We jumped a continent and a few climates when departing India to Finland in March 2020. Two days later, the borders closed due to coronavirus and we would call a cozy cabin in Kaustinen our home for the next two months. For the first half, winter was winding down, but not before experiencing our first snows in 5 years. The world was shutting down around us, but thankfully we could still get out and hike.
Kaustinen area, Finland (Snow)
Kamakura, Japan
For our final week in Japan, we visited some friends in the quiet beach town of Kamakura. This also got me close enough to Tokyo for a planned musical collaboration. The absence of tourists made for peaceful exploring, and on a clear day, you could see Mt. Fuji from the beach.
Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, Miyama; Japan
While based in Kyoto, I took a couple of excursions. The first was to the whispering bamboo forest of Arashiyama. The second was to the Fushimi Inari shrine, with its pathways lined by vermilion torii gates. The final was out to the countryside village of Miyama, with its traditional thatched roof homes. (Location for Miyama village is Kayabuki-no-Sato)
Kyoto, Japan
After spending two months in India, we set our sights on Japan. We landed in Osaka and immediately jumped on a train to Kyoto where we would spend the next two weeks. This album is a collection of daily life scenes, meanderings, and things that catch my eye.
Chennai, India
Arriving to India, I discovered that my passport was nearly full, and I would need another. To pick it up, one morning I bounced from Bengaluru to the consulate in Chennai (eastern coast), and walked the city until my return flight later that afternoon. I met some great folks along the way.
Bengaluru, India
After spending 4 weeks in northeastern India, we headed to the southern city of Benglauru, capital of the state of Karnataka. We would make this our home base for two weeks, with side trips to Goa, Chennai, and Mysuru (photo albums on their way).
Kolkata in 12 Miles, India
One of my most memorable days in Kolkata was a Saturday walk I took on my own, wandering freely for 10 hours and covering 12 miles. At 7am, I started at the Howrah Bridge flower market, explored neighborhoods via major streets and alleys, and witnessed life unfold throughout the day.
Video of the flower market is used in my Otherlands collaboration video with Dipannita Acharya. Video of other daily life can be seen in my Otherlands collaboration video with Arko Mukhaerjee.
