April 1, 2011-
So here we are in Rishikesh, one of the holy cities along the (very holy) Ganges river. There’s a bunch of holy stuff here, like shrines, ashrams, yoga and meditation courses. But all we can pay attention to are the holy cows.
They’re everywhere.
Just lining the streets, acting like they own the place.
Crapping wherever they damn well please, rooting through the garbage.
(The previous four bovine photos: credit, Brenna McBroom)
There are two pedestrian bridges spanning the Ganges here in Rishikesh. “Pedestrian” means “foot traffic only,” right? The motorcyclists don’t seem to care—they just zip down the bridge and honk at everyone who gets in the way. And neither do the holy cows.
This cow was saying to Brenna: “I do what I want!”
There are also monkeys.
They look cute and harmless from a few feet away, when you’re just observing. But bust out the camera and they turn vicious. This one almost leapt at me from its hang-out on the side of the bridge. Maybe they need to clarify that’s a “human pedestrian bridge.”
Oh, look who was waiting for us on the way back! Our old friend! (He tried to gore me with his one functional horn directly after this shot.)
Monkeys everywhere!
And…this was great. (Photo: Brenna)
That t-shirt is AWESOME.
PLEASE please please find out why the young people want to take a picture with you! I’m afraid it is some kind of scam, like they’re using your picture to convince their targets that they are on vacation from America or something. But if it’s not that, I still want to know why!
Thanks. Keep writing. Love reading about it.
I’m pretty sure it’s just enthusiasm at seeing white people in their home country, combined with a lesser culture of respecting people’s private bubbles. If we’re getting scammed, all the scammers are putting on a pretty genuine and friendly face!
Glad you’re enjoying the blog Karen!