Indians could only get in the Naga homelands before 2011 with an expensive and hard to get Protected Area Permit. Before that it was forbidden to tourists.
Headhunting was outlawed in 1940
Anyway, we set off early again. Each morning the valley is full of smoke
There’s a steel-blue cast on everything
Tired engines blowing smoke everywhere
And during Festival, these professional traffic people. Brought in from somewhere, or cops in snappy new uniforms?
Stop for cigarettes here. Storefront width seems to be made up of 6 foot multiples, with most being just one
The roads are destroyed with the exception of the 2 arteries, which are clogged solid for this 10 days. Here’s a bit of our ride this morning. Volume off
I sat with this couple today, right at the back, up high
Our view forward, 1/2 hour before the start
She had a bag of bananas
She gave me 3
People watching before the start. I couldn’t figure this group out. The girls were gorgeous and shy, the guys looked badass. Mob?
The morning was a series of acted-out stories or traditions. The crowd loved them. I didn’t understand but loved them too!
LOL
A lunch time village shot. Maybe a dozen fires burning. Amazing smells in the air
Competitions this afternoon. This is a regular competitor
And this guy, an ace
Another selfie. Trying something different here, going to try being a little more conformist
My favorites! Was bold and walked out in front to get this shot, argh, so uncomfortable
