As we leave India, one of our best memories will be of the hundreds and probably thousands of smiling faces of the children in the towns and villages we passed through on our long journeys and tours.
The reaction everywhere to our car (a humble Toyota MPV) was a turned head, a moment to look at our faces and then a massive smile and energetic waving of delight that warmed the heart as they would rush to the roadside to get a closer view.
It was only when we were travelling in an open topped jeep that we realised they were shouting out too. "Ta ta" they all cried which not surprisingly means "hello/goodbye" or, more closely, "Ciao" in Italian.
We reciprocated with big smiles (you couldn't not) gentle waving and a polite "ta ta". We are British after all! And that was all the vast majority of them wanted.
A genuine show of affection that made us feel so welcome in their country.
The reaction everywhere to our car (a humble Toyota MPV) was a turned head, a moment to look at our faces and then a massive smile and energetic waving of delight that warmed the heart as they would rush to the roadside to get a closer view.
It was only when we were travelling in an open topped jeep that we realised they were shouting out too. "Ta ta" they all cried which not surprisingly means "hello/goodbye" or, more closely, "Ciao" in Italian.
We reciprocated with big smiles (you couldn't not) gentle waving and a polite "ta ta". We are British after all! And that was all the vast majority of them wanted.
A genuine show of affection that made us feel so welcome in their country.
Thank you for keeping in touch.....most entertaining
ReplyDeleteThanks Ma glad you enjoyed it.
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