Dal Lake is still the jewel of Srinagar, despite the fact that it’s clearly seen better days. There are the elaborately carved wooden houseboats from the British era, some immaculately maintained and others abandoned and beautifully decayed; the shakiras, brightly painted gondola-like boats that act as both taxis and luxury lounges for tourists; the floating vegetable and flower market, huge lotus patches, long canals, little shops, kids swimming, and people going about their lives. In the end that was the most interesting for me, just saying “Salaam aleikum” and “Hi!” with a big smile to all the people out there.
