Royd and Jesse. . .
For those who always read my blog, Royd is the photographer I wrote about and also half of the twins! David called Jesse, the observer. He is very quiet but observant of all that is happening. So what does that have to do with chivalry?
Well, it all began during our walks around India. I was always at the back of the group, talking, looking, waving, speaking, or shaking hands with Indian people. David lead the way and he sets a fast pace. I first noticed Royd walking either beside me or behind me for several nights after dinner. There are not adequate street lights, the streets and sidewalks are uneven,they often have holes and are just a maze of traps for tripping. Royd would often turn on the flashlight so that I could see more clearly as we walked down the unpaved lane to our hostel. He never mentioned that he was helping me , but finally I realized what was happening. . . Royd was my friend. He didn’t talk much but he show me his caring nature. with his actions. He saw a need and just did what he could to help.
Because I loved connecting with Indian people,at times that was a problem. When I smiled or spoke on sites such as the Amber Fort in Jai Pur, the beggars or sellers of mementos, would be relentless. I was unwilling to ignore people, always saying “No thank you” when I wasn’t interested in their wares. So I had to put up with the cries of “Auntie, Auntie” and goods stuck in my face as ab example of my need of this or that.
One particularly persistent area of vendors, is Fatehpur Sikri which is near the Taj Mahal. One among many lovely aspects at the Taj is that nothing is sold on the grounds, not even water. So there is no eating and or drinking or any kinds of persistent sellers. The first group might remember how persistent the children were trying to sell their wares. They would circle the students who were sketching, presumably to watch but also to try and sell. This group of students would ask the kids to sign their sketch books and discovered a 12 year old boy who couldn’t sign his name. He had never gone to school. That shocked us all and was the focus of many conversations! . . . . . . I digress. . . . . .
Back to Fatehpur Sikri. . . . None of us objected to the sellers as we walked through the secular site , but when we got to the mosque, that was another thing. This is a sacred , working mosque house of prayer. The sellers followed us. . . me in and kept asking me to buy something. I was becoming frazzled when my “no thank yous” seemed only to spur on the attention. Jesse and Royd came along beside me and never left my side until we reached the bus. They ignored the children, never said a word but were tall and silent, which seemed to get the message across!
Thank you Royd and Jesse for your kindness, your chivalry, and showing me by your example exactly what it means to come along side someone needs help !
Namaste!
This Is Incredible India!
TalesAlongTheWay 
Faced a similar experience at Fatehpur Sikri. And though I am an Indian, I had to shell out a considerable sum before I was released. I guess that’s how it is at these places. But I hope it was worth your visit!
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The only two places where I had trouble were at Fatehpur Sikri and the Amber Fort, both huge tourists places. The people selling are so desperate that it breaks you heart. It was unpleasant but i understand their situation. I adore India which you can see from my posts. Nothing could change my feelings about Incredible India! If you don’t mind me asking, which part of India do you live in?
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I live in New Delhi. And we Indians don’t mind anything. 🙂
When did you visit India? What all did you see?
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2013 and 2015 , four months each time. Husband is professor of architecture and we brought groups of architecture students.
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That is so cool!
Wish we had professors like your husband in our college.
Unfortunately the academic course structure in India is still pretty theoretical, though it is changing progressively.
Great to see you had a wonderful time in India. 🙂
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One week in Rajasthan, 14 days touring south and 11 days in the north.
Varanasi is my favorite, Alora caves, jalsamer, Amdavad golden temple an Wagha border closing. Hard to pick best. Your post on fatalities Sikri was great!
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We were in Amdavad at CEPT
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Great to see you got the Gujarati pronunciation! In English it is written as Ahmedabad.
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Yep, I know. A friend Keyur taught me that!
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People are amazed that husband loved India and Indians! He is very Tutonic! Orderly neat etc but he loved the gentle go with the ow spirit of amazing Indian people. I am retired elementary teacher so chaos is fine with me!
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You visited a lot of places in India. You are lucky
Kudos 🙂
I believe that we Indians are very lovable. And the chaos does add to the charm, doesn’t it?
I am originally from Allahabad, around 135 kms from Varanasi.
The evening prayers on the ghat are pretty amazing.
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We were in a boat during evening prayers and at sunrise! I remember a bridge collapse in Allahabad in 2013 during shiva festival I think was the event of 1 million people! We didn’t go there. No Mumbai except train and airport. Same thing for Delhi! Too expensive and hard getting around. I will always remember the multitude high rise apartment buildings as we neared Delhi!
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Yes I remember it too. It was sad 😦
Lack of proper planning it was, sending all those people over the foot over bridge.
Well if you come again, you should visit Delhi.
The madness is worth a visit! 🙂
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We did in 2013. Professor had his phone stolen in subway. Ah the traffic! Love chennai and especially Pondicherry ! Blessed by elephant! Fun discovering a grid plan French quarter hidden in center of Indian arms surrounding it!
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Don’t want to project a negative image, but here too, I am with you.
Had two phones stolen on the Delhi metro. 😀
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Well we have travelled a lot and it happens. I lost wallet to pickpockets in Budapest and David a wallet in Paris metro and he had to borrow money from students during 10 day spring vacation in France!
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