The magazine of the art-form of the photo-essay
“A free, really high quality photo-essay magazine. Fabulous!”
Stephen Fry. British actor, writer and film & documentary maker
June 2014 back issue
by Jill Schneider
When we travel we are generally looking for new, interesting, and beautiful places to explore. We shop, eat, visit
beaches, mountains, museums, churches and historical sites. But, when we travel, we are mostly oblivious to many of
the people who live there.
We forget, or are unaware of that in third world countries there are fewer resources, and almost no government aid
programs offering opportunities for a better life. Despite life’s hardships, faith helps people accept their circumstances
while remaining hopeful that their lives will improve.
My desire to go to the ‘Roof of the World’ for 9-months and travel to Nepal, Northern India, Kashmir, Bhutan and Tibet
was to document Himalayan life and individuals whom society tends to overlook.
I encountered many similarities and contrasts between the different cultures; but what remained constant among the
people were their strength and generosity, unwavering faith and spirit, and hope for a better life, otherwise known as
Dharma. Many people, especially Hindus, Buddhists and Sikhs believe that beings who live in accordance with
Dharma will proceed more quickly into a state of Nirvana, which will lead them to enlightenment.
Street sign. Kathmandu, Nepal 2009
Glue sniffing is prevelant amongst street children where glue is cheap and readily available. Many use it instead of
meals to ward off hunger. Kathmandu, Nepal 2009
Gypsy sisters make their way from Srinigar to Jammu for the winter season. Srinigar, Kashmir 2009.
The monsoon rains are coming to an end, and the heat is substantially increasing, making the river a perfect place to
cool off. Narti, Nepal 2009.
A nomadic Gypsy. Srinigar, Kashmir 2009.
Floating vegetable market at sunrise on Dal Lake.
A shikara is a wooden boat used for fishing, harvesting aquatic vegetation, and is the main form of transportation
around Dal Lake. Srinigar, Kashmir 2009
Kumbh Mela is the 'largest human gathering on the planet' and occurs every 12 years. Pilgrims go to bathe away their
sins in the holy ganga. Haridwar, India 2010.
Street boy. Jaipur, India 2010.
Slavery still exists in rural Nepal. Poverty is so prevalent in this part of the world that many families are forced to sell
their daughters into indentured servitude in the hope of a better life; however, often girls who are sold are physically
and emotionally abused. The Kamlari system is still going on. The girls in this photograph have fortunately been
rescued and now live in an orphanage. Narti, Nepal 2009.
Girl who lives in a tent village. Kathmandu, Nepal 2009.
Rooftop lounging. Udaipur, India 2010.
Newborns living in an orphanage get some afternoon sun. Kathmandu, Nepal 2009.
Potty training at an orphanage. Kathmandu, Nepal 2009.
A man relaxes at the 'Pilgrim Dormitory' near the Golden Temple, which is known as the spiritual center for the Sikh
religion. Amritsar, India 2010.
During the Kumbh Mela pilgrims try to find a guru, smoke
ritual charrs (hash), chant mantras, and eat blessed
Prasad (food blessed by the holy babas). Haridwar, India
2010.
A young monk attends lessons. Eastern Bhutan, 2010.
A girl lights candles on Christmas Eve. Dharamasala,
India 2010.
Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs believe in cremation after
death. They believe that burning a body will help the
spirit pass on to its next destination. Kathmandu, Nepal
2009.
Daily life at an ashram. Kathmandu, Nepal 2010.
