India. Went there 3 years ago. It was the first time ever I flew that far away from Europe. I travelled a lot before but the most remote countries I visited until that point were Morocco and Iraq. It was my dream for years. I was fascinated by the colours, ornaments, music, totally different culture. When I arrived, the smells of curry mixed with the odour of rubbish, contaminated water sewage and holy cows’ shit. Delicious fragrant food, especially in Kerala and Goa. Exotic fruits and vegetables and a bottle of rum by the Indian Ocean. Tropical places, palm trees, the sacral atmosphere. Meditation. Yoga. Hostel life, and almost every single one of them had a rooftop with incredible views. Cool vibes, interesting people, surprises every day. If you take England and India, the second one is literally everything is turned upside down, 180 degrees. It’s a strange country in many ways but that’s what makes it fascinating.

I always say: if you ever feel lost or stuck, go to India. You’ll find yourself there but you must seek and explore. Stay there for a while and trust me - you will. I did. Realised what was important for me at that point. It opened my eyes, or the third eye. One of my favourite countries for sure.

I took this picture nearby the train station in Rishikesh. I was waiting for a train to Delhi and spotted this man. I lit a cigarette, watched him for a while and asked if I could take that picture. He posed. I loved it.

Digital image manipulation from a photo taken at the train station in Rishikesh, India in 2018.