In between my visits to the schools with the Book Bus I also took regular jaunts into the Blue City of Jodphur. The monolithic Meranghar Fort stands high above the City with its imposing patriarchal presence luring tourists to the city to wander around the splendor contained within the walls. Sadly, for shops and businesses, tourists usually only pay a fleeting visit to the city, primarily to visit the fort and then venture on to explore the other wonders which India has to offer. On my rest days I ambled around the city with my camera and immersed myself in the noise, colour and chaos which I soon learnt to embrace.
The people of Jodphur are curious about western presence in the city and the openness with which you are scrutinized by the locals is often unnerving but after a while you learn to accept and to curiously return the gaze. As a visitor, exploring the city on foot, chances are you will be approached by local business owners who will try and lure you into their shops with the vain hope that they will be able to persuade you to part with some rupees.
In an earlier blog, I spoke about Abdul and his spice shop. Abdul is a 29 year old spice shop owner in Jodphur, the business was started up by his father and Abdul had been working and learning the ropes of the business since he was seven. He spoke excellent English but sadly for Abdul, he had never received any formal education and had learnt all he knew only from the school of life. After exhausting his usual sales patter and successfully making a sale, the conversation suddenly took a new turn and curiously and hesitantly, over a cup of saffron tea we respectfully shared perspectives and experiences from our individual cultures.
Abdul extended an invitation to lunch with him in his shop the following day which I unhesitatingly accepted. There is something quite surreal about sharing a most agreeable and delicious lunch which had been lovingly prepared by Abdul’s mother with a new friend. Encounters of this kind elevate the usual tourist experience of visiting a new country into new and unforgettable realms. Exploring places of interest does provide ample opportunity for cultural exploration and photo opportunities but the meeting of 2 minds from opposite sides of the globes adds colour and nuance to my visit which will remain with me forever.
rajasthanadventure 