It is a delightful reality of life that children and young adults are often more willing than older adults to put aside inhibitions and gently break out of social restrictions. We have found that, here in India, kids of all ages, who have been studying English in school, are eager to say hello (often shyly and with a giggle) and engage with us. Sometimes, children are encouraged by their parents, who are proud of their children’s burgeoning fluency. More frequently, these young people, on their own, just seem to get a kick out of being able to use their English skills successfully.
This was what was going on when we passed a home with four young girls outdoors in the yard. They said hello and we responded, engaging in a short conversation. We continued down the road and, as we passed by on our return, they invited us into their home for coffee (perhaps at their mom’s suggestion; she had been standing in the background). We were a little dubious, but also honored at their hospitality and so followed them into their humble home. The small entry room was dominated by a double bed and two plastic chairs to which we were graciously directed. The girls, cute as could be, all sat themselves down on the edge of the bed facing us. Soon their dad appeared at the door, having seen us enter his home from his insurance office just up the road. Mom slipped into a back room and quickly reappeared with two cups of sugary, frothy coffee and a plate of sweet crackers (biscuits). The girls, two sibs in this family and two neighbor friends, attend a nearby private school where they are learning English. When I asked the eldest, 10 year old Mythili, what she wants to be when she’s grown, she immediately said, “a doctor”. As if to underscore that this is a real possibility, she jumped up to show us multiple first place academic and sports trophies. Her parents were proud of her, of course, and also seemed a bit in awe of her. She also asked us to buy her a camera like mine and bring it to India next time we’re here, and she would repay us. Given her intelligence and assertiveness, I have no doubt that Mythili will do very well in this world!
Our adorable, serendipitous coffee hosts!
At other times, the fact that we look like we do – with fair skin and western clothes (despite gray hair and wrinkles) - sets us apart as objects of fascination and photographs, most often it seems, by groups of young adults. We have been surprised, honored, charmed, and amused to find ourselves being asked, again and again, to have our photos taken with/by young strangers. We’re also thrilled, as it gives me an opportunity to turn the tables and take THEIR photos – and they are always enthused to be pictured with us.
The first time that this happened to any extent was last Sunday at the Botanical Gardens. There were, literally, thousands of people strolling the paths, when we were approached by a group of young guys who asked if they could take our photo. As soon as we agreed, several of them jumped into place beside us, while others snapped away. This was followed by a short conversation, exchanging names, finding out our country of origin, etc., and then they went on their way. Not long after, a group of beautiful young women approached us with the same request. Usually, there is one brave person who makes the initial contact, and once we agree, then all the others rush to be in the photos, snuggling up close in youthful enthusiasm. The people behind the camera switch out so that they, too, can get into the pics.
Manly young tourists at the Botanical Gardens in Ooty.
Lovely young ladies at the gardens.
Seeing this interaction must have given courage to a foursome of older women, who asked us to take their photos. That’s all they wanted, just to be in our collection of photos of Indian people. No emailing them copies, no taking photos themselves, just notice and remember them. Their request could not have made me happier.
They seem to be saying, "Please remember us!" (We will!!)
In the intervening week, this occurrence has happened several more times. One day we were walking beside Ooty Lake when I realized that a bunch of young guys, all with expensive cameras, had their long lenses pointing at me. I laughed and hammed it up a bit, and they immediately flocked to our side, asking questions and clicking away happily.
Caught in the lenses of Ooty Lake photography students on a field trip.
It still takes us by surprise that complete strangers would want photos of us, but then again, no. I want THEIR photos just as much! It certainly gives a lift to our day, and for a moment or two, we feel like celebs!
This was what was going on when we passed a home with four young girls outdoors in the yard. They said hello and we responded, engaging in a short conversation. We continued down the road and, as we passed by on our return, they invited us into their home for coffee (perhaps at their mom’s suggestion; she had been standing in the background). We were a little dubious, but also honored at their hospitality and so followed them into their humble home. The small entry room was dominated by a double bed and two plastic chairs to which we were graciously directed. The girls, cute as could be, all sat themselves down on the edge of the bed facing us. Soon their dad appeared at the door, having seen us enter his home from his insurance office just up the road. Mom slipped into a back room and quickly reappeared with two cups of sugary, frothy coffee and a plate of sweet crackers (biscuits). The girls, two sibs in this family and two neighbor friends, attend a nearby private school where they are learning English. When I asked the eldest, 10 year old Mythili, what she wants to be when she’s grown, she immediately said, “a doctor”. As if to underscore that this is a real possibility, she jumped up to show us multiple first place academic and sports trophies. Her parents were proud of her, of course, and also seemed a bit in awe of her. She also asked us to buy her a camera like mine and bring it to India next time we’re here, and she would repay us. Given her intelligence and assertiveness, I have no doubt that Mythili will do very well in this world!
Our adorable, serendipitous coffee hosts!
At other times, the fact that we look like we do – with fair skin and western clothes (despite gray hair and wrinkles) - sets us apart as objects of fascination and photographs, most often it seems, by groups of young adults. We have been surprised, honored, charmed, and amused to find ourselves being asked, again and again, to have our photos taken with/by young strangers. We’re also thrilled, as it gives me an opportunity to turn the tables and take THEIR photos – and they are always enthused to be pictured with us.
The first time that this happened to any extent was last Sunday at the Botanical Gardens. There were, literally, thousands of people strolling the paths, when we were approached by a group of young guys who asked if they could take our photo. As soon as we agreed, several of them jumped into place beside us, while others snapped away. This was followed by a short conversation, exchanging names, finding out our country of origin, etc., and then they went on their way. Not long after, a group of beautiful young women approached us with the same request. Usually, there is one brave person who makes the initial contact, and once we agree, then all the others rush to be in the photos, snuggling up close in youthful enthusiasm. The people behind the camera switch out so that they, too, can get into the pics.
Manly young tourists at the Botanical Gardens in Ooty.
Lovely young ladies at the gardens.
Seeing this interaction must have given courage to a foursome of older women, who asked us to take their photos. That’s all they wanted, just to be in our collection of photos of Indian people. No emailing them copies, no taking photos themselves, just notice and remember them. Their request could not have made me happier.
They seem to be saying, "Please remember us!" (We will!!)
In the intervening week, this occurrence has happened several more times. One day we were walking beside Ooty Lake when I realized that a bunch of young guys, all with expensive cameras, had their long lenses pointing at me. I laughed and hammed it up a bit, and they immediately flocked to our side, asking questions and clicking away happily.
Caught in the lenses of Ooty Lake photography students on a field trip.
It still takes us by surprise that complete strangers would want photos of us, but then again, no. I want THEIR photos just as much! It certainly gives a lift to our day, and for a moment or two, we feel like celebs!
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