The kids come running when the camera comes out, and they all want to see their photo on the screen of the digital camera. The kids who are not selling anything are happy to chat, ask where I'm from, my name, and hang for a little while until we walk along. Those who are selling things are impervious to rejection and will follow you along continuing their pitch, until, like a cat in the city who reaches the limit of known territory, they finally turn back, but await your return trip.
Our boat ride on the Ganges at Varanasi was somewhat overwhelming. I am currently reading Slowly Down the Ganges by Eric Newby, written in 1966, and from his descriptions the only things that have really changed are the advent of mobile phones and the plastic waste.
It was disconcerting to be a witness to the multitudes who pray and wash in the river, and to see the cremation fires.
No comments:
Post a Comment