I have been afflicted by this strange European hangover and the symptoms are quiet disturbing. Having spent twenty five days walking at all hours of the day and night -in the relative safety of knowing that crime is not as rampant as it is in India-,in Europe, I came home to a life that requires me to take the car out for even short distances. Blistering heat prevents one from walking but when it rained and the temperature dropped,I decided rather foolishly to walk some two kilometres to the library and to do some shopping. Full of enthusiasm and ready to take on the world I donned my walking shoes,took a shopping bag and ventured forth. Little did I realise that not only was it treacherous,dangerous and a totally wrong decision. For one I didn't contend with the state of our roads. The rain had left large pools of water and the slush was engineered to make even the most sure footed to slip.Bravely I trod on the footpath only to find that most of it was overtaken by hawkers and there I had to tred back on the road,only to be met by on coming traffic which as in all of India doesn't follow any rules. By the time I dodged out of the way of two wheelers,cars and all manner of dizzying traffic I had reached the main road and unscathed may I add. The challenge was to cross to the other side. Now in India it's always the survival of the fittest. Politely waiting for the traffic light to turn green ( there are no traffic light here on this road) is silly. Waiting for vehicles to stop for pedestrians as they do in other countries is to delude oneself of ones own importance. So I straighten my shoulders,take a deep breath and plunge into the traffic as if to the road born. I make it safely to the other side having been cursed by many a driver for having the audacity to cross when they were coming at full speed but like I said what has to be done must be done and walking on Indian roads in peak traffic in the absence of footpaths is not for the faint hearted.
I reach the road where forty years ago we walked every evening stopping to talk to friends on the way. Not a car would be in sight and both sides of the road were lined with houses. Today the houses,(all but a few remain) have given way to commercial establishments,and the crowds have swelled. By the time I reached my destination,survival skills that were lying dormant (thanks in part to have taken to driving for many years now) had kicked in. The return home was a lot easier. I walked with a swagger my Europe hangover almost gone but lesson learnt not to be forgotten ,I discovered the footpath that no self respecting pedestrian in India will use,but I did use it at the risk of falling or slipping thanks to undulations,but was forced to give up in many places.
As I braved the slush,the traffic and the maniac drivers,I felt proud of myself for taking the risk of walking in peak traffic and in the process I discovered many things about my country,the first being that pedestrians are not a respected lot. This is a country for drivers and not walkers. Will I venture out again.?....well who knows when the spirit of adventure takes over. Until then I think I shall just drive.
