Happy People

Image courtesy filmschoolrejects.com

This is a documentary on the lives of people in Bakhtia, an area in Siberia. With a population of 300, and accessible only through helicopter and boat, its inhabitants are mostly trappers. Directed by Werner Herzog who also provides the voice over, we are taken through all seasons in this isolated, rugged, and merciless place. These are the people who have lived here for generations, and have learnt how to endure and survive in this almost inhospitable place. This is true Man Vs Wild. What is a telephone? What is the internet?

Gennady Solovyev  is the main character who we follow through most of the documentary. Gennady takes us through how he survives in this wilderness using the most basic of necessities and tools (most of which he builds from scratch). We go through one full year, observing Gennady go about his work .He chooses a tree, examines its fibers, deems it fit for building a ski and then chops it down. Using basic carpentry tools and techniques passed on for generations, he creates a pair of skis for his travels. Factory made ones will not last this place, he declares. We also understand how the Koolyomka works(a deadfall trap).

Building the Koolyomka

The age- old bond between dog and man is explored well here. "You are no hunter without your dog", says Gennady. And it rings very true. It is beautiful to observe these loyal beings work with man, as they have, for generations and generations. The images of Gennady's loyal dog making its way across the frozen nothingness, as Gennady makes his way home, will make a lasting impact.

Image courtesy fandor.com

It is also amazing to observe the hardened, man against the elements Gennady reminisce about a sad incident involving one of his dogs and a bear. Side topic: Do you know why dogs turn around in circles before lying down? Read this. More on dogs.

Gennady also becomes philosophical and bestows his wisdom of the ages to us, sometimes borne out of solitude and contemplation. Stripping out the nonsense, he declares that here, it is about who outsmarts whom.

There are moments of family time, and the celebration of Christmas, too. The stark reality of depression and alcoholism, which is a reality in these places is also presented, although briefly here.

Warner weaves this documentary around solitude, industry, resilience, fortitude, and the delicate balance between man and nature. Although I felt that the romance of happiness may not be adequately conveyed/ portrayed here, this is a good watch. The least we can do is to appreciate the ways of these people, and remind ourselves 'how much' is 'too much', and how our mindless ways are crippling the planet, like nothing else in the history of its existence.

*I do not own any of these images. All pictures courtesy their respective owners*


With Love, from Russia.

All India Championship dog show, Aug 2012, Mysore

Came to know that a dog show would be held in town. Did not want to waste the opportunity of getting to see a whole lot of dogs of various shapes and sizes, in one place! I am absolutely insane about dogs. It is fascinating to observe different types of dogs, their temperament, their unwavering loyalty to their masters. Day or night, rain or shine, your dog would be more than happy to lick your face :D

So I rounded up the boys, with a bonus of breakfast at Hotel Mylary. Had awesome mylary dosas to our fill, and we headed to the venue!

Read on.

The Great Dane is one of the world's tallest dog breeds.Great danes were originally bred to hunt deer and wild boar.

The boxer. The character of the Boxer is of the greatest importance and demands the most solicitous attention. He is renowned from olden times for his great love and faithfulness to his master and household. He is harmless in the family, wary of strangers, bright and friendly of temperament at play, and brave and determined when aroused. His intelligence and willing tractability, his modesty and cleanliness make him a very highly desirable family dog and cheerful companion. He is the soul of honesty and loyalty, and is never false or treacherous even in his old age.
— 1938 AKC Boxer breed standard

I just loved these boxers, always in unison, always alert. They were amazing to sit and watch!

One of them notices me, see the expression on the other one, no nonsense dogs!

The Bull Mastiff? Not too sure.

The long haired Chihuahua

The St. Bernard is a breed of very large working dog from the Italian and Swiss Alps, originally bred for rescue. The breed has become famous through tales of alpine rescues, as well as for its enormous size.

The Chow Chow is a type of breed that is originally from China. This was a little scary!

Everyone knows who I am :)

The Belgian Shepherd  is a breed of medium-to-large-sized herding dog. It originated in Belgium and is similar to other sheep herding dogs from that region.

The Bulldog is a muscular heavy dog with a wrinkled face and a distinctive pushed-in nose :)

The Chippiparai, found in the area around Periyar Lake. It is used primarily for hunting wild boar, deer and hare. It is also used for guarding the home. Bred by royal families in Chippiparai near Madurai district Tamil Nadu, it was kept as a symbol of royalty and dignity in tirunelveli and madurai rulers.

The Mudhol hound. Named after a town in the Bagalkot District in the Northern part of Karnataka. Awesome Dog with superb poise and style. The first time I saw these dogs. They were totally cool.

A cocker spaniel :) very nice and cuddly. One cant help but cuddle these dogs.

The show stopper! An Afghan Hound. Also the costliest one in show. This one was got from Peru and it costs around 18 Lakhs! 

Some kind of mastiff?

The Saluki, also known as the Royal Dog of Egypt and Persian Greyhound is one of the oldest known breeds of domesticated dog. Looked quite sophisticated.

The Basset hound, yes, the Hush Puppies dog :D

A basset hound pup. This one was just too droopy eyed and cuddly:D They are scent hounds, originally bred for the purpose of hunting rabbits and hare.

All (most) of the text courtesy wikipedia
All images courtesy me.