Our longing to return to Pushkar faded quickly on the long drive back to Delhi, with an over night stop off in Mandawa. It was on these drives through Rajasthan that we noticed so many intriguing things that are commonly seen around India. We learned that Indians know how to make things fit - if there is not enough room inside a bus, they'll just hop on top!
We witnessed hundreds of Indians in the squatting position that men and women commonly use when chillin with their buddies on the side of the road. Also, it became apparent to us that only women are seen working in the fields in the heat of the day, or walking the streets carrying heavy loads on their heads, while the men sell food and useless items from their stall or sit around chatting with their mates.
My respect grew even more for these women when I noticed how each one wore their beautiful, brightly coloured sarees even when hard at work... What I love most about these sarees is how they help a woman look beautiful and innocent yet slightly seductive, as it covers the majority of their skin while framing their figure in a very feminine way. I've noticed that they are always graceful with the way they carry themselves and their confidence shines through as they walk with their heads held high and their gazes focused.
We realized how uncommon it is for Tourists to visit these villages one day, when we decided to purchase some fruit from a small vendor on the corner of a village street. We managed to attract a large crowd of boys and men, each one with the same look of excited astonishment on their faces as they stood just a foot away from us, staring. It was a very strange experience... but worth it - the oranges tasted amazing... although they didn't top Bermuda's oranges!
We learned later after speaking to a fellow traveller that the boys in the village were probably standing there with hope that we would choose one to fall in love with and marry. Apparently marrying a westerner is one of the best things that could happen to an Indian man as it would free them of their caste. The caste system is still very strong in India and most men are expected to do the jobs that their families have done for hundreds of years. It is common to find a rickshaw driver or a waiter at a family run restaurant with a medical or law degree. We have heard many times not to say thank you for these services as "it is their duty to serve us."
One thing I do envy about the Indian people that I have met, is how content they all seem with their lives... and the certainty of their life's path.
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