When I said I was going to write a blog I had no idea at all just how hard it would be. There are the issues with wifi connection but that's actually not the hardest part,...the real issue is how to put an overwhelming amount of experiences into a few words.
Tarun and I left Delhi for his family village about 7.30 .am yesterday morning and even at that time the roads were crazy. We stopped for breakfast along the way....the background noise from the traffic perhaps 100 times louder than the radio breakfast session I listen to at home....but always with something interesting to watch.
Tarun treated me to the back road...several hours following the Ganges on a fairly narrow bumpy road,successfully dodging everything coming towards us . .you've seen the pictures of what travels on Indian roads....we saw it all. Although we were travelling on quiet roads and there didn't seem to be obvious signs of habitation the river was full of people getting sand from the river....all obtained and transported by hand.
Although it was a very long time ago I can recall learning about life in an Indian village, and I've often seen them from the road....a few people working in the field, the odd dwelling and the people walking or driving down the road, but actually going into one...no, never. When Tarun first suggested visiting his village of maybe 16 houses I jumped at the chance....anything for a new experience. So here I am, not just a half hour visit but staying for a few days.
Although it was a very long time ago I can recall learning about life in an Indian village, and I've often seen them from the road....a few people working in the field, the odd dwelling and the people walking or driving down the road, but actually going into one...no, never. When Tarun first suggested visiting his village of maybe 16 houses I jumped at the chance....anything for a new experience. So here I am, not just a half hour visit but staying for a few days.
So what have I found? A lifestyle that is probably much the same as it was very many years ago with perhaps the addition of power and wifi (even if not very good). The people are welcoming, the day relaxed and quiet. I have discovered that not all of India is chaotic...some parts are. the exact opposite.
It's a long time since I've slept outside. Yes, there are even stars in the sky out here. How you describe the two days there I don't know but it was certainly something that you never get on a big bus tour. We did very little in our time there, and what we did we did very slowly. The odd walk out among the fields watching people going about their day and often just sitting and marvelling at how there could be do much peace in a country of so many people. Tarun was able to give me a real insight into the village life... The different people (all either his cousin, uncle or aunt), the way the village operated, the price of rice... He knew it all well.
More than once I sat in the village thinking how much I'd love all of my grandchildren to spend a week or so there... What an eye opener that would be for them, and so much fun. For me it made me realise how little of what we have in our lives is actually necessary . Thanks Tarun!
Next stop Rishikesh !
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