That stick became the staff of the flag Zane and I planted
at the top of the hill. A quick, strenuous climb made more
difficult without the aid of sunlight.

Piloting a kite like it was my job. When I get back
ask me to show you how to stictch an Indian
diamond tissue paper kite. It's an art.

That tank was open, so of course I jumped in and
played around. The cannon was fully movable; had a good time
pointing it at people flying kites on the field. No ammo...

Batting some cricket balls with a full sports
scowel. Almost as much fun as flying kites. 

Tho em up

Headed off to Uttar Pradesh for the Ardh Kumba Mela in a few
hours but I thought I should put some recent photos up as a teaser before a
long entry when I get back. Everyone in India seems to agree that North India
is far cooler than the other parts so I'm excited to finally take a look. And it supposed to be
actually cold in the north now. I've got my sweater and bright red skull cap, ready to end this 8
months of summer weather.



Near the municipal building in the Panchwati
area of old Nashik.



A bus near Pandu Lena. The state buses
remind me of Barnum's Animal Cracker
boxes. Both are made of cardboard.

New Years Eve at a catholic church. We totally fucked
up violence that night by burning him on a stake and watching
rockets and firecrackers burst out of his chest.

TV on the Radio? 

And We're Back

For those of you hoping for a detailed explanation of where the hell I've been this past while: Ha. You're not getting it. Just trust that I met Christmas and New Years with good times, good people, fire, mountains, and not a single Christmas song. I actually will have pictures in the next three days showing where I've been. "Actually" meaning that it will be done unlike my other weak blog promises.

But on to pressing matters. Tomorrow, January 14th, is Kite Day. At 9am every living and breathing person should find the gustiest, hopefully highest spot in their region and fly whatever they can get their hands on. In Jalgaon they sell simple yet elegant 2 rupee tissue paper kites. In the evenings kids tie candles to string below the kite and tape a piece of glass to nose of the kite and have dogfights. According to Indian kids street rules, if you cut someone else's kite the defeated kite belongs to you. Not surprisingly, there are plenty of fights between the kids who own one kite and the ones who have sharp glass and adept flying skills.

Don't think Kite Day is some Indian tradition. It's a global responsibility that the rest of us have been neglecting. You've been warned-- get flying.