To escape the heat and humidity of New Delhi, we flew north to Kashmir at the foot of the Himalayas. When we deplaned in Srinigar at 1600 meters elevation, we breathed cool, fresh mountain air. Aaaah!<\/p>\n\n\n
Our first day in Srinigar, we took a much-needed hike in the mountains. At the end of a road, we followed a path into the foothills of the Himalayas. There were no noisy tuk-tuks or honking cars — just the sound of the river — which was clean and free of garbage. We saw more goats than people. Shepherds invited us into their tent for tea. It was great to be back in nature again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe next day, we wandered through cobblestone streets of the ancient city of Srinigar. Founded in the 6th century, this town saw its heyday from the 14th to 16th centuries under the\u00a0Shah Mir dynasty<\/a> and later as part of the\u00a0Mughal Empire<\/a>. Scholars and Sufi\u00a0preachers established places of learning here. Later, Srinigar emerged as a hub for\u00a0traditional Kashmiri handicrafts like the\u00a0Kashmir shawl<\/a>, made of\u00a0pashmina<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0cashmere wool<\/a>. What remains today are a hilltop fort, massive city walls, crumbling buildings, huge mosques and colorful, vibrant markets. Stella bought a scarf and exotic jewelry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMost tourists come to Srinigar for the pleasure of living on a luxurious houseboat for a few days. We did the same: Cruising the smooth waters of Lake Dal, eating fine Indian cuisine, relaxing on our houseboat’s veranda, and viewing snow capped peaks at sunrise and sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>October is a good time to visit Srinigar. The tourists have all gone home. The weather is cool and refreshing. Occasional rains leave dustings of snow on the surrounding mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_0821.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5147","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":2337,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"449\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5147\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0821-1024x449.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0821-1024x449.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0821-300x131.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0821-768x337.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0821-1536x673.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0821-2048x897.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg 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data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0830-1024x415.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5146\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0830-1024x415.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0830-300x122.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0830-768x311.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0830-1536x622.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0830-2048x830.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_5928.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5144","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":2381,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"440\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5144\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5928-1024x440.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5144\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5928-1024x440.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5928-300x129.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5928-768x330.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5928-1536x661.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5928-2048x881.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_5791.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5143","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":1787,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"587\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5143\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5791-1024x587.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5143\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5791-1024x587.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5791-300x172.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5791-768x440.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5791-1536x880.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5791.jpg 1787w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_0834.gif","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5148","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":640,"targetHeight":360,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5148\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0834.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5148\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_5931.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5145","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":1741,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"602\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5931-1024x602.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5145\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5931-1024x602.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5931-300x176.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5931-768x452.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5931-1536x903.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5931.jpg 1741w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Our next stop was the city of Amritsar, near the Pakistan border. Locally known as the “Berlin wall of Asia\u201d, the Wagah-Attari border crossing is the only permissible land route for trade between India and Pakistan. Every evening, there’s a highly stylized \u201cRetreat Ceremony\u201d during which the flags of both nations are lowered and the gates are closed. It’s a magnificent spectacle, attended by at least 25,000 people. This ceremony has been held uninterrupted since 1959 (except during Covid). It’s a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">must see<\/span> if you’re in Amritsar. The ceremony is both inspirational and comical — in a Monty Python sort of way. Click the video below to see this bizarre and amazing ritual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Wagah-Attari Border Closing Ceremony, October 2024\" width=\"910\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IzL2iTCZrPg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Stella and I couldn’t decide whether this ceremony is meant to be taken seriously or if it’s just a spectacle to entertain domestic and foreign tourists. Despite the bravado, the jingoism, the taunting and the combative history between these two countries, the event seems to symbolize the brotherhood between the two nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_5978.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5141","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":1365,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" 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\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_5982.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5140","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":1365,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5140\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5982-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5140\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5982-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5982-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5982-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5982-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5982.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" 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I was impressed by the height of the Indian soldiers. They’re selected for their marching skills and imposing height, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Golden Temple, Amritsar, India, October 2024\" width=\"910\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jbDRmz7xIV0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In Amritsar is one of most revered and holy sites in all of Sikhism: The <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Golden_Temple\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Golden Temple<\/a>. Completed in 1577, the Golden Temple rivals the Taj Mahal (1648) for beauty. Unlike the Taj Mahal, the Golden Temple is open 24\/7, it’s full of pilgrims — not tourists — and admission is free. I’ve wanted to see this stunning building for years! Although this is a revered and holy place of prayer, the atmosphere is festive. As usual, everyone wanted to have their photos taken with Stella, who continues to be mistaken for a movie star.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_6010.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5137","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":1365,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" 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data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"751\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5999-1024x751.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5139\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5999-1024x751.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5999-300x220.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5999-768x563.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5999.jpg 1396w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We stayed at a homestay across the street from this temple and had a fabulous view of the Golden Temple from our rooftop balcony. I recommend the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airbnb.com\/rooms\/619269752384453699\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4N Homestay<\/a> for its ideal location and genuine hospitality. Be sure to book one of the rooms on the top floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our 30-day Indian tourist visas are about to expire and are not extendable. So, we must keep on travelling. Our plan is to go west. Stay tuned!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To escape the heat and humidity of New Delhi, we flew north to Kashmir at the foot of the Himalayas.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5131,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5129","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5129"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5129"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5129\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5185,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5129\/revisions\/5185"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5131"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5129"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5129"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5129"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
The next day, we wandered through cobblestone streets of the ancient city of Srinigar. Founded in the 6th century, this town saw its heyday from the 14th to 16th centuries under the\u00a0Shah Mir dynasty<\/a> and later as part of the\u00a0Mughal Empire<\/a>. Scholars and Sufi\u00a0preachers established places of learning here. Later, Srinigar emerged as a hub for\u00a0traditional Kashmiri handicrafts like the\u00a0Kashmir shawl<\/a>, made of\u00a0pashmina<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0cashmere wool<\/a>. What remains today are a hilltop fort, massive city walls, crumbling buildings, huge mosques and colorful, vibrant markets. Stella bought a scarf and exotic jewelry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMost tourists come to Srinigar for the pleasure of living on a luxurious houseboat for a few days. We did the same: Cruising the smooth waters of Lake Dal, eating fine Indian cuisine, relaxing on our houseboat’s veranda, and viewing snow capped peaks at sunrise and sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>October is a good time to visit Srinigar. The tourists have all gone home. The weather is cool and refreshing. Occasional rains leave dustings of snow on the surrounding mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_0821.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5147","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":2337,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"449\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5147\" 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xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_0830.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5146","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":2528,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"415\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0830-1024x415.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5146\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0830-1024x415.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0830-300x122.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0830-768x311.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0830-1536x622.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0830-2048x830.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_5928.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5144","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":2381,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"440\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5144\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5928-1024x440.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5144\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5928-1024x440.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5928-300x129.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5928-768x330.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5928-1536x661.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5928-2048x881.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_5791.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5143","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":1787,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"587\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5143\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5791-1024x587.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5143\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5791-1024x587.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5791-300x172.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5791-768x440.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5791-1536x880.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5791.jpg 1787w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_0834.gif","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5148","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":640,"targetHeight":360,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5148\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0834.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5148\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_5931.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5145","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":1741,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"602\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5931-1024x602.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5145\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5931-1024x602.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5931-300x176.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5931-768x452.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5931-1536x903.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5931.jpg 1741w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Our next stop was the city of Amritsar, near the Pakistan border. Locally known as the “Berlin wall of Asia\u201d, the Wagah-Attari border crossing is the only permissible land route for trade between India and Pakistan. Every evening, there’s a highly stylized \u201cRetreat Ceremony\u201d during which the flags of both nations are lowered and the gates are closed. It’s a magnificent spectacle, attended by at least 25,000 people. This ceremony has been held uninterrupted since 1959 (except during Covid). It’s a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">must see<\/span> if you’re in Amritsar. The ceremony is both inspirational and comical — in a Monty Python sort of way. Click the video below to see this bizarre and amazing ritual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Wagah-Attari Border Closing Ceremony, October 2024\" width=\"910\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IzL2iTCZrPg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Stella and I couldn’t decide whether this ceremony is meant to be taken seriously or if it’s just a spectacle to entertain domestic and foreign tourists. Despite the bravado, the jingoism, the taunting and the combative history between these two countries, the event seems to symbolize the brotherhood between the two nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_5978.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5141","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":1365,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" 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size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5140","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":1365,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5140\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5982-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5140\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5982-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5982-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5982-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5982-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5982.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" 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I was impressed by the height of the Indian soldiers. They’re selected for their marching skills and imposing height, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Golden Temple, Amritsar, India, October 2024\" width=\"910\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jbDRmz7xIV0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In Amritsar is one of most revered and holy sites in all of Sikhism: The <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Golden_Temple\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Golden Temple<\/a>. Completed in 1577, the Golden Temple rivals the Taj Mahal (1648) for beauty. Unlike the Taj Mahal, the Golden Temple is open 24\/7, it’s full of pilgrims — not tourists — and admission is free. I’ve wanted to see this stunning building for years! Although this is a revered and holy place of prayer, the atmosphere is festive. As usual, everyone wanted to have their photos taken with Stella, who continues to be mistaken for a movie star.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_6010.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5137","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":1365,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5137\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6010-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5137\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6010-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6010-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6010-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6010-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6010.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg 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data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5138\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6021-1024x671.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5138\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6021-1024x671.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6021-300x197.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6021-768x503.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6021-1536x1006.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6021.jpg 1563w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge 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data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"751\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5999-1024x751.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5139\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5999-1024x751.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5999-300x220.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5999-768x563.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5999.jpg 1396w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We stayed at a homestay across the street from this temple and had a fabulous view of the Golden Temple from our rooftop balcony. I recommend the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airbnb.com\/rooms\/619269752384453699\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4N Homestay<\/a> for its ideal location and genuine hospitality. Be sure to book one of the rooms on the top floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our 30-day Indian tourist visas are about to expire and are not extendable. So, we must keep on travelling. Our plan is to go west. Stay tuned!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To escape the heat and humidity of New Delhi, we flew north to Kashmir at the foot of the Himalayas.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5131,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5129","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5129"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5129"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5129\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5185,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5129\/revisions\/5185"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5131"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5129"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5129"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5129"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Most tourists come to Srinigar for the pleasure of living on a luxurious houseboat for a few days. We did the same: Cruising the smooth waters of Lake Dal, eating fine Indian cuisine, relaxing on our houseboat’s veranda, and viewing snow capped peaks at sunrise and sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>October is a good time to visit Srinigar. The tourists have all gone home. The weather is cool and refreshing. Occasional rains leave dustings of snow on the surrounding mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_0821.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5147","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":2337,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"449\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5147\" 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data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5146\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0830-1024x415.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5146\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0830-1024x415.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0830-300x122.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0830-768x311.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0830-1536x622.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0830-2048x830.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge 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data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"440\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5144\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5928-1024x440.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5144\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5928-1024x440.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5928-300x129.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5928-768x330.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5928-1536x661.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5928-2048x881.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_5791.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5143","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":1787,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"587\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5143\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5791-1024x587.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5143\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5791-1024x587.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5791-300x172.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5791-768x440.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5791-1536x880.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5791.jpg 1787w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_0834.gif","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5148","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":640,"targetHeight":360,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5148\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_0834.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5148\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_5931.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5145","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":1741,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"602\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5145\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5931-1024x602.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5145\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5931-1024x602.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5931-300x176.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5931-768x452.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5931-1536x903.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5931.jpg 1741w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Our next stop was the city of Amritsar, near the Pakistan border. Locally known as the “Berlin wall of Asia\u201d, the Wagah-Attari border crossing is the only permissible land route for trade between India and Pakistan. Every evening, there’s a highly stylized \u201cRetreat Ceremony\u201d during which the flags of both nations are lowered and the gates are closed. It’s a magnificent spectacle, attended by at least 25,000 people. This ceremony has been held uninterrupted since 1959 (except during Covid). It’s a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">must see<\/span> if you’re in Amritsar. The ceremony is both inspirational and comical — in a Monty Python sort of way. Click the video below to see this bizarre and amazing ritual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Wagah-Attari Border Closing Ceremony, October 2024\" width=\"910\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IzL2iTCZrPg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Stella and I couldn’t decide whether this ceremony is meant to be taken seriously or if it’s just a spectacle to entertain domestic and foreign tourists. Despite the bravado, the jingoism, the taunting and the combative history between these two countries, the event seems to symbolize the brotherhood between the two nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_5978.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5141","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":1365,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5141\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5978-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5141\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5978-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5978-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5978-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5978-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5978.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_5960.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5142","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":1365,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5142\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5960-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5142\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5960-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5960-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5960-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5960-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5960.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_5982.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5140","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":1365,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5140\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5982-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5140\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5982-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5982-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5982-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5982-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5982.jpg 1365w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After their performance, the soldiers posed for photos. I was impressed by the height of the Indian soldiers. They’re selected for their marching skills and imposing height, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Golden Temple, Amritsar, India, October 2024\" width=\"910\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jbDRmz7xIV0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In Amritsar is one of most revered and holy sites in all of Sikhism: The <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Golden_Temple\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Golden Temple<\/a>. Completed in 1577, the Golden Temple rivals the Taj Mahal (1648) for beauty. Unlike the Taj Mahal, the Golden Temple is open 24\/7, it’s full of pilgrims — not tourists — and admission is free. I’ve wanted to see this stunning building for years! Although this is a revered and holy place of prayer, the atmosphere is festive. As usual, everyone wanted to have their photos taken with Stella, who continues to be mistaken for a movie star.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{"uploadedSrc":"https:\\\/\\\/www.zoa.com\\\/2024\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/10\\\/IMG_6010.jpg","figureClassNames":"wp-block-image size-large","figureStyles":null,"imgClassNames":"wp-image-5137","imgStyles":null,"targetWidth":1365,"targetHeight":1024,"scaleAttr":false,"ariaLabel":"Enlarge image","alt":""}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" 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data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5138\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6021-1024x671.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5138\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6021-1024x671.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6021-300x197.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6021-768x503.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6021-1536x1006.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_6021.jpg 1563w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge 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data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"751\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"5139\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5999-1024x751.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5139\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5999-1024x751.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5999-300x220.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5999-768x563.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/IMG_5999.jpg 1396w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge image\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"context.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"context.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We stayed at a homestay across the street from this temple and had a fabulous view of the Golden Temple from our rooftop balcony. I recommend the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airbnb.com\/rooms\/619269752384453699\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">4N Homestay<\/a> for its ideal location and genuine hospitality. Be sure to book one of the rooms on the top floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our 30-day Indian tourist visas are about to expire and are not extendable. So, we must keep on travelling. Our plan is to go west. Stay tuned!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To escape the heat and humidity of New Delhi, we flew north to Kashmir at the foot of the Himalayas.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5131,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5129","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5129"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5129"}],"version-history":[{"count":25,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5129\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5185,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5129\/revisions\/5185"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5131"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5129"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5129"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5129"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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