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Polaroid of the Week: The Heartwarming Smiles of India

Polaroid of the Week: The Heartwarming Smiles of IndiaSince arriving in India, we've experienced our share of ups and downs. Yet, one constant that always brings a smile to our faces is the incredible warmth and friendliness of the people we've encountered on our travels.

Everywhere we go, we're greeted with genuine smiles, excitement, and curiosity. In some remote areas, locals have never seen fair skin before—their eyes light up as they eagerly approach to ask where we're from, what we think of India, and a host of other thoughtful questions. We've been photographed countless times: kids and teens snap pics with their phones, while we've captured full family portraits on our cameras. Often, they even invite us to join their family photos! Afterward, entire families crowd around to marvel at the images on our screens, as high-tech devices like these are a rare sight. It's been an absolute joy connecting with the people of India.


Tourist Attraction
  • Polaroid of the Week: Stuffed Boar s Head at Lucca Market, Tuscany, Italy

    During our travels through Central America, weve encountered unusual market scenes—like baskets of live iguanas tied and ready to cook in León, or fried grasshoppers alongside the final squeals of pigs in Oaxaca. Yet nothing quite matched this discovery! Wandering through a vibrant market in Lucca, Tuscany, surrounded by fresh olives, global sea salts, and fragrant rosemary, we came upon a stuffed boars head proudly displayed at a delicatessen stall, nestled between olive oil and Chianti wine.

  • Polaroid of the Week: Dodging Hurricane Ernesto on Mexico s Caribbean Coast

    Hurricanes have become a recurring adventure in our travels. Since hitting the road full-time in 2010, weve encountered one every summer. Two years ago, on Ambergris Caye off Belizes coast, we arrived just as Hurricane Matthew loomed. Locals boarded up windows, ferries shut down, but it weakened to a tropical depression before striking. We rode it out safely in our hotel. Last year, en route from New York to New Orleans, Hurricane Irene forced a scenic detour through the Blue Ridge Mountains,

  • Polaroid of the Week: Blessed by Lakshmi, the Sacred Temple Elephant in Hampi, India

    Hampi, nestled amid the ruins of the Vijayanagara Empires ancient capital, stands as one of Indias most revered religious sites. Dozens of historic Hindu temples span several miles, holding significance for Hindus comparable to Mecca for Muslims—a must-visit pilgrimage destination at least once in a lifetime. Pilgrims arrive daily from across the country. The Virupaksha Temple, Hampis oldest, is uniquely home to its own temple elephant.Named Lakshmi, she bestows blessings on devotees by gently p