Dhrangadhra

This is Dhrangadhra, the rural town in Gujarat state that has become my new address.

Whilst walking into town back in Ripon may have involved a friendly encounter with someone I knew and a takeaway coffee, walking into town here involves a whole lot more. No one seems to use the pavements, instead pedestrians share the roads with a barrage of cars, motorbikes, bikes, autos (automated rickshaws) and cows (and sometimes pigs). This chaotic system seemingly has some sort of order and negotiation, as vehicles weave in and out, largely controlled by the honking of horns.

Besides the hustle and bustle of the roads, there is also the stares that we seem to attract. As young, 'white girls' it is understandable that we stand out, with passers-by shouting out 'Hello!' and 'Where are you from?'. It is a largely friendly atmosphere, as stallholders call after us; the other day, we stopped at a stall selling coconuts (which you drink out of using a straw) and were asked for our photos. Strange and surreal, it will take a bit of time to get used to and find our way round, but just embracing it seems the best way to go!

At the coconut stall