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Vietnam style baskets on a stick- the irritated chap shooed me off and turned away! Yes, as though the pomellos (see previous picture) were not enough reminder of my trip to Vietnam last year, this old man suddenly crossed the street with a long bamboo pole on his shoulder, balancing a heavy load at either end. Exactly like the 'bamboo pole vendors' I'd seen in Nov. 2016 in Vietnam and in Guilin, China in May 2017. Which drove home the point most Asian countries are so similar- same same but different, as that famous SE Asian expression goes! But the moment I raised my camera, this old man made a gesture with his hands to move away, then shooed me off, turned away and plodded his way into the building on the left! (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
OCM is a popular blankets brand in Amritsar and indeed all over India.
Mostly acrylic, the quality was fairly good, if the colours a bit garish. My sis in law looks at a nice blanket in a comparatively less busy, checked pattern, but in the end we decided against buy any blankets as they would be unwieldy and heavy to carry back on the flight home. (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
While my sis in law went about selecting her glass bangles, my brother and I spotted this tailor hard at work in his little basement shop,
just across the street. Well, in Amritsar terms, across the street means about four feet away- the streets in the old city are that narrow. We greeted the good man, he returned our greeting and went about his business unconcerned at our gawking and pointing my camera into his shop. (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
Maybe the tour company is upstairs? Vijay Shree Tours and Travels was selling everything else but tours- t-shirts, bags, clothing and general tourist kitsch. The chaps at the stores were also urging us to come in. We passed. The stairs at the left probably lead to the tour company- we could not locate it at street level. Just like in Hoi An in Vietnam, which I had visited in Nov. 2016, here in Amritsar too all the restored historic buildings had been done up in one standard monotonous design- two tone beige with brown signage which ad a border done up in a Punjab pattern. (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
Another style featured on a neighbouring building, this time in wood. The variety was indeed amazing! Specimens of wood carving can be seen on some old doors, windows, panels, railings ceilings and facades of balconies, reminding of the quality of work done during the Sikh rule. The art of wood carving owed much to the large number of Sikh carpenters in Amritsar. This only goes on to show that the other well known traditional Sikh crafts like the extraction of oils and some work in leather goods do not exhaust but rather only nearly complete the list of important industries of Amritsar at the time. (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
As we walk along, we come across another statue of Ranjit Singh, held by the locals in high reverence. Queen Victoria's statue once stood at this spot, before the independence of India in 1947. This statue is in the town square on the other side of the Amritsar Town Hall and was quite a draw among selfie seeking tourists as well. Detailed notes about Ranjit Singh appeared earlier on in this album. (see previous captions). (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
I trail behind my brother and sister in law (up ahead) and our tour guide (even further ahead- the man in the red turban) to take this picture.We are now walking on Amritsar's narrow alleys and by-ways. The streets are two way but are hardly wide enough for one mid sized vehicle to pass. It's still fairly early in the morning, and although many establishments are still to open, we found several hard working folks already up and about and with their nose to the grindstone. And look at all that loose wiring dangling overhead! All in all, although a nice enough city, Amritsar seemed to lake the infrastructure we are used to seeing in other cities in India like Bombay (Mumbai) and Poona (Pune). (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
I spent a morning taking photographs at my local butchers. I like the traditional look of the subjects and surroundings and it makes a unique and interesting place to take portraits. I chose here to take portraits for my college portraiture project as i like an interesting background and things to be happening in my portraits, also to portray sides of a person not often shown in a portrait.
Still shooting out of the moving tuk tuk, here is another one of those hard working trishaws. Only here, the driver appears much younger and he is running on empty. We spotted scores of these trishaws in the old city areas in Amritsar. These chaps lead a pretty tough life. And although using their services does earn them a living, for me personally at least, the idea of another human being busting his butt to pedal me around congested city streets and up steeply sloping roads somehow does not gel with me. I'm by no means light, and some of these chaps are pretty frail. (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
I am walking down the long pedestrianized shopping street leading to and from the Kiyomizu-dera temple in Kyoto, Japan, towards the bus stop. Of course, while the way to the temple leads right through a busy shopping street, the exit is by a quieter street past many quaint mom and pop gift shops in between quaint wooden residences. In the midst of all those wooden shops and residences was this lovely solitary freshly bloomed flower- a refreshing touch of nature to a busy commercial street. (the green grass and the odd sakura (cherry blossom) tree notwithstanding. The area along Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka slopes keep the atmosphere of traditional old Kyoto and are regarded as one of the best sightseeing spots in Kyoto. The stone pavement originally built as the approach to the Kiyomizu-dera temple is now lined with a lot of souvenir shops. The scenery of the winding narrow lanes and traditional-style buildings is designated as a Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings and filled with a lot of tourists all year round. Detailed notes about the Kiyomizu-dera temple and some of it's subsidiary shrines appeared earlier in this album. (see previous pictures). (Kyoto, Japan, Apr/ May 2019)
A selfie with my brother at the other end of Hall Bazaar. We had walked down Hall Bazaar from the large Hall Gate/ Gandhi Gate at the other end and had ended up here the previous night. (see previous pictures earlier in this album). Hall Bazaar is the only old market street in Amritsar to feature sidewalks on either side of the street, a feature incorporated because the market street was designed by the British. In the background is the Khairuddin Mosque, the only mosque in Hall Bazaar. Notes about the mosque appear immediately after this. (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
We were hoping we'd be spared till we passed that uber narrow stretch of street, but it happened! Here are two e-rickshaws (electric tuk tuks) literally scraping past each other. They had just millimetres of clearance between their mudguards as they passed each other, sending shoppers and pedestrians scrambling onto the steps of the stores on either side of the street. Pedestrians then took to walking behind the vehicle once it had passed them, like the gentleman at the far end. In a bit to have a cleaner environment, there are plenty of electric tuk tuks or e-rickshaws running around in Amritsar. The previous night, we had ridden one where the proud owner/ driver announced that he had built it himself, by hand. My brother though was quite apprehensive to ride them as none of them are certified by the transport authority and hence none of them are registered or bear licence plates. Note that the vehicle in the foreground has a blank licence plate. (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
The other night I did some research. I was looking for small business statics on failure vs. success, news articles, anything that addressed what I’m going through. I found a few items which helped me to feel a tiny bit better – here is one which speaks to the fading of personal interactions with a small “specialty shop” and a gradual movement to “everything under one roof”.
Why support a small business? They build real ones on relationships in the community that are hard to find in a big box store. They add flavor and interest to our surroundings. In case you haven’t noticed, the homogenization of Leesburg, Loudoun County and many other counties is thriving while the small business owners are having a hard time competing.
Read more @ thefinal90days.blogspot.com/2014/08/it-isnt-just-my-store...
We finally venture back onto the street after the two e-rickshaws (electric tuk tuks) have passed each other. My brother (the guy with the backpack) is the first to re-join the guide who is looking back towards me. My sis in law is on the other side of the street (the one wearing the white trousers), and she is waiting for the pile of motor scooters to clear- these had been stuck behind the two electric tuk tuks. (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
Another long shot of the 'pagri' or turban store in Hall Bazaar in Amritsar. The turban is a symbol of Sikh pride and is mandatory for followers of the Sikh faith. It is part of the five mandatory Ks which every Sikh must wear/ sport: Kirpan (dagger), Kada (steel bracelet), Kachha (boxer shorts), Kanga (wooden comb) and Kesh (uncut hair- this necessitates tying the hair into a ball atop the head and then wearing a turban over it). (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
Inside a traditional general store in Ngau Tau Kok Public Housing Estate,
Kowloon, Hong Kong
(March 2008)
A closer view of the store selling glass bangles in the Amritsar old city quarter. These bangles are generally used on festive occasions or for weddings and engagements, and in northern India, for such occasions have to be red. Other colours as well are used in south India. It is not too safe to wear glass bangles for daily use as they shatter easily on impact and can pierce skin and draw blood. (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
Yet another surprise as I came out a few steps to photograph the Khair ud din mosque. So four surprises in one, each just a couple of steps away from each other. First the mosque itself, (which looks odd now after partition but would have been a common sight not worth a second look before partition), then the tuk tuk repair shop, then a building which housed which was once Amritsar's first perfumery (see previous pictures) and now this. This is a tiny hole in the wall store selling antique artifacts. Although the sign is self explanatory if viewed in expanded or full screen mode, the store is advertising coins dating back to as far as the Mughal period and also from ancient Sikh history. Now if genuine, it would be a hassle getting them out of the country if you are an overseas buyer. (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
Amritsar if famous for it's cheap but good quality blankets, and there are several factories around the city producing them. OCM is one of them, and we are in their showroom now. The single shop assistant at the blankets counter was not shy of putting out scores of blankets for customers to select, despite their size, weight and difficulty in putting the display back in order. So before we leave the showroom, I thought I'd take this picture of the sheer mess the counter is is- mess no doubt, but very convenient for shoppers to select. Now that is dedication for you! My bro and sis in law picked up a few things here, not a blanket though, due to logistics- carrying one back home to Poona (Pune) would be unwieldy. (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
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Our guide Gurinder does a spot of texting while we come to grips with how narrow the street is! And this is a two way street, of course only for electric tuk tuks and motorbikes. And when two tuk tuks meet, they literally scrape past each other- yes, scrape past, I kid you not! And we pedestrians have to get onto the steps at the store front. I mean, really, see how narrow it is! Those shiny things are permanently hanging from the top- this is 2017- I'd seen it even in a Nat Geo documentary dating back to 2014. Those shiny pieces give the place a very Moslem look, but no, these are Sikh. (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
A close view of the large signboard announcing the store dedicated to the Sikh turban or 'pagri', an essential item for followers of the Sikh faith. (see notes in previous captions). Followers of the Sikh religion who wear a turban are referred to as 'Sardar' or 'Sardarji' in India. (Sardar-ji is a respectful way of addressing a Sikh 'sardar'). Sardar literally means chieftain, but although not every Sikh is a chieftain, all turban wearing Sikhs are referred to as Sardar anyway. With the modern generation, there are many shaved Sardars or Sikhs as well, meaning Sikhs who do not sport long hear or wear a turban. (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
We continue along on our Amritsar old city heritage walk as we pass another trishaw driver waiting for passengers at the entrance to another of those by-lanes. This street seems to be full of workshops for traditional crafts. Going by the overall rather dusty and unkempt appearance, open drains, wires hanging around and the overall decrepit look of things, the city does not appear as prosperous as some other cities in India like for instance Poona (Pune) or Bombay (Mumbai). People here are very hard working, and eat well (most Punjabi food is super heavy, swathed in butter!), but barring some swanky outer areas of the city, the overall opulence or prosperity seems lacking in most other parts of town. (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
Another horse cart hauling a mean load of bales of something- the traffic here in Amritsar was a bit 'back in time'. Trishaws, horse drawn wagons, tractor trailer combos and 'jugaad' (cut and paste) vehicles (see previous pictures) have more or less disappeared from many of India's modern cities, but they appear very much prevalent here in Amritsar. Well, at least the horse here appears a bit healthier. (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
Soon enough, we come across another tractor-trailer combo- there were many in Amritsar. This tractor is of HMT make, and is hauling a trailer full of sacks and bales of godknowswhat- maybe scrap of some sort. Man, I thought HMT stopped making tractors ages ago! There is zero protection for the driver and his passenger of the tractor. This may be frowned upon in other parts of India. Well, at least there is no one riding atop the rather haphazardly stacked load on the trailer. (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
I spent a morning taking photographs at my local butchers. I like the traditional look of the subjects and surroundings and it makes a unique and interesting place to take portraits. I chose here to take portraits for my college portraiture project as i like an interesting background and things to be happening in my portraits, also to portray sides of a person not often shown in a portrait.
These two hard working Sikh gentlemen were completely absorbed with their work. We did not initially make out what it was, but it was apparently some precision work. They were constantly peering down, poking something with tweezers or tapping it with a light hammer, and then filing. We initially thought they were making jewellery. Well, we were not entirely off the mark- they were making moulds (OK, molds)
for jewellery. Some truly artistic designs they were too! The man in the red turban holds up a beautiful mould he is currently working on Pour molten gold around it and bingo, there you have a true piece of art. Love the rustic layout of the store, with just a tiny CRT (cathode ray tube) television set to keep them entertained. They were at work now though and not watching anything. (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
I have been walking through the interesting Higashimuki Shotengai covered shopping Street in Nara, Japan and before I knew it, I was out of the market This pleasant sakura (cherry blossom) lined street leads straight to the Kinsai Nara train station which is just a few metres away. When I had reached Nara, I took a bus to the Todaiji temple and another one to the Gangoji temple. It seemed so far away and the bus ride appeared to be quite long. Now on my way back, tensample shots of premium Sake (Japanese rice wine)sloshing inside my belly notwithstanding, the return trip back to the station on foot appeared all too short. And I have been stopping off and on here in Higamushi Shotangai- to try on and buy eyeglasses, to buy a garment and to photograph a live radio station. (see previous pictures earlier in this album). It is fag end of the sakura blooming season but thanks to a slightly delayed start to the season, once could still see several sakura trees all over the place though with relatively sparse blooms. Well, that's better than seeing bare sakura trees, I suppose! (Nara, Japan, Apr/ May 2019)
Harbury Road Bristol (BS9) Site of the Old Co-operative Shop taken in 1995 seen now with a new frontage and different use
These functional buildings serve the local community with their bare essentials. Sadly, some work is needed to bring various buildings like these back up to scratch. When originally built, the variances of brown, black and red brick would have been more obvious but luckily, the newsagents on the corner of Beresford Road gives us an indication as to what the building would have originally looked like when first built.
Further down the road, on the pedestrianized way to the Harmandir Sahib or Golden Temple is this statue of Madan Lal Dhingra. Considered a freedom fighter by the locals, Dhingra was 'martyred' (hanged) by the British after he killed a British professor who was discriminating against Indian students on racial grounds. A close view of the events as displayed on the statue pedestal appears immediately after this. (see next caption). (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
The cobble stoned pedestrianized way leading past the Amritsar Town Hall (to the left) towards the Harmandir Sahib or Golden Temple. This street is completely pedestrianized in the evenings, but vehicles do ply on it during the daytime. When we had visited in 1979, this street was narrow, congested, dusty and chaotic. I was amazed at this radical transformation of the approach to the Golden Temple! (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
India has seen another illustrious individual, B.R. Ambedkar. He is noted for standing up for the downtrodden. As you may be have, India follows the totally absurd caste system where people doing menial or so called less than desirable jobs are shunned and are downtrodden. Despite being in the 21st century, some individuals in India still follow this barbaric practice, though it is a lot less prevalent now than in the olden days. Disgusted by this unacceptable aspect of Hinduism, Ambedkar converted to Buddhism where everyone is treated as an equal. This beautiful rotunda (roundabout) in the old city of Amritsar honours Ambedkar. Love the model of the Indian Parliament as the pedestal- very unusual indeed! (Amritsar, Punjab, northern India, Nov. 2017)
Say "No" to big box retailers, buy local this Father's Day!
Download this poster in high resolution here: www.independentwestand.org/wp-content/uploads/Fathers_Day...