Dear Jade,
I am doing well and at awe with the glory that
is India. Every aspect of this mesmerizing country amazes me be its people, the
place, the culture or the living. But what struck me the most were the roads,
for India with its roads provides you with an experience that no other country
can possibly compete with, not even our homeland New Zealand.
Indians are born with nerves of steel
and a blind sometimes paralyzing faith in the supreme power. The ease with
which an Indian nonchalantly crosses the road as a colourful unbalanced truck misses
him with a gap of a skin, shows his valour. India has two kinds of jungles, the
first being the real one and the other one being the concrete jungle. The
country rather brings out a whole new meaning to the term ‘concrete jungle’. A 2km
ride through the city behind my personal guide Mr Sharma, gave me a taste of the
domestic safari. It is much like the real Safari that you and I took in the forests
of Africa, the only difference being the swapping of wild animals with the
domestic stray ones. Jade, the Indian’s believe in protecting not only the
freedom of its plebeians but also that of its animals. As Mr. Sharma gave me an
overview of the city with the drive, I spotted a buffalo sun bathing in the
middle of the road while his lower half was being cooled by the muddy water of
the pothole it had made its temporary getaway. We drove past a herd of cows who
were grazing on the bushes which were grown I guess specially for their benefit
on the road dividers. As the donkeys seemed to be pondering on life altering
questions in the middle of the road, stray dogs were busy chasing piglets across
the National Highway. People drove through whatever place was left, making
random twists and jolts to escape the craters that I think were particularly
designed to give us all a true safari experience.
I wonder as to what keeps the Indians
away from and winning sports events like the ‘World Dirt Bike Championships’.
These men of steel with their nerve jittering escapades on the roads and their
mastery on the techniques of survival can give the riders from other countries
a run for their money. Jade, to drive in India requires skill which cannot be
taught but has to be passed down the generation lane through genes. You are
born an Indian rider, you never become one! There is but one rule that you need
to know before trying out the Indian roads, and that is ‘Just survive it’. The Indians
wince at the thought of using a helmet for not only does it hinder their highly
fashionable existence but also seems to be a direct spit on their gallantry.
Real soldiers don’t need body armour they say!
Jade, do you remember the first lesson
our parents taught us regarding the streets? The first rule of the streets is
that when you cross it you first look right, then left, then again right and
only then cross. Here in India such childish rules don’t apply. The mantra is
to just believe that no one will hit you dead and have pure faith in mankind! But
one thing I learnt is to drive atleast two metres away from the vehicle in
front, for you never know when the driver or the passenger would find the need
to build up their saliva and spit unannounced on the road, which sometimes the
air carries towards your face. A vehicle on Indian roads needs just a few
facilities apart from the basic engine. It only needs a steering equipment, a
brake, an accelerator, a horn and a suspension to protect your spine. According
to me there is absolutely no need for an indicator at all for it is beautifully
replaced by striking out your arm a split second before taking a turn.
The Indians are so used to living in a
populated country that they know how to share the little things they manage to
get. This can even be seen on the roads. The number of people on a motorcycle
or inside a car exceeds the actual weight of the vehicle itself, but such minor
details do not hinder a true Indian. I now know how the Indian soldiers are
able to perform the motorbike stunts I witnessed during the Independence Day
parade of the country this time. I am also sending you some pictures for your
enjoyment and understanding.
My love, I have to stop my letter
here for my time is limited in this truly intriguing country. But before I quit the pen, I must tell you
that we the people of New Zealand don’t know where our taxes have gone, but the
Indians know where their taxes have been used. Just one look at the glamorous
roads with its designed potholes is enough.
Thinking about
you,
Samuel.
 |
| The one during Independence Day... |
P.S- Yesterday happened to be the most embarrassing day of my life. My maid caught me butt naked as she came upstairs unannounced to clean my room. Also the weighing scale at the gym showed that I lost 2 kg's. My joy knew no bound until my father declared that the weighing scale was declared incorrect.
P.P.S- I want all my readers to make way for something healthy. Yes! I want you to include green tea in your diet. It tastes bitter but you do shed a few pounds :D
Image Courtesy- snagesh.com
