Being bossed around

Hello lovelies

I am still in Pushkar, but feeling slightly quiet today (which isn't particularly conducive to being pro-active in India). Plus had some not-so-great news and don't have anyone with whom I can chew the fat!!

But I am very sorry I missed Roz's leaving dinner last night: I thinking of you all (and Roz, let me have new contact details!).

This morning has mostly been a catalogue of being bossed around by people. Since I left Delhi I have --pretty much on a half hourly basis -- been told how and what I should think and do: "To enjoy India you *must* do X and Y"; "To appreciate India, you *must* be *more* open to experiences" (ahem, what type???); "You *must* come to my [restaurant/hotel/take my autorickshaw]; "You *must* stay an extra day...", etc etc etc. I guess the problem is trying to discern when this advice is being given for your benefit; or where the offeror has something to gain (possibly at your expense).

Today it started immediately when I finally left my room (was feeling tired, so slept to about 8.30am and read in my room quietly for a bit) with a lecture from the hotel owner. Mr Pareek is (nominally according to his business card) an advocate, so has wanted to have a few chats with me about the law. And to tell me the reason India has its problems is because of the English (I have heard this a few times now). This morning was the same: an invitation to tea (I hit my head on the doorframe - what a klutz) and a discussion.

And then it started.... "I don't want to tell you what to do or where you are going wrong" ... yes, here it comes, "but", getting closer, "why are you not staying in Pushkar longer? There is much to see. Let me change your bus booking. Stay another night. Yes? You *must* stay another night." I tried gently to explain that I wanted to see Jackie in Amritsar, and so to reach there I couldn't stay too long in Pushkar (and two days for a small town where I don't know anyone doesn't seem that short). Also that I had explored the town yesterday, chilled in some cafes, drunk some lassis. You know, soaked up the atmosphere.

Then came a telling off that I had slept in... But I was reading, I responded lamely. "But you can do that anytime at home", he retorted (does he not know how much time corporate lawyers in London have to read idly? Except for me that is, but I don't have a tv.). So with a sigh, I guiltily skulked out of the hotel, instead of going to the rooftop terrace to enjoy the view over Lake Pushkar, with my Umberto Eco (who is awesome btw).

And so to the Brahma Temple, where I was hijacked consecutively by different touts (?) (the first to take my shoes; the second to give me flowers; the third to show me at breakneck speed the Temple itself - flagging where to place the flowers, touch my head, ring the bells, for Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva).

I think the spirituality of the place is lost on me. There are thousands of Temples here in Pushkar. But there are too many people who want to interupt your thoughts and any possibility of contemplation was impossible this morning. I think I am just a bit tired today. At the end of the rapid tour, I was escorted to a ghat (that's a place where people go down to bathe in the holy water of Pushkar lake) where someone gave a prayer for me (and mum, dad and Wills). I think. Was having problems following the fast recited words spilling out of the chaps mouth.

But then of course they wanted cash. I had anticipated this and had set some aside - a few pound stirling seemed ample. I explained I was going to put it in the donation box. A bit of a row ensued. First, about the amount (they wanted over 10 pounds) and second, where I was going to put it. Isn't that awful? You really don't want to make a scene about money at such a supposedly holy place (so holy, that no shoes, photos, signs of affection etc are allowed). So to avoid an altercation, I did the next best thing. It was a bit naughty. (I am sorry. Maybe I shouldn't admit to this.) And -- although it is something I have done a couple of times before -- it is not something I am proud of... I pretended to start crying. They backed off as if they were the one's being stung. So, subduedly I gave, what I thought was a reasonable donation, and went on my way.

One a different note, it is lovely to hear from everyone. Sometimes, it is nice to catch up with home...

Much love to you all.

A