Travel: India

I decided to travel to India because a friend of mine, Benjamin Rousseau, was going there to shoot for his brand Oye Yaar with a few local photographers. As I had always dreamed of visiting India, I jumped at the opportunity to join him. We visited Mumbai, Goa, and Pondicherry as these were the shooting locations for his brand. These three locations gave me a wonderful perspective on the diversity of the country, ranging from the bustling city of Mumbai to the more natural setting of Goa, and the charming town of Pondicherry.

Even though I was unfamiliar with the country and its culture, I was probably most excited to explore Mumbai. The city is very lively, crowded, and loud, with so much to see and experience – it pushes you to stay very aware all the time. The energy and commotion can feel overwhelming after a few days, but it’s an incredible place to visit.

Yes. India is undeniably vibrant and bustling. The atmosphere in the cities is shaped by the abundance of people, vehicles, and noises. The nice thing is that the locals are charming and always willing to assist, which puts you at ease. Creativity also is a significant characteristic, evident in the rich textile culture and thriving film industry of India.

The country is incredibly colourful, with buildings, cars, and buses adorned in a variety of hues and decorations. The markets are brimming with spices, flowers, and brightly coloured fabrics. Women are often seen wearing colourful dresses with flowers in their hair, while men typically wear shirts and ties. Very different from what we’re used to here in Belgium.

Exactly. Like any new place, it takes time to adapt. Despite that, I do always make the effort to be attentive and observant whenever I visit a new city, to avoid being disrespectful and because I’m obviously very curious. The weather was particularly challenging for me as I am not accustomed to it. The humid and warm climate is vastly different from what we experience in the West. Once we settled in, we took a stroll through the city and had coffee at Subko.

Among the many Indian dishes I enjoyed, my favorite was chicken biryani. This flavorful dish comprises rice, chicken, vegetables, and spices. Love it!

I didn't purchase any souvenirs, but as a photographer, the only thing I brought back are the pictures I took.