The funny thing about travel is that you never know what’s about to hit you. Its almost like the Amazing Race really. You just need to soldier through the road blocks and the crazies. And you will be just fine.
Travel makes you see things differently. Appreciate eccentricities and life’s many moments that you least expect.
I was travelling through Kerala, India and although I encountered some difficulty communicating with the locals. This was not a problem at my favourite road side shack – a popular breakfast spot for the locals. It was where the lady carrying a bundle of sticks would stop for her morning chai. A sari clad thin, tall woman who carried the twigs and sticks on her head with such grace. And also where two friendly old men would gather for an early morning round up of local news, gossip and tea. Despite the shabby appearance – the food was heavenly. pittu- steamed flour mixed with fresh grated coconut served with curry for breakfast washed down by a steaming cup of hot tea in a glass so small you need to stick your pinky out to hold it. And popodums as large as my face – served indiscriminately for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And although it took a while for the food shack regulars to warm up to me –eventually I was greeted with a warm smile and a nod to check if the food was any good.
It’s the people you meet at the most mundane and ordinary places that give you a glimpse into the lives and culture of a country. Bus stops and road side cafes may surprise you – with ordinary people busy getting on with their lives but whose chance encounter leaves a behind a lasting memory.
Egypt had to be the land of splendor where ancient history sits side by side with modernity in perfect ease.
To the Resident manager on the Nile Cruise – who refused to believe that I was single J
And who would then make his way to the rooms to meticulously shape the towels into strange shapes of animals. I did not have the courage to tell him that I liked my towels clean fresh and preferably untouched. Instead every night I was greeted by towel monkeys, rabbits, dogs and cats and once what looked something like a small child. His persistence to impress us with towel animals was captivating.
And finally to the little boy at Thirivanaketiya Vidyalaya in Ratnapura Sri Lanka. I was responsible for a project that focused on the redevelopment of a poor school struggling in the aftermath of a severe flood. We had paid several visits and over time we had assisted the school and the children. It was on one such visit when a large group of us had gathered at the school and spent time with the kids. These kids were delighted that the city slickers actually wanted to spend time with them and found their company interesting. The kids were from very poor backgrounds and most kids would come bare foot-as they couldn’t afford to buy a pair of sneakers. But late one afternoon as all the festivities had ended, and the kids had been entertained and walked away with goodie bags – a little boy came up to me and handed me a big bag of olives.
His mum had patiently collected the olives and although she could have earned some money by selling it – she chose to thank us, in the only way she could. This gesture was unexpected and touching.
And so depsite the strange and nasty things people do and say - there may be hope. still.
I have not yet lost my hope in mankind.
