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Friday, February 6, 2015

{Part VI of Husband Pieter's Trip to India - Shimla, Himachal Pradesh}

Welcome back to the next Chapter: Part VI of Husband Pieter's Trip to India. Below this post you can find all the previous parts listed so you can go back to the start by H.R.H. Prince Claus...
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh State and again you can see the Himalayan mountains in the back.
As you can see here, we are moving farther north with each chapter...
Shimla is the capital of Himachal Pradesh State in the north of India, I've used the yellow marker...
Incredible how they managed to build those houses against the steep mountain slopes.
Shimla is at an altitude of 7,238 ft or 2,206 m and surrounded by pine, deodar, oak and rhododendron forests.
Beautiful views of this northwestern part of the Himalayan mountain range...
Spring is about to be at its best in the end of March...
Those mighty Himalaya Mountains
Daily life in Shimla...
 Hotel Mayur ←(click it) where husband Pieter stayed.
Hotel room with Pieter's suitcase on the bed...
Shimla is called Queen of Hills but this King size bed is not quite five star like...
Out on the street... 
Capturing their daily life...
As Himachal Pradesh is bordering Tibet, you clearly can see lots of Mongolid influence...
Making a living here is not easy!
Colorful: YES but not rich...
At least there are street vendors with fresh fruits.
This lady is buying some oranges.
Cute little one with hand crocheted bonnet, to the right!
Fast food...
Baked while you wait and watch...
No idea what he is selling...
An umbrella repairman...
A saw mill...
Young men waiting for someone to hire them, to do manual labor...
Just selling their muscle power!

Related links:
{Part V of Trip to India - Chail Himachal Pradesh & Highest Cricket Ground in the World} | previous post by me
{Part IV of Husband Pieter's Trip to India -  Solan, Himachal Pradesh} | previous post by me
{Part III of Husband Pieter's Trip to India - Maharaja Amarinder Singh, Patiala Punjab} | previous post by me
{Part II of Husband Pieter's Trip to India - Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh} | previous post by me
{Part I of Husband Pieter's Trip to India  - Arrival in New Delhi} | previous post by me
{The Mission of H.R.H. Prince Claus - Husband Pieter's Trip to India} | previous post by me



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40 comments:

  1. highheeledlifeFebruary 4, 2015 at 7:14 PM

    As always my friend your recounting of your and Pieter's travels and work across the global brings us an insight into other parts of the world we can only imagine. Your photos really capture the people and life. Your photos would make a great coffee table book... hope you are both staying warm ...sending you lots of hugs and blessings across the miles...xo Celia M. (HHL)

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 4, 2015 at 7:20 PM

      Dearest Celia,
      It has been quite a task for finally writing these chapters but it has meant so much for Pieter and I do it with love. This is truly a story that needs to be seen, so different from any regular tourist travel. It gives us all a real insight into people and their daily life.
      H.R.H. Prince Claus initiated these development projects and all Pieter did was pushing for helping the people on the spot; not adding a wing to the University of Delhi for more research...
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  2. TexWisGirlFebruary 4, 2015 at 7:24 PM

    lovely people and an amazing city built into the mountains!

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 4, 2015 at 7:44 PM

      Dearest Theresa,
      It looks mind boggling how they indeed built alongside the rocks of those mountains.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  3. Marie-AnneFebruary 4, 2015 at 7:29 PM

    Dearest Mariette,
    Thank you so much for continuing to share all those photos of beautiful areas and local people that Pieter had the chance to visit during his trip. It is indeed very interesting!
    Many hugs to you!!!!

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 4, 2015 at 7:45 PM

      Dearest Marie-Anne,
      Thank you for your kind comment and we both feel like these photos need to be shared. They often are such a stark contrast to our lives in luxury; compared to theirs...
      Hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  4. ParnassusFebruary 4, 2015 at 11:32 PM

    Hello Mariette, I noticed that like Taiwan and many parts of Asia, signs and brand names are often in English, while "useful" writing remains in the local language. Of course, India (and especially Shimla) has had more interaction with the British than a city like Taipei.

    The exotic location of Shimla brings to mind the humorous song "I Wonder What Happened to Him?" in which a confused Colonel Blimp type states "He was stationed in Shimla, or was it Bengal?"
    --Jim

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 5, 2015 at 11:28 AM

      Dearest Jim,
      Indeed, wherever you are in Asia, English brand names do pop up everywhere! Sure, at the times of the Raj, there was lots of British interacton and Shimla, also called Simla, was I guess the city mentioned in the song: I Wonder What Happened To Him?
      Bengal is in the south east and far away from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh... But of course, they did get stationed all over the Imperial India.
      Kindest regards,
      Mariette

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  5. ClaudiaFebruary 4, 2015 at 11:56 PM

    Deaerst Mariette,
    thank you for more pictures and impressions of an interesting country.
    Love and hugs,
    Claudia

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 5, 2015 at 11:29 AM

      Dearest Claudia,
      Impressions they are and lasting ones for a life time if you have been there in person.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  6. Karen @ Beatrice EuphemieFebruary 5, 2015 at 2:16 AM

    Dear Mariette,
    Such an interesting post - the buildings along the sides of the mountains are amazing and seeing the daily life gives insight into their culture. Very colorful and industrious people. Great photos!
    Thinking of you,
    hugs xo
    Karen

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 5, 2015 at 11:31 AM

      Dearest Karen,
      Amazing sights indeed, nature with its beautiful Himalayan mountains in sight everywhere you turn and the artful building of homes against its slopes. It sure does give you an insight into their culture and daily struggle for life. Being industrious is their only way to survive.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  7. Elisabeth PalzkillFebruary 5, 2015 at 2:49 AM

    Liebe Mariette,

    ich habe deine Sehenswürdigkeiten bestaunt.
    Alles Liebe
    Elisabeth

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 5, 2015 at 11:32 AM

      Liebe Elisabeth,
      Ja, es sind warhaft Eindrücke die man nie im Leben vergessen wird und damit realisiert man sich erst echt wie gut wir alle leben!
      Liebe Grüsse,
      Mariette

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  8. biebkriebelsFebruary 5, 2015 at 6:49 AM

    Ik vind soms Amsterdam al zo druk met mensen op straat tegenwoordig, maar in India zijn nog veel meer mensen altijd op straat zie ik. Mooie interessante foto's.

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 5, 2015 at 11:34 AM

      Beste Marianne,
      Eigenlijk in heel Azië is het inderdaad één wriemelende mensenmassa op straat en ook dag en nacht. Het zijn inderdaad prachtig foto's van Pieter om je ècht een goed beeld te kunnen vormen van het dagelijkse leven aldaar.
      Liefs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  9. oldthingsFebruary 5, 2015 at 7:03 AM

    Dearest Mariette ,
    So interesting post about another country and culture .Ι think that the living conditions are difficult but the people smile !!! Thank you that you share with us this trip . Have a lovely day !

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 5, 2015 at 11:35 AM

      Dearest Olympia,
      You are so right about the fact that the living conditions are extremely difficult and yet you encounter smiles! The more luxury people know, the more they demand and the less they are satisfied and content.
      Hugs to you,
      Mariette

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  10. Dies und Das vom NeckarstrandFebruary 5, 2015 at 8:01 AM

    Liebe Mariette,
    das sind wieder beeindruckende Fotos vom bunten Alltagsleben.
    Sie vermitteln einen sehr guten Eindruck. Ich bin ganz einfach
    fasziniert.
    Einen schönen Tag wünscht dir
    Irmi

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 5, 2015 at 11:37 AM

      Liebe Irmi,
      Danke und Pieter hat es immer gut in sich gehabt um dasjenige zu vermitteln was notwendig ist. So hat man wirklich sehr gute Eindrücke im harten und bunten Alltagsleben der Leute dort.
      Hier scheint die Sonne heute!
      Alles liebe,
      Mariette

      Delete
  11. NoushkaFebruary 5, 2015 at 11:32 AM

    Hello Mariette,
    Another great series of pictures relating this wonderful trip!
    You are going to have all of them here on your blog :)
    you make me long to return and visit India in depth!
    Keep well and enjoy your day :)

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 5, 2015 at 11:46 AM

      Dearest Noushka,
      Thank you and doesn't it make you long for India? It is such a vast and interesting country with a rich culture but also with stark contrasts!
      Hugs to you and we enjoy a sunny day.
      Mariette

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  12. TamagoFebruary 5, 2015 at 12:02 PM

    The views of the houses built on montain slopes are amazing, alhough they make me feel a bit worried about landslide! Love the captures of sceneries on the street. Looks like that's pretty busy place with many people. I'm interested in the food they are making. Kind of remind me of octopus dumpling from Japan :-)

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 5, 2015 at 3:46 PM

      Dearest Tamago,
      You are right about that and I doubt that they went by very strict safety rules either... Street life is busy, colorful and quite interesting and so far, both of us love the Indian food. Not necessarily bought from street vendors though.
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  13. Tammy@T's Daily TreasuresFebruary 5, 2015 at 11:55 PM

    I love the daily life photos the best. Such an interesting and colorful culture. That's a part of India that my husband would love to go back to one day to explore more. Best wishes, Tammy

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 7, 2015 at 9:18 PM

      Dearest Tammy,
      Indeed, those daily life photos give all of us a very good glimpse of how their culture looks like. The exotic colors do soften in many ways the extreme poverty...
      India has so many beautiful regions and I too would have loved to be there myself!
      Sending you hugs,
      Mariette

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  14. DIMIFebruary 6, 2015 at 2:00 AM

    Dear Mariette, great series of pictures!
    Pieter;s trip was very interesting indeed!
    Thank you for sharing!
    Wishing you Happy Birthday my friend!Hugs!
    Dimi...



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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 7, 2015 at 9:21 PM

      Dearest Dimi,
      Thank you and it is a colorful series of pictures from different Indian states indeed.
      Yes, the reason why only now I can reply is because of my birthday yesterday. A very busy day a Skype video call from our daughter Anita in Indonesia, right after breakfast and with phone calls from Europe from different countries. Lots of birthday wishes via FB and LinkedIn and I tried to reply to all of them but could not finish that yesterday.
      We were invited to a lovely Italian dinner, as a gift by the lady chef and her husband. That was perfect!
      Sending you hugs,
      Mariette

      Delete
  15. PallaviFebruary 6, 2015 at 2:47 AM

    How nice to see these images dearest Mariette . Seeing how Shimla was many years back .. Definitely brings back memories of this quaint hilly retreat. Hope u have a lovely weekend ! :)

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 7, 2015 at 9:23 PM

      Dearest Pallavi,
      Glad you enjoyed them and I wonder how this city looks today. Guess still many things are unchanged...
      Yes, I had a lovely Friday birthday and today we could take a long walk in the sunshine together, just in our sweater, without a coat. Tomorrow it is even lovelier with 21°C. Longing for spring...
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  16. kleine-creative-WeltFebruary 6, 2015 at 8:32 AM

    Liebe Mariette,
    dein Mann hat viele Facetten dieses Lebens im Bild festgehalten - die herrliche Landschaft,
    die Bauwerke und das sicher nicht immer einfache Leben der Menschen -

    liebe Grüße - Ruth

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 7, 2015 at 9:26 PM

      Liebe Ruth,
      Ja es stimmt das mein Mann viele Facetten fotografieren können vom Leben in diesem und anderen Staten in Indien.
      Es ist ab und zu sehr schwierig um das sehr harte Leben der Menschen zu empfinden...
      Liebe Grüsse,
      Mariette

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  17. Michiko JohnsonFebruary 6, 2015 at 1:54 PM

    Dearest Mariette,
    Thr some of a rich culture but street life are busy, A beautiful colorful Lady dresses!
    Industrious these photos of the world they life Pieter was pushing your for helping the people on the spot, but not rich people of mongolid influence capturing their dairly life.
    Your Happy Birthday Dear Mariette!
    Hugs and Kisses new Sammer weeks!
    Michiko

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 7, 2015 at 9:30 PM

      Dearest Michiko,
      It is true that there is a very rich culture with busy and colorful streetlife. Women are dressed very exotic.
      Thank you so much for wishing me happy birthday; sorry for replying a day late here!
      Hugs and here spring is coming closer too.
      Mariette

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  18. Kays KidsFebruary 6, 2015 at 5:13 PM

    They certainly build on the side of the mountains. They may not be rich in monetary terms, but I'm sure they would be rich with family and friends.

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderFebruary 7, 2015 at 9:31 PM

      Dearest Kay,
      You are so right about that, their culture is very rich in respecting the elderly and caring for the children. Also as a whole there is more togetherness.
      Often we learned so much from the poor people; they teach us a lot about life's true values!
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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  19. Fernando Santos (Chana)February 10, 2015 at 7:52 PM

    Excelentes fotografias....
    Cumprimentos

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  20. sharma911March 24, 2021 at 1:10 PM

    Thank you for your visit here I'm really glad to see hope you had a wonderful experience here.....Do visit again 🙏

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    1. Mariette VandenMunckhof-VedderMarch 24, 2021 at 1:49 PM

      Dearest Sharma,
      Husband Pieter enjoyed being there but due to his heart condition, such a long journey is out of question for now...
      Hugs,
      Mariette

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Thanks for your visit and comment.

Mariette...