In the land of sacred cows – part II

We spent most of the time talking to the locals over a glass of tea. But we were really surprised when we were on a train raid from the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur, to Agra. A short ride passed far too quickly with an interesting interlocutor Mr. Kothari, so he proposed that the next day we stop by at his home for lunch. We accepted the invitation and we ate the best thali (a selection of different dishes served in bowls on a plate, with rice, chapati, yogurt, and legumes and potatoes sauces). Discussion drew us to the cultural differences that are most apparent in family life. Kothari could not believe that the two girls may travel alone, that we can select our boyfriend, with whom we can get married or not and from which we can divorce. He has a daughter and two sons and for all three of them he found a suitable partner for marriage. Extremely expensive, few days lasting marriages are the central part of Indian life, as has been inferred from the conversation. Kothari has also revealed that although the formal caste system should no longer exist, it is still firmly entrenched in the social life of Indians. The members of different castes do not communicate with each other.

We were saving the best for the end of our trip through Rajasthan. Agra hides the largest and most popular pearl of India - Taj Mahal. Magnificent marble mausoleum was built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan for his deceased wife. Extravagant monument built in the name of love is breathtaking. Only when you stand before the majestic building, you realize its true beauty and grandeur. Astonishment and enthusiasm for the Taj Mahal could not been destroyed by troublesome Indians, who were taking pictures of us all the time. At times I wondered whether the tourists are greater attraction for them than marble creations. Despite the fact that after two weeks we were already accustomed to the constant shooting, taking pictures of us reached its peak in Agra. Not for one moment we were able to sit in peace, when young boys, girls and even families rushed to us and cheerfully taking pictures. We were not able to explain ourselves the enthusiasm of the Indians for taking pictures of aliens. Yet one girl approached to us and whispered that they take pictures so that they can boast of on online social networks with their “new friends from Europe”. In Agra the majority of tourists see the red fort, originally built for military purposes in the 16th century. Later it was remodeled in Shah Jahan's palace, where he spent his last eight years of life. Agra is, in my estimation, at the very top in terms of pollution. Therefore, to rest the senses of smog, garbage and sewage, we flew from Delhi to Goa.

Green meadows, rice fields, palm trees and the sea breeze were a real paradise for the eyes, ears and nose. Goa has been a dream destination for hippies, today it turned into a popular resort with many tropical beaches. Rave parties and a wide assortment of drugs, which were popular in Goa a decade before, are nowhere to be seen as the police ended it with close supervision and punishment. Therefore, the traders resorted to the sale of alcoholic beverages, which in Rajasthan we have not seen that much as the Hindus do not drink alcohol. In one of restaurants we met an American who could not stop praising Goa and Indian beer. He spent some time helping in one of local schools, attended by the children without parents. We decided to conclude our traveling experience with a visit to one of the schools and donate some school supplies and toys to always smiling children. Only a few steps from the main road we walked into the building and climbed the stairs. In a small room about twenty children of different ages spent most of their time. The volunteers from all around the world help at this school. In India it is required for pupils to wear school uniforms, which differs from school to school. The government has prohibited child labor and introduced free education for children from 6 to 14 years due to economic inequalities and social conditions. Despite more than a quarter of Indians are still illiterate, large differences are in literacy between the states and between the sexes (82 percent men, 65 percent of women). Although our donation was just a drop into the ocean, concerning all devastating poverty in India, we like to think that we made a better day for at least some of these children.