"Close your eyes... Open in paradise!" - Craigens in Kashmir

Asia » India » Jammu & Kashmir » Srinagar
May 15th 2008

Published: May 19th 2008

This is the quote that convinced us to start our trip up in the state of Kashmir. It seemed like every single person in New Delhi could only dream of making a trip up to their so called paradise. After a day of +42 C while bombing around a dirty, smelly, polluted, mass of human existence also known as Delhi... this so called paradise to the north sounded pretty good. So off to Kashmir it was by p... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 44, Displayed: 21

Million dollar view

Their mud stick shack had this amazing view

Faces

Typical Kashmiri Children

19th May 2008

Dad
non-member comment

Great piece of writing Ben. Phenonmenal views. Reminds us of the Chilkoot minus the kids. Neat mustaches, sons. Mom says it makes you look very much "Craigen!" We note that you are meeting some very interesting people. With this being off season, I can see why you would be a hit and much sought after by locals looking for scarce new cash. Much love, Dad and Mom

20th May 2008

island mom
non-member comment

You've Jogged Big Ben's Memory!
We have just returned from a hike up Menzies Mt. in the pouring rain and fog. Hardly the Himalayan view you are immersed in. So happy to hear from you.

20th May 2008

Dave
non-member comment

Nice Stache
Its nice to see you boys doing well. I knew you would pack the Heinz. i enjoyed the story and pics as always. Have fun be safe. Later, Dave

20th May 2008

Moira Lassen
non-member comment

Awesome!
Andrew!!! Awesome!!! You guys rock, what a great trip! Do you need some contacts in India....I got friends you know. Actually one of the Olympians who is training in Whitehorse with Jeane is originally from India so if you want we can hook you up with his family. Jeane and I are both off to the Games beginning of August - final qualifications were yesterday so it's all good for her. I knew I was heading over since early March but kept it hush and hush until the athletes qualified. Cheers dudes and travel safe Moira

20th May 2008

Robyn
non-member comment

Hey, know it's a bit random when you get comments from people you don't know...but great photos! saw your blog on the front page of travelblog and in the last week or so have been thinking about heading out there skiing one of these winters so it was really interesting to read your stories/see photos of the area. seems like an amazing part of the world to visit! then got distracted by all the photos of pow in the monashees...wow! happy travels and thanks for the peek into travels over there!!

20th May 2008

Karen
non-member comment

from PEI
Enjoyed your journal. We are on a cruise down the St. Lawrence, stopping in Quebec City, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbour Maine and finishing in Boston. The Maasdam, a Holland American cruise ship is treating us very well so your adventures and ours are at the opposite ends of the scale. We are in Charlottetown today where we received a warm welcome and free internet access at their Welcome Centre. Looking forward to your next account. Love you both A Karen

20th May 2008

Jenny
non-member comment

can we come along?
Hey Ben, looks like you and Andrew are off on an epic. It looks really nice, and I like looking at all your photos, keep up the good work! I would like to come take some photos too.....nate and I will be there tomorrow....ok maybe not but wish we were! have fun!

20th May 2008

Your loving Auntie Moe
non-member comment

Wow!!!!
Ben, I love your name for your sidekick - "Intrepid Indian Sidekick Andrew"!!! He is definitely intrepid and a terrific sidekick. I don't know about the Indian part... a little too tall!!! Grammy would absolutely love reading all about your adventures - I'm sorry you had to talk to "Ralph and Beulah" aka Delhi Belly for so long but thank goodness that is behind you. I'll bet you couldn't believe the skiing conditions after the sweltering heat. I love reading your journals....keep them coming and as your dad would say, "continue to give 'er boys!" Your loving Auntie Moe

21st May 2008

Nolan
non-member comment

howf
I'm with your dad on that one. That was definitely a good read. Keep up the good work Ben, can't wait for the next update.

21st May 2008

sampson
non-member comment

you guys should see if you can get in a couple of bollywood pictures while your down there...i hear they are looking for a couple of shaggy intrepid interlopers. It would make for some extra capital and would probably work in your favor with the ladies hey!! ha looks like your having a good time. take it easy not sleazy.

23rd May 2008

Douglas
non-member comment

Amazing!
Thats some great stuff you found yourself into guys! Make sure you get in some cricket as India is very famous for it.

24th May 2008

Fredwardo
non-member comment

Bender! So are the locals staring at you because you are white... or because you have the most ridiculous beard anyone has ever seen?! Glad to hear that you are doing well. Trip looks awesome. I can't wait to get out of here again, though its not too bad right now. Skied the Aemmer a couple weeks ago, you know the one. Almost feels better to have waited for it. Looking forward to the next update. Keep on rockin!

8th June 2008

Angie Ringstead
non-member comment

Yukon BOYS
Hello Kashmir Boys, Just read the articles and viewed your pictures with all four of the Grandparents. We are very impressed and wish you both the best on your travels......GO to an yoga class for me PLEASE!! love, Angie, Marge, Bob, Irene and Don xoxo

19th June 2008

Missy
non-member comment

New definition of awesome ...........
WOW !!!! What a travelogue. Both the tales and the photos, with your imaginative and funny captions, are out of this world, at least in many instances above it. You guys sure know how to travel. Yukon hugs from rainy Whitehorse, Missy

31st July 2008

Gilly
non-member comment

wow
Well wow would be a good start! I haven't looked at the rest of your blog yet but am in awe of this little paradise you found. Would your "recommend" a girl travelling alone to go visit? any do's and dont's? take care

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"Close your eyes... Open in paradise!" - Craigens in Kashmir

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