s made from scuba… how cool is that. photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:NIKON D90 + HTC RE | suit c/o:TRINGL | cosmetic bag c/o:SNAPMADE | portable charger c/o:LEPOW | nail laquer c/o:INTENSAE Beach …

what’s your sign

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” Luke 21:25-26 Something about the moon and stars have always captured me. Staring into the light of the softly lit globe of stone just makes me feel… different. There is a bigger power that moves through our universe, and looking to the sky seems to strengthen that connection. The night always frightened me a bit growing up, so perhaps it’s also learning to embrace your fears and somehow becoming something else in the transition. Not alone in my fascination, I spent hours wandering Jantar Mantra in Jaipur, India on my most recent trip. It was fascinating to see how people have tried to interpret something so beyond our world. I don’t believe in the catchy phrases and predictions …

where happiness begins

Happiness starts where positive thoughts prevail. And that is more than easy to master while taking some time off in the heart of the Indian jungle known as Bandhavgarh. Perhaps the closest thing I’ll ever experience to paradise on earth, words can truly never fully express the feelings that arise from being surrounded by such indescribable beauty. It was like a dream, where the breath of each tree and stone could be heard and felt as if they held as much soul as a human being, whispering stories from centuries of a past life, love, and loss. And the heat in the air, the scent on the wind, and the touch of the cold stone – all sang the same shrouded song in an ethereal, ghostly murmur. I could have stayed in that place forever. So far from common life, but so full of life that letting go of a previous reality could have been so easy. And beyond the undertones of the jungle itself, the region was bursting with all manner of tropical birds, wild boar, speckled deer, and monkeys …

follow me

The tones here were softened from the burst of colors in the rest of India. It’s as if the city gave off a radiance of soft tenderness. A sort of pearl itself, amidst a palace of jewels. Checking-in to Jaipur. Known for the architectural beauty of it’s cities, temples, forts,.. and pearls. The photos capture a mixture of Amber Fort (which we actually toured twice – once on foot, once on elephant!) as well as a stop along the water palace known as Jal Mahal. One of the most beautiful cities I have ever experienced. The pink city has an ordinance that no building can be painted any other color – which leant the city to a sort of dreamy, ethereal fervor. Attempting to be a minimalist in a country of color. Found this snow white traditional Indian kurta and salwar at a local market, along with the silver rings. When in Rome (or Jaipur)… photography:KUNDAN KUMAR | camera:CANNON 5D MARK III | attire:LOCAL MARKET | cuffs:THPSHOP | hamsa beads c/o:CHLOEALYSON

whispers of the past

Welcome inside the famed Khajuraho temples of central India.The Chandela dynasty to be specific, between 950 and 150 AD. A hidden grove of ancient architecture, famed in darkness for it’s reputation of erotic sculptures lining it’s walls. I went in slightly braced, and hugely curious. What I discovered, was a beautifully enchanting retreat that had a way of encompassing one with feelings of unchecked fantasy and whispers of the past. Its sculptures were much for focused on that era of everyday lifestyle, war, peace, rulers, etc than that of a suggestive nature. Only small segments on one of the over 20 temples, displayed any form of sexuality. Though what they did show… they showed a lot. Like everything. And some pretty weird stuff too… So on that note, let’s move on to fashion shall we? Disregarding the previous insights, India has actually an extremely modest nature throughout. So wardrobe options in 90 degree weather were limited. May I advise loose, breathable clothing should you venture there. The leather crop I’m wearing here was super cute and flattering with the flowing culottes. However,… it …

the far east

Just received final confirmation that I will be traveling back to the far east this spring, and couldn’t be more excited for the trip. This adventure will be a mix of work and pleasure, starting in China for overseeing of photography techniques and interior remodeling of our office space there. We’re planning on a sleek update complete with cement flooring, walls of windows, and some luxe finishing details. (wishing this was going to be for my flat!) This will be my first visit to China; when I was asked to get the 10 year multi-entry visa… I said YES! From China, I will be touring India for my second time. The country is absolutely beautiful, and I find myself reminiscing of my first visit there last year. A part of my heart will now always reside there amongst the beautiful people I have had the pleasure of meeting, and now am proud to consider my family and friends. Since that was pre-blog, I will be sure to keep you guys more updated this time around. …