We left the noise and rush of Haridwar last Saturday and flew south to Delhi and then on by train to Mathura. At least that was the plan, but Kingfisher Airlines had decided to cancel the Saturday morning flight without telling us. Nevertheless they did the noble thing – got us on to an afternoon flight and transported us by road to our ultimate destination at Vrindaban – about 40 miles north of Agra.
Well I said we wanted to photograph temples and it is claimed that Vrindaban has 5000 to choose from.
The town is situated on the river Yamuna – one of the sacred rivers of India. Devout Hindus believe that the young Lord Krishna once lived as a cowherd here. So it is back to cows on the streets in a big way, but with fewer flies than there were in Rishikesh.
Vrindaban northern bypass
The old town is very narrow, very dusty, crowded with pilgrims, traders and local people going about their business. Just walking along one of these narrow streets can be challenging in itself. Coping with the crowds, the dust and the potholes is one thing, but when one is competing for space with tricycle rickshaws, motorbikes, scooters, cows and beggars, the logistical exercise of walking from one end of Loi Bazar to the other becomes a major undertaking.
Coping with the traffic
Over the last two weeks we have become aware that few Indians seem to smoke in the streets (those who do puff an evil brew) but they do spit. Everyone spits. The considerate give an audible throat clearing warning. Nevertheless you have to be ready to jump out of the way as a weary shopper clears her mouth, or indeed her nose!
Out home this week is just outside the main town of Vrindaban at the Rama Krishna Mission Sevashrama - a green tranquil haven of peace and security. Their kindness and welcome hs been overwhelming. Our only problem so far seems to have been the monkeys wo also adore the grounds. Carrying black plastic bags seems to be a target for them, as indeed do spectacles.
As we venture out this Monday morning we hope their eyesight is good enough without spectacles to distinguish between carrier bags full of goodies and a camera bag full of lenses.
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