My first entry … I am in Kolkata, a large-ish city in the north east of India. It has been an interesting couple of days … started in a very flash hotel, the Peerless Inn, which I only booked in to for its airport pick up. My concern about the onslaught of Indian men trying to get me into his taxi at the airport proved enough for me to book into this 4* hotel .. and right I was! What a relief to see, among about 100 men all yelling at me to get into their ‘cheapest and bestest taxi in Kolkata”, my name printed up on a little sign from my hotel “Madam Frook Shearir” .. I assumed that was me and headed his way. “Miss Frook? You are here without a husband” he enquires as his first question .. how do I best reply?? That I don’t believe in marriage? That I am not allowed to marry women??!! Instead I go with it and say “yes my husband is very good to let me travel … " hahaha.
I straight away remember so much that I love and also hate about India… there are no women on the streets at night, streets littered with people living on the footpaths, children hunting through piles of rubbish for treasures, the smell of 2 stroke mixed with Jasmine and sandlewood, cows being given right of way over all other vehicles, including police cars, fire trucks and the army .. I love that!
Ive been out to a beautiful flower market and took some great shots of a new baby … his proud father came out of his shack when he saw me coming and put his new son in my arms stating “new baby, please take his photo”, I asked him if he’d like me to bring the photos to him for his house, he says that he just wants me to take the photo for my memory of the most special baby in India. I think I’ll bring them a copy anyway. So gorgeous (ill attach photos).
Anyway, I am happy today after purchasing a couple salwa suits (the long dresses over pants) and having them tailored for me today because “madam you are very curvaceous and I am thinking it is better for you to have tailored” … subtle. I was told today that I looked like a white bollywood star and that I should wear a sari so that my hips which are ready for babies are showing more. To all my big girl friends … move to India.
So .. I’ve relocated to a more reasonably priced hotel still in Kolkata, the Intercontinental VIP Hotel, and I’m planning my next stop .. to Darjeeling – A small town draped over a steep mountain range surrounded by tea plantations .. you can see the Himalayan ranges from here and even have a view of Mt Everest in Nepal! I plan on doing a short Ashram here to clear my head and have a nice detox. From there … we’ll see!
Ive had my hands painted in henna from gypsy women, Ive seen a new baby being born on the street, Ive drank more tea in the past 3 days than even my Nan could cope with and Ive met some prettty cool travellers too.
Learning to slow down .. not write lists of things I need to do and forgetting what day it is has come easily.
Namaste folks !
Namaste: "The traditional Indian form of salutation, a respectful greeting recognizing the equality of all and the sacredness of all. "The God/Goddess in me greets the God/Goddess in you." The gesture (mudra) of namaste is made by bringing together both palms of the hands before the heart."
ReplyDeleteI love this about India. I believe I need to join you in an Ashram. I am very envious of your couragious (and curvacious) travels in India and beyond. I love the start of your Indian adventure Brook and am so proud that you are my Daughter. Fern is just arriving back from Queensland and should be home shortly. She was delayed by fog and had to hang around the airport for 3 hours. I have finished grouting the en-suite, I have also installed the fans and I love the new fan and light combo in the main bathroom. I am back to work tomorrow and would love to take a week off to complete this renovation we have started. I love the results already. Anyway I look forward to your next posting and can't wait for more of Brooks images on the world as she sees it through the lens. Love Dad