Sunset in the Desert

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Posted on: June 24, 2010

Posted in: Life, Video

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Sunset in the Desert

Is there any place on this planet that helps you feel grounded? Helps you remember what is important… helps you feel grateful for what you have and where you are in your life? One of those places for me is India. After a month of wrangling a new passport and visa, I am officially going on an international adventure! I’m going back to India for a very short trip. It’s all come together so quickly, and within a few days, I’ll be on a plane.

This video is from the last time I was in India in 2008, a trip I took with my dear friend Liz. This was before I started blogging and the first time I really picked up a camera to start capturing stories myself.

We traveled to the far western city of Jaisalmer, a remote desert city close to the India – Pakistan border known for a huge fort where, within the walls, a functioning town still exists.

From the beginning, this trip was an adventure starting with a 19 hour train trip that had no food, no real stops, and we had 3rd class tickets. (I’ll save this story for another time). In any case this video is on was of one of  the incredible moments we had on this trip. The gentleman playing the music wandered over to us and just started playing. There are a lot of street musicians in India, just trying to make a few dollars… it’s kind of amazing to know that is how they get by. At the end of the video he explains that the instrument is an “algoza” and it is very popular in Rajisthan. It has both male and female sounds, which explains why it’s two flutes in one instrument. :D

I hope you enjoy the video. I can’t believe I’m just editing it now after having it on my drive for 2 years! Yes I’ll be taking a camera with me again and look forward to showing you India 2010.

Rajisthani musician 2008

  • http://www.yackyack.co.uk robwatts

    Have a great time Sukhjit! I hope you keep us up to speed from Twitter :)

  • http://twitter.com/sukhjit sukhjit

    Thanks Rob! Hey you get a gold star for the first comment! I appreciate it. Not sure if I'll have twitter there.. but I'll try. Kind of nervous but ready for the break. Hope to visit you soon in the UK. I need to make a trip there soon too. Hope all is well with you :)

  • http://twitter.com/masamuneto masa

    Nice music to show us the landscape. Have a nice trip !

  • http://twitter.com/sukhjit sukhjit

    Thank you Masa! How nice to see you here on my blog! Like old times getting comments from friends! Hope you are well.

  • http://www.yackyack.co.uk robwatts

    Gold star w00t! ;0)

    I've just got back from a tour around China, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Bangkok – travelling is ace, if a little tiring towards the end! I'm currently recuperating back in the UK ( no place like home)

    Are you away for long? The UK would love to have you :)

  • http://twitter.com/masamuneto masa

    yes it's fine. I'm searching a new job but always to create garden ;-)

  • Kendall

    Wow the sights and are truly outstanding, very beautiful Sukhjit Thanks for sharing !
    Oh and enjoy your trip :)

  • Kendall

    err… ment to say sights and sounds ;)

  • pattihosking

    Sukhjit, The video is so beautiful and I really felt like I was there, experiencing the sights and sounds and texture and sun and the wind with you. Very exciting and impresssive. Would love to talk to you, when do you leave and return on your next International journey?

  • http://uselessnerd.com disposablepal

    great video, such a gorgeous desert, also the guy with the flute was amazing!

  • rachaeljoy

    Have a great time Sukhjit! Wish I was going with you and Amerjit. PROMISE I get to go on the next one!!!!

  • http://www.flickr.com/photos/sylverice/ Techy Girl

    Hey Sukhjit!

    Great video! Wow, feels like ages since I've been to your vlog! I totally know what you mean about feeling “grounded” or that sense of belonging. For me, I have to say it is Pakistan. I haven't been there in about 15 years…every time I think about going there, some place gets bombed! (I dunno what the heck is happening to the world, seriously!)

    Anyway, I love how you captured a piece of India and just one of its many beautiful cultures in this video! Oh and I also liked how you captured the shadow of yourself and Liz in the sand :)

    Enjoy your trip and I look forward to the next video. For the time being, I think I'll just catch up on all the ones I missed :)

    Ciao!

    Techy Girl (formerly known as Techno Barista!)

    P.S. See, now I have a face! :D

  • http://twitter.com/sukhjit sukhjit

    Love it when I see that you have visited Kendall! How are you these days?

  • http://twitter.com/sukhjit sukhjit

    Patti, Thank you so much for taking the time to come over to my site! I really appreciate it – and I am glad you enjoyed the video. I really had to get it out of my system before I started packing for the recent trip! Blogging on this site has taken such a back seat lately. Must fix that. Shall we meet for a drink next week after work? I'm in town! (for once!)

  • http://twitter.com/sukhjit sukhjit

    Hey Eric! So glad you like it! Hey, did you get your Dash yet?

  • http://twitter.com/sukhjit sukhjit

    RJ! I miss you. Was thinking of booking a trip to DC. Maybe when the heat wave is over.. whad'ya say?

  • http://twitter.com/sukhjit sukhjit

    Yaaaaay! Hello Techy Girl! How lovely to see you're smiling face on my blog. So is your background Pakistani? That is someplace I'd like to see as well, but I think I'd prefer to go with someone from there.

    Glad you enjoyed this video. THIS trip was the beginning of me constantly being with my camera. I recorded so much on this trip. I could probably post 5 more videos from what I captured. Let's hope it doesn't take another 2 years to edit and post.

    Anyway, great to see you, my Friend.

  • pattihosking

    Yeah, I'd love to! I've been dying to take you out to any one of my favorite San Diego places…Since it is summer, how about Del Mar, maybe L'Auberge or the Plaza next to Il Fornio? Rick's account here at BW is buying! I have to be in LV 6/16-17, but any other evening should work this week or next. Can't wait to hear about your upcoming travels.

  • http://uselessnerd.com disposablepal

    i did, it came in last week but i had to wait until tuesday to use it because internet hadnt been hooked up at my new house. i kinda sorta convinced my dad that i should have it more than him (he was easily bribed with a new video card i installed in his desktop). I love it! its exactly what i needed, i watch netflix on it, i've been using it in the kitchen while i cook or clean, i'm a fan!

  • Kendall73

    Aww.. I try to visit as much I can to see what new with you and I'm soo.. very happy everything is going great for you, you deserve all that's good in the world your such good people Sukki :)

  • http://twitter.com/Tellus Freida Wolden

    WOW! That was amazing! The camera really made the color explode on the page. You are so talented and wise! I just love your videos and you! Musical instruments have always fascinated me so I'll be looking forward to more videos with them in it!

  • http://twitter.com/RayHartjen Ray Hartjen

    The sand reminds me of my time in Dubai. The sand in the desert is undescribable – so fine, so soft, and sooooooo much. And, it's impossible to get clean from :)

  • http://www.sukhjit.me sukhjit

    Ray!! I love that you came to my blog AND left me a comment. It is the ultimate way to give props to a blogger. I hope you have a great vacation and take lots of pictures and video. Any chance you’ll blog em after you’re back :)

  • Sanjay

    Great video, musician beautifully added the real rajasthani and indian smell to it.

  • http://twitter.com/sukhjit sukhjit

    Thanks a million for the comment. Nice to see this post is still getting some play. Have a great day!

  • Jag

    Sukhjit, that pic of you on the crest of the dune is just breathtakingly majestic. (You’ve seriously got to make a bigger version of available!). Reminds of this …
     
    “Kashmir” - Led Zeppelin  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffo4tzU0rUc
     
    Oh, let the sun beat down upon my face, stars fill my dreams   I am a traveler of both time and space, to be where I have been   To sit with elders of the gentle race, this world has seldom seen   They talk of days for which they sit and wait, all will be revealed. … 
     
    Oh, pilot of the storm that leaves no trace, like thoughts inside a dream  Hid the path that led me to that place, yellow desert stream  My Shangri-La beneath the summer moon, I will return again  Like the dust that lufts high in June, when moving through Kashmir.  …
     
    Hope you will get some time to post more from your trip.