This feels a little like the third Godfather film. The first was groundbreaking and the second one of the best films ever made. For me, the Elephant Festival was like the first Godfather. Groundbreaking and great fun. Holi was like Godfather II. Absolutely amazing and a memory that will stay with me for life. The last 24 hours has been a little bit more quiet, but still provided what I really like about India; the chance to understand and photograph some of the local people.
My best "tash" of the trip goes to this gypsy. I am sure there were some small animals living in it.
The gypsies lived by the side of a motorway in tents made from sheets of plastic. The men generally worked on construction where they could and drifted to where the work was available. A tough life. Anyway, some of the people were really beautiful.
Another tough life are the shepherds. At this time of year they leave their homes in the dryer part of India and spend five months on the road with their sheep leaving behind their wives and children. They have a mule to carry their possessions and that is it. No TV, DVD players, lap-tops or any other possessions that many of us in the west believe we need. A tough life and all the shepherds I have met are a very proud bunch, as they should be.
They roam in groups of men with hundeds of sheep undr their control. When they need cash (for theirs is a cash economy) they can sell one of their sheep to make ends meet.
Another subject to study are turbans. As you can see from the photo above, the shepherds have a distinctive quite large floppy model. Where this gypsy has a much more tight look (and you can see his plastic tent behind).
Finally, the kids remain so positive, curious and good natured. 
I am sitting in Delhi airport reflecting on an amazing few days. Really sorry that Julie was not able to make it. Despite this, I threw myself into her challenge to make sure I captured some of what the Elephant festival and Holi was all about. I hope I managed some of it. I was also glad to get away from the city for the past 24 hours and spend time in the fields among the farmers and shepherds.
That it is from me. Again (and I am sure I am boring you by now) India is an amazing destination both for wildlife and shooting the most colourful people .. most of whom love having their photographs taken.
Finally, if you are feeling fed up with your job ... think of this lady who today was mixing fresh dung with the chaff from wheat to make dung cakes which are used as fuel in the open fires ....
Bye for now
Adam
Godfather Part III - 3 March 2010
