It’s our day off today, and I’m not sure I’ve ever been so happy to say that.
Yesterday brought an unexpected fourteen hours of driving–the first two and a half of which were spent covering exactly 18 miles due to the world’s biggest traffic jam…ever.
While the streets themselves were blocked with bumper to bumper lorry trucks, we took our not-so-trusty little tuks and went off-roading through the muddy, bumpy gutters, weaving in and out and doing our best to stay alive.
And then we were out of it, moving away from Patna and towards Varanasi–a mere 270 kilometres away. The middle of the day seemed to go as we’d hoped it would–mile after mile of smooth, paved roads and open countryside with a cool breeze.
Soon, though, the rain came–not to mention nightfall–and what should have been an easy ride into Varanasi swiftly became so much more. With no windshield wiper to give us a clear view, we slowed to crawl to make sure no car–or person–was injured in the making of this Rickshaw Run.
And now here we are in Varanasi, enjoying a day where we don’t have to rise with the sun and sweat off our body weight three times over. So I thought I would share some of the photos I’ve most enjoyed taking–those of the villagers we pass every day.
We get only a glimpse of their lives, rattling past them as we do in our rickshaws, but I’ve loved these glimpses–and have been amazed at how much they manage to carry on their backs, shoulders and even heads. What’s more is the grace and elegance with which they move down the street, seemingly oblivious to the loads they carry.
It’s just a bit of encouragement to me and the other teams to keep our own chins up as we keep rattling on through India…
What are they carrying? Can’t seem to figure that out. Was SO good to hear your voice today. Thank God for Skype phone. You are living an amazing life right now…..enjoy every second! Love!!!!!
Anything and everything! It’s truly remarkable the amount they manage to carry either on their heads or backs…wish we could travel through the villages together 🙂
It’s certainly one of those trips that is pushing your comfort zone, isn’t it? What do you do for toilets?
Absolutely! So sorry for the delay as well–internet is certainly hard to come by here 🙂 Ahh, toilets…generally, a decent-sized bush or tree worked well, occasionally a cornfield or parked lorrie! It was interesting, to say the least 🙂 How’ve you been?! Where’s your next trip planned to?
That is nice 12 pak of abs. I bet not from doing exercizes but his daily routine and diet.
Haha very true! Can’t wait to show you more pictures 🙂
Hhahah. nice capture. Have a nice time in india. All this pics are rare to find in your home country. But, we are used to seeing this sort of pictures in our dialy life.:P
Thanks, Karthik! Yes, I’m sure you are definitely used to seeing them, but during my first few weeks in India, it was certainly a new sight for me 🙂 Whereabouts in India are you from? Thanks for saying hello!
Great blog! I never thought about just riding my own rickshaw around before haha.. i have just spent the passed month in India and I am so fed up with all the scams going on. I made a video of one of my terrible experiences and shared it on my blog: http://giveforgranted.com/2014/09/rickshaw-scam-bangalore-india Please, share this if you can! I want to help make a difference across India!