Not really vignettes but..

On every small trip I notice little things which perhaps in my every day life I can't or won't. Some things continue to stay on... and compel me to note them down. I have always relied on memory to recall incidents but these days, there are too many details to be able to recall each incident with clarity so have resorted to carrying a notebook.

But every time I hurriedly scribble a note to remember that moment, each of my family member asks me why and I wonder what to tell them? Most of them aren't very familiar with what blogging is and even more, not all entries become blog entires.. some are noted...

From a recent trip into central Maharashtra somethings that are still with me:

• The farms all ready and awaiting the rain. (Hope no drought!)
• Fewer and fewer beggars - may be it is the city life that compels them to beg.
• Heard of a maid who had a watchman fetish - everywhere she worked, the watchman of that society/building became her "friend". one who she showered with lavish gifts like mobiles and "kept" them, and when it was time to leave (as it was inevitably for her) she made them promise to remain faithful! Of course the only reason I associate this trivia with this trip is because I heard it, on this trip.
• Kolhapur is quiet a large town and does not neccessarily fit the small town definition.
• The mutton is Kolhpur is indeed great and lives up to age old reputation.
• Children under ten are "guides" for a deteriorating fort from the Maratha empire (Panhala) and won't take money like charity.
• They insist on showing you around a tourist and vendor laden dirty remains of a fort first.
• Too many waiters and bearers are old or at least of senior citizen category. It not fair that they have to work at their ages.
• The road from Pune to Kolhapur is part of the now famous Golden Quadrilateral project and if thats how roads are going to be across India, driving is indeed going to be a pleasure.
• Of course, only after people are taught that four lanes mean two for each, not one for each and leave the other two unused. Atleast no oncoming surprises who are affronted when you gesticulate wildly.
• Parents need to teach their children that not every open ground is a restroom. Especially not lawn outside the outdoor eating arrangements in a resort! Not just wash them and carry them away. Sheesh!
• Plant more fruit trees. To see a tree laden with fruit (and not plucked bare) is a lovely sight. Here is a story that kind of carries this forward.