Good Morning Srinagar!

While in Srinagar, there were warnings by the Indian Military to stay away from crowds. Apparently an Imam had issued a fatwa against some men accused of rape. These men were being held in a prison, and there were threats that if they were not handed over for Sharia Law to be dispensed that they no one would be safe, including tourists.

After spending the morning on a boat watching the sun rise, a couple of my Indian friends had gone into the White Mosque. I along with another friend were left waiting at the bank of Dal Lake. Slowly a large group of boys gathered and started walking to us. They had a rather serious look in their faces, as I planned our escape route, I decided to wave at them to break the ice. They soon had smiles on their faces and they took turns practicing their English with me once they found out I was an American. Its amazing how much a smile and a wave can do to diffuse a tense seen!