When I am in India, my time spent here is a blend of being a local as well as a tourist. I never leave home without a camera. You never know what I may run into.
About a day or two after I came back from the museum, I saw these hanging out in the sun.
I often pass by this area while I am in some kind of public transportation, mostly a three wheeler rickshaw. They are fun to ride, Being open from either side, you can catch so much of happenings while travelling from point A to B and are also quite cost effective.
The flip side - They are very noisy and the drivers are notorious for squeezing in every empty spot they see on the roads between two vehicles to get ahead.. You just have to trust those drivers that they know what they are doing. Honestly, 99.99% of times they do!
It's quite the experience. My kids love it! When they were little, they would get on an empty rickshaw standing on the roadside without us.. It was little scary to loose them momentarily but the drivers would honk to catch our attention. We could quickly grab hold of them :-) No worries, this would be matter of seconds.. We were very responsible parents.
I took this picture from another rickshaw. There is a limit of three passengers. we split the family in two. My husband and I went in different rickshaw.. Unfortunately, my kids don't know this town as well, and neither of them speak the language. I wonder if they would find their way back home on their own if they ever got lost.
Ooops..I got a little side tracked...
Back to the first picture..
I had seen them several times from far and assumed that they were saris hanging.. Yesterday, I was on foot and saw them from up close. A sari folded in half with layers of fabrics between two layers, stitched into 4' x 7' long quilt/godhari..
Their humble appearance made my day! My sister in law, who was also with me waited patiently with a smile.. My friend from school who also informed me about the exhibition of Godhari said, '' Sujata, I don't understand your passion but respect and admire it.''
I guess, I must see the world slight differently than some.. and that's really fine with me and them.
Here are more random pictures of what I see on my walk.
About a day or two after I came back from the museum, I saw these hanging out in the sun.
I often pass by this area while I am in some kind of public transportation, mostly a three wheeler rickshaw. They are fun to ride, Being open from either side, you can catch so much of happenings while travelling from point A to B and are also quite cost effective.
The flip side - They are very noisy and the drivers are notorious for squeezing in every empty spot they see on the roads between two vehicles to get ahead.. You just have to trust those drivers that they know what they are doing. Honestly, 99.99% of times they do!
It's quite the experience. My kids love it! When they were little, they would get on an empty rickshaw standing on the roadside without us.. It was little scary to loose them momentarily but the drivers would honk to catch our attention. We could quickly grab hold of them :-) No worries, this would be matter of seconds.. We were very responsible parents.
I took this picture from another rickshaw. There is a limit of three passengers. we split the family in two. My husband and I went in different rickshaw.. Unfortunately, my kids don't know this town as well, and neither of them speak the language. I wonder if they would find their way back home on their own if they ever got lost.
Ooops..I got a little side tracked...
Back to the first picture..
I had seen them several times from far and assumed that they were saris hanging.. Yesterday, I was on foot and saw them from up close. A sari folded in half with layers of fabrics between two layers, stitched into 4' x 7' long quilt/godhari..
Their humble appearance made my day! My sister in law, who was also with me waited patiently with a smile.. My friend from school who also informed me about the exhibition of Godhari said, '' Sujata, I don't understand your passion but respect and admire it.''
I guess, I must see the world slight differently than some.. and that's really fine with me and them.
Here are more random pictures of what I see on my walk.
Second-hand book store
City buses
I am leaving for Ahemdabad tonight.I have not been able to respond to all of your comments but know that they are well appreciated. Sometimes my thoughts are as random as these photographs. I apologize for that too. I hope just like those improve quilts we all love so much, pictures from past few posts paint an unusual but memorable image of Mumbai for you.
Gorgeous photos, and the stitching is amazing. I wish I was travelling with you!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing all of these photos with us!! One of the things I love the most about reading blog posts is hearing about people's travels and seeing other parts of the world. I love the bright thread stitching on the pieces that you got close up photos of. Enjoy your visit!
ReplyDeleteSuch intriguing posts of your trip. Some friends of mine just returned and brought me a block stamped scarf. How delightful so see where it came from.
ReplyDeleteA land of colour for sure. I too respect your love of random thoughts.....and I think I may understand them a little too. What a lovely thing for a friend to say too.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy your photos of your time there. Your walk looks so beautiful and interesting. I'll look forward to hearing and seeing more!
ReplyDeleteI love your posts and find India a fascinating country. I never thought I'd enjoy going there until you showed all the bright colors and the warmth of the people. I have a couple questions - no hurry on the answers. On the taxi/rickshaw there was a metal object that I think may be where you out the coins to pay for your ride. Is it? What did it cost to ride? Was it the same price no matter where you went or did the driver tell each person? Also, there were some very colorful ropes or bungy cords but they looked like they'd be many yards/meters long. What are they used for there? No need to reply directly to me but maybe you could include the answrs in another post. Enjoy the rest of your trip. I imagine you are enjoying being with friends/family and in familiar surroundings. I am hopeful you miss America a little bit. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteSeeing your wonderful photos of rickshaws reminds me of the noises of all the honking. It's all so alive! What a treat to see those beautiful godharis airing on the fence. I think what your friend from school said is so lovely. I think peoples passion for things is admirable. Thank you for your thoughts, and beautiful photos. Safe traveling to Ahemdabad.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are great! I've never been to India but would live to one day. I think 'everyday' photos of 'everday' things are a fantastic insight into real life! Some possed photos or photos of touristy things ate not as informative! What we all 'take for granted' or pass everyday is fascinating for someone else!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you so much for this beautiful colourful post! I have had a "love affair" with India from afar for a great many years and have a great collection of books to whet my appetite it is the colours of India that I find so amazing!
ReplyDeleteMumbai and it's familiar images. I like your description of rickshaws, so true. I admire the work in Godharis yet recently read of how little the workers are paid when they make these to sell (a familiar story in many countries).
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time in Ahemdabad.
beautiful photos. I hope your sons had the address written down...
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! thank you.
ReplyDeleteI have only been to India once. It really challenges the senses.
Can I go with you next time?
This is so great. I love 'traveling' with you on your trip! You DO have a great eye!
ReplyDeleteLove all the photos and sharing of your trip! Thanks!!
ReplyDelete