Tag Archives: Asia

The Ganga Chronicles – Stone Cold Tigers

Finally finished this rather long short story that I had originally posted in parts. Here all four parts in one. The whole story pizza. Enjoy. Vijay Chaudary was worried about his carbuncle. Three pedicures in the past week alone, and there it … Continue reading

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The touching

Sunil and I wander down to his boat and sit on the undulating water, watching the day unfurl. A man descends the ghat steps, a small monkey grins at us from his shoulder. Sunil notices where my interest is going. … Continue reading

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Tales from the time mandala

The ghats of Varanasi are the arms of the Ganges, supporting the devout as they wash away their sins or burn the bodies of those past sinning. Of all these sets of stone steps that lead to the water’s edge, … Continue reading

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!ncomprehensible !ndia: yet another piece of the code

It first hit me as I threw a Snickers wrapper into a rubbish bin in the city of Mysore. The bin was shaped and painted like a snowman, which in the 40 degree heat made me feel even hotter than … Continue reading

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Rakesh and the seventh stone

‘In the arms of Mother Ganga, To sleep the sleep of the stainless once more.’  Rakesh grew weary of fishing for customers, his line coming up empty each time. It was getting dark now, and the lights along the ghats … Continue reading

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Fire on the water, Christmas on the Ganga

Rakesh found some tape from somewhere, and we set about decorating the boat. We hung coloured streamers and strings of marigolds from wire stretched across bamboo poles, finished off with a pink and silver paper star. Huddled in our coats … Continue reading

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At the end of the world we are all Delhites

The end of the world is nigh and it’s starting in New Delhi. How do I know this? I have incontrovertible evidence. I paid 250 INR for Christmas lights – a shocking price even by ‘Second Coming’ standards. I rode … Continue reading

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This explains everything…

Why some people love India… Because when you’re on your way to a meeting, the taxi driver stops at a temple half way up a hill, parks two inches from a thousand foot drop, disappears for ten minutes, and upon … Continue reading

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Shopping in India: where change must come from within

It took me a while to find the right coffee mug. You know, the one that feels right and has handles made for humans over six. Now, which to choose? The teddy bear holding a rose and champagne bottle or … Continue reading

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Bodhgaya: don’t need a full moon for crazy

Even a full moon looks dusty in Bodhgaya. Beneath it’s grubby glow, a group of high-spirited Indian youths hijack a merry-go-round in a fair that’s closed for the night. One of them mounts a plastic baby goat while the others … Continue reading

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