The Haves and Have Nots

In the UK we have grown used to having supermarkets with shelves abundantly filled with food, high street stores selling goods for every conceivable lifestyle requirement, internet and plentiful gas and electricity supplies which power our labour saving devices.  However, during times of recession money for some is often scarce but the longing to worship at the altar of conspicuous consumption serves as a constant temptation.  For those of us, including myself, facing up to financial difficulties the drip feed of advertisements and marketing madness urging us to buy the latest electronic gadgets,  high performance cars or  luxury holidays in  far away lands can sometimes trigger a sense of deprivation and envy as we misguidedly crave these symbols of wealth as the marketing of these products are strategically packaged to appeal to our inherent desire to ‘fit in’.  But the question is does the acquisition and ownership of these expensive goods really make us happier.

From my perspective and experience volunteering in India was defined by meeting those with few material possessions yet who still seemed to capable of being spiritually uplifted by both their faith and the presence of extended families and friends which sadly seems to be in decline in our culture.  I was in awe just quietly observing the concentration, determination and sometimes joy which everyday tasks were approached; the housekeeper who swept the leaves from outside my room two or three times a day, the young kitchen apprentice, just beginning his journey into adulthood whose job it was to make the chapati dough for each meal and the tuk tuk drivers taking their lives in their hands as they negotiated the Jodhpur traffic, which followed road rules alien to me and probably every other passing tourist from the western hemisphere.

I experienced nearly every form of transport during my travels to India but none were quite as exhilarating as one of the journeys I experienced in a tuk tuk towards the end of Holi week.  As the tuk tuk wound its way through the back streets of Jodphur we stumbled upon groups of males, vigorously pounding drums and chanting enthusiastically.  I sensed a strong feeling of camaraderie and belonging; groups of people bound together by faith and friendship bonding together in celebration.

The energy infused within me during this journey has inspired me to continue to seek fulfilment by following the same principles.  That is to appreciate the relationships with my family and friends, to buy only what I need and seek a higher understanding of how faith can be beneficial in contributing to a more fulfilled and often extended life.

Spice of life

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.