Getting up in the morning I felt like SHITE but I was still excited to
go and meet the villagers of Tordi Garh. We had a briefing where Paddy
instructed us that we were not to buy anything or give anything to the locals
(tips, pencils, whatever) because they wanted to make sure that the village
stayed untouched by commercialism. In a wonderful symbiotic relationship, we
benefit the locals by bringing in job opportunities (to help look after us),
allowing them to practice their English, and allowing the kids to have their
photos taken – they loved it! We got to see first-hand the way that they live
and not be hassled in a negative way about anything.
As soon as we stepped foot outside we had a few kids tagging along
looking at us, smiling shyly and waving, ‘Hello!’ Moving along the kids got
more and more brave, many would run up to us, say ‘Hello! Photo?’ and grin
broadly for the camera before reaching for it to see themselves in a photo,
laughing hysterically at themselves and each other. Some of them were real
photo junkies – one little boy was incredible – he wanted to be in every photo
possible, pushing his way through. Some would argue that this is a negative
commercial effect, and perhaps they might be right – but the smiles on the kids
face make it very difficult to argue this. One girl was quite shy but would
pose for the camera and would look at the photo in sadness…until she saw
herself and then her entire face would light up like what she had seen was a
miracle. The smiles….they were just gorgeous, genuine and infectious. I could
have stayed there for so long.
We walked around the village for a couple of hours, interacting mostly
with kids – particularly when we bumped into a whole group coming from school –
apparently it had closed because it was too cold! They practice their English;
‘Hello, what is your name?’ and we spoke and exchanged names as best as we
could. It was just the most amazing experience. I’m not quite sure how anything
I am going to see is going to top this! The women were also curious and mostly
happy to see us, though not quite as earnest as the kids. They hung back in
doorways and brought out their beautiful smiles when told ‘sundar’ which
apparently means beautiful. They were, as always, dressed in vivid colours that
just radiate throughout the dilapidated village. The men were not quite so
forthcoming, but quite happy to have their photo taken whilst they carried
about their business, many eager to greet the prince who had come with us.
We walked past buildings with love hearts on them, which apparently is
an open invitation to a wedding. With the love heart you have the names of the
engaged and other necessary details. Rather than sending out personal invites,
they paint this on the walls of their house to invite everybody. Laundry hung
across the facades and monkeys scaled the walls to glare at us for disturbing
the peace (hey, it’s the kids that are noisy, not us!). We watched people
making pots and looked at the hospital and the local market. The kids followed
us everywhere we went. We discovered that they found the concept of taking
photos magical, and let them take a few photos with our cameras – the joy and
excitement on their faces!! It was just incredible. *sigh of contentment*
Eventually we had to head back, which I was quite grateful for because
at this stage I was feeling quite ill. I had a nap whilst everybody had lunch,
and then we were off to Jaipur! Not sure when I’ll update again – after Jaipur
we are going on a camel safari, so you might not hear from me for a while. I’ll
try to update again ASAP – it’s kinda hard with so many things going on! Hope
you’re all enjoying the heat – that’s one thing you’ve got on me. I would kill
for a long hot shower right about now!
Peace out!
People of Tordi photos
