A Himachali woman picks two apples for me and my driver as payment for the ride we gave her and her family. Few cars travel between Sumdo and Tabo, Himachal Pradesh, and the local bus service runs only once a day. This young woman was walking with her brother-in-law, sister and their two kids along the narrow rocky road in hopes of a ride as we pulled alongside. Outstretched hands waving toward the ground signaled their friendly intentions. We were all too happy to offer up the empty backseat for nothing but conversation and laughs.

As the family emptied out beside the wall marking their apple farm, we were surprised to see her jump up, pick two apples fresh off the tree branch and extend toward us. Sweet delicious Himachal apples. What a perfect exchange.

Notice the Reebok sweater, western denim jacket and sneakers mixed with traditional Himachali caps proudly worn by the family.