The map lets you know where we are. Our cottages are located an hors hard climb just north of McLeaod Ganje. To access these cottages we drove along a 'goat track' that constantly climbed up the mountains hugging the sides with a drop too far for me to spend time taking it in! (In fact I purposely chose not to look!). I trusted the drivers as they bounced over rocks and maintained a 30cm clearance from the edge at all times - even when taking very sharp corners! The drivers had been at the wheel for over 17 hours! I have to admit to one or two "white knuckle" moments. We arrived at 2:00 and celebrated with a few brandies and finally falling on our beds in very comfortable rooms at 3:00 AM.
We are 2,000+m above sea level and enjoy splendid views in all directions. The local people seduce you with their incredibly friendly manner.
I can't help making judgments when travelling and find in this country they are all positive. Sure, there is evidence of material wealth less than that we are used to in Australia but this is more than made up by the high level of genuine, caring communication among the locals and with visitors. An example is the manner in which drivers organise themselves on the road. To paint the picture you have to imagine a mixture of bicycles with all kinds of trailers carrying every possible variety of loads, scooters with whole families aboard - and with women always side saddle, huge over loaded trucks, large drays drawn by horses/oxen/water buffalo - all of these on narrow roads with everyone travelling as fast as they can. The respect shown was evident when vehices nudged into a space in front of another - if they won it was OK - if they lost they withdrew gracefully. No evidence of road rage. Lots of horns beeping.
A stray image has snuck into this posting. It shows two of the numerous 'old' cabs in Delhi. We were in newer Toyoto 4WD but there were many well battered old cars chugging along.
No comments:
Post a Comment