[Sam Kapasi]

We get onto a slow cruising boat, built for about 8 to 10 people. A slow lazy cruise around the river yields some fantastic views from the water.

















We are dropped off at a small place called the Naga Village. The boat will wait for us to return.

[vikram_d]

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

I don't wear a skirt and halter top. Not usually in public anyway.

Jenny is a lucky girl, in more ways than one.

[ajmat]

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

Disclaimer: The above situation is hypothetical. I don't wear a skirt and halter top. Not usually in public anyway.

Please DO NOT start talking about your G string and the quest for the G spot over here

[Sam Kapasi]

The Naga village is just like everything else here - quiet, beautiful and deserted.













We walk around for a bit and then walk back to the mini-jetty, saying goodbye to the Naga village. We are told that the village is a replica of a real Naga village and they intend to get umm.. real Naga people from the north-east who will then make their homes here and will sell, sing and dance for the amusement of the visitors.

Till then, we are told, that large corporate functions, big Indian weddings and all kinds of parties are held here on occasion.






The slowboat takes us back, around the lake and back to where we started.

The cruise has come to an end and Jenny and I return to our room for a shower and change. Tonight we are invited to a little private champagne dinner at the cabana-on-the-lake.

[navin]

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

there were hardly any people anywhere (And we were there on a weekend!)

This is what I noticed most and hence my interest.

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

I don't wear a skirt and halter top.

Did both twice in Mumbai and NY (in NY with high heels too); not trying to steal your thunder or anything besides now people might say I WAS more fun.

[Perakath]

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

We are told that the village is a replica of a real Naga village and they intend to get umm.. real Naga people from the north-east who will then make their homes here and will sell, sing and dance for the amusement of the visitors.

A nanga village might have been better amusement than poor tribals

[esteem_lover]

Originally Posted by Sam Kapasi

Now note the following.

Sam is still over 6 feet tall. He still has long hair. He is still fun. But Kalpesh is narrating in retrospect so the past tense is used.

In the same vein, my host is still an important man.

Disclaimer: The above situation is hypothetical. I don't wear a skirt and halter top. Not usually in public anyway.

Skirt & halter top not withstanding, your statement is still good because of the following;
Navin said

I was told all lake side properties were sold by invitaion only even before I inquired or came to know of this place.

and sam said

Correct you are. My host was a very important man.

He still could be.

both of you were speaking in the past tense here.

[Sam Kapasi]

After our shower we quickly visit a restaurant to eat something, but discover that a business conference has made it bustly. Or our tolerance level has dropped and we're now used to seeing no people around.

We walk through the building and I take some photos.




Please note that every light, as far as the eye can see, is all part of this township.







Now we drive to the cabana. On the way there I stop and take a photo of a monstrous metal sculpture parked near the sail-bridge.




The little deck outside the cabana is gorgeous. The view, the atmosphere, oh everything. First I setup the iPod boombox and play some trippy, easy electronica-lounge.

Then I setup my tripod and take this picture from the deck.



It's going to be a great evening. One to remember.

[Sam Kapasi]

It is a great evening. Interesting conversations, good food and more.









I take a few good photos with my tripod, when suddenly our host yells - MOONRISE!!
We whip our heads around to witness:





We're spellbound. It is the first time we have seen the moon rise, just like the sun. Smiling in excitement I think to myself of how much the investors and developers had to put in to impress us and how little it took the earth and the moon to knock us off our feet.

We're now no longer seated, the party is free and lazy. I have my sights on that:


We're over the lake. The air is fresh and cool and I am dancing a little to this great music. I know that this little pool is heated. I touch the water with my fingers and smile in surprise, it must be over 45 degrees in the water.

Oh what the hell. We only live once.

[Sam Kapasi]

We thank our gracious friends and return home. I'm not sleepy and I decide to sit out in the balcony for a while.

While I have the tripod I get a little experimental.




Most of the other experiments fail.

Half an hour later (or so it seems) i return to the room and to find another beautiful sight.


Goodnight everyone.

More photos tomorrow.

[Rudra Sen]

Lovely photographs. Lovely writing as usual. Only, I find the place artificial for my liking.

[sukiwa]

So everything was not perfect after all. Hmmm... would have loved to see their pics taken in night, when they are operational.

@gkrishn: One can see these lights in last photograph of post #68.

@ Sam: Is this the ethereal effect that you were referring to?

[Sam Kapasi]

Originally Posted by sukiwa

@gkrishn: One can see these lights in last photograph of post #68.

@ Sam: Is this the ethereal effect that you were referring to?

No sukiwa. Those were just atmospheric lights reflecting on the sails. The projector lights were all off.

[maddy42]

The pictures depict somethin surreal and picture perfect. Your truely lucky sam

[kannan666]

Wow ! Really classy place and great pics Sam ! Did'nt know that places like these exist in India ! This place will surely give even all those chalets in Switzerland a run for their money !