Orccha, India.
I woke up at 5.30am yesterday (by choice) to see the Taj Mahal, once again but in the anticipation of it being basked by the morning sun. A group of us took a river boat from behind the Taj (as opposed to paying another U$17 to get in) and it has been the highlight of the early days on the road. With media images of the Taj as a Symbol of India, is easy to underestimate the majesty of this building. But unlike the pyramids, this is not a disappointment by any stretch. The ripples of the river reflect a white marbled colossus layered with triangles of shadow and light, all under the crispness of the morning air.
After that, we made our way to Orrcha, sitting with the locals in 3rd class. We have been here for a few days now, and I am still bemused at the way that locals stare right at you. We take this with a pinch of salt. A Chinese guy in India, I suppose they don’t see that everyday. I feel an ambassadorial role coming on, as everyone asks me whether I am Japanese, or Korean- never the obvious one of China.
The group is nice- a mix of western nationalities. Everyone seems to get on pretty well, which is good so early on. The places we go and the people we meet tend to be locals. 2 days earlier I was invited into the Local Tour guide’s house, where me and the tour leader, Bea, had a cup of chai tea at 11pm. Wouldn’t have been so bad but they guy woke up his poor missis to make it, with their adorable 7 year old girl sparked out on the bed we were sitting on. I think they were bemused to have a Swiss woman in their house, let alone a young Chinese chap ay 11pm!
Off to get a massage later. 500 R is a bargain, plus he said he’d chuck in a head massage. My hair is going to stink of shit, but if it’s anywhere as good as the one at Sava’s barbers on Kingsbury high road then I’m laughing.
Ta-ra,
Mike x
p.s- The Fanta here is brilliant. I can’t get enough of it. Pee does come out as luminous as was when you drank it but it’s a price to pay.
