Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

Hot, milky, sweet and highly spiced, India is fuelled by chai. The chai wallahs are on every street corner and at regular intervals between.

You may know the chia latte that is served in many coffee shop chains, well that isn't even remotely like the chia served in India. Whether it is a cool winters morning in Delhi or a scorching summer afternoon in the Rajasthan desert towns, chai is the drink that refreshes best.

FYC

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mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

Graham, This is one of your best in my opinion. It bristles with authenticity and realism. The expression on the chai wallah's face is priceless if somewhat enigmatic. Seems to be a cheeky little fellow who sees himself as a rather cool dude, and he isn't going to break into a toothy grin just because you're taking his picture. I like the way you have managed to include all of his paraphernalia from the big kettle to the jug of milk to the tins of tea, sugar and spices. I find the background to be very interesting and I spent some time drinking in all the detail. The grinning chap talking on a cellphone, the sober little guy with the sandals, and the legs of the soldier in the back. Even the dirty spoon and discarded paper cups on the steps ring true. A feast for the eye.

Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

Thanks Don, photographing people in India is a piece of cake, walk down the street and they will ask you to take their picture, then they want to take pictures of you on their phones. Family groups will pose themselves for pictures, others will join them, as in this picture. It started off with just three women then others joined in from Lord knows where... great fun. The surprising thing about this picture is that they didn't find a baby to pose with... they love to have pictures with babies... anyone's baby.

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carlysue Loc: Columbus

this scene shouts "India",Graham. Parts of India are crowded and hot and dry and cluttered and used up & thrown out. And that pretty much covers the image, except for the tea. Most chai teas here (U.S.) are fairly bland, a hint of spice. Of course I should have realized that it would not be so in India. They flavor their food like none other and rather than tasting a tad of flavor, its all spices and herbs and flavors flowing into one morsel, like it or not. And his equipment for making his product are used and beaten and old but not thrown out.

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I really like the expression on the man's face. He seems somewhat amused that you are taking his picture. the steam and the pot are wonderful. High impact shot, Graham. I like it very much.
Erich