This morning Bruce & I ventured into Old City Town of Vadodara....the old, the raw and basic of basic Indian Bazaar. After negotiating with the auto rickshaw drivers for a suitable fare and determining by photograph where in fact we wished to go (it is quite a distance from where we are staying), we boarded our auto rickshaw and headed to the less popular side of town for Westerners.
It is humbling to be able to visit and experience such a bazaar.....it's something you've only seen on SBS documentaries or on the movies, free from tourists and touts. Westerners rarely visit here and during our 3 hours of wandering the tiny lane ways and alleys, didn't see any westerners other than ourselves. I had visited this area on my last visit here, however it was a first for Bruce.
I am becoming quite comfortable with living here and culture shock seems to be evading my thoughts and scences now. I go about my business not giving a thought that I'm 'different' to those around me. Every now and then I become conscious that people stare but generally it's far from my thoughts.
Along with becoming comfortable with living in India....your scences begin to return heightened to how I remember living unbothered in Australia. Every corner you turn a new unusual sight unfolds, the smells (good and bad) are rich in the air. The smell of crushed rose petals, burning incense, the smells of cooking street foods and the sounds of Indian life grace your ears. Little girls pat your arms to feel your white skin...their hands dirty but soft and innocent. The store vendors are glad of a smile and a friendly wave or a slight exchange of a greeting. 'Namaste' is the Hindi greeting word and it now rolls of my tongue easily.
On our return to the Alkapuri area where our hotel is, we walked up to a popular cafe for the locals. The stairs are broken and rough, the door is heavy and large. The cafe is dark, we are greeted by three waiters dressed in suits and sandels. As we sat and perused the menu, we decided on Paneer Korma and 2 garlic Naan. The food was amazing and the Naan bread was the holy grail of Naans believe me!
I am enjoying sharing my experiences with you but only wish I could share the smells and sounds that excite me each and every day. Enjoy my photos..........This is Incredible India!
A meter long catfish we saw in the lake. Had a head on it not shy of 25cm at least.
Fresh fruit and veg! Old City Town Vadodara.
Little potatoes. The lady cut one in half and let me taste. Mmmm....yummy!
Bovine at rest! Calm and peaceful.
Street vendors.
Kites for sale for the upcoming Kite Festival on the 14th January.