LV - Window Display @ 5th Ave store 

Udaipur, 2012

Outside Saheliyon ki Bari

January, 2012

New Delhi

On my last visit home, I realized you cannot drive more than 5 minutes without coming across a temple. Sometimes two on the same street. Why do we need so many temples when most Hindus will have at least one small space in their homes - a shelf, a corner, a whole room - dedicated to the apparatus of worship? 

Is it because we prefer to pray collectively?

Is it because we need to be blessed by a priest?

Is there a commerical aspect to these temples?

Or is it simply (as I believe) - a way to socialize? 

Rajasthan, 2012 

Citrus oil stained my fingers, dripping on to a pristine white bedsheet. Spread decadently out on a lawn as I soaked in sparkling winter sunshine (sweet!) 

The shade of an old palace, now restored. 

Modern India comes with wifi and waffles. Rose scented spa treatments. And little luxuries paid for in rupees (of which, Delhi clearly has much many)

After sleepless nights in Shanghai, where mesmerized by lights

I lie awake. Now I fall into a stupor, a deeper slumber

26.1

Seeds and orange peel/ On grass. A little pattern of while, orange and green. India's flag flutters beyond

Guests stand at attention. Jana Gana Mana .... and then, 

Bharat mata ki Jai.

Times three

Reverentially recited. Still fill me with a little thrill

Soak. I want to breathe in all I can

Of this dustry air, tired ambitions

(Desert and camels, diesel and night)

These. Which fuel me. 

My own little propeller plane

The rest of this year will no doubt be spent

In countries 6, 4 and 3

Japanese cafes

American liberties

English weddings

For Jean Van Chen

B/

A/