Road trip

I went with some friends to see their village house and I was reminded that I live in a unique place.
Where else does a bus driver get such a canvas for personal expression?
Where else do shepherds get away with walking their sheep down the highway?
Where else can your child ride in the car without a seat belt? In fact, he can hang out the back of the car while the door is wide open.
There's a whole world to watch go by.
A whole world to drive out and see.
Some of it is just too beautiful for words.

Eid sacrifice

Eid Mubarak!

Today is Eid. A day for sacrifices.

I went out to a friend's house today and she said not to be alarmed when I saw her street. It was covered in blood from all the goat sacrifices. Actually, by the time I got there it was only puddles of water and a few people out hosing down their entryways. But the smell of fresh blood was still in the air.

The day before, we'd seen goats festively attired in garlands and bows. They were dressed for death.

And before that we'd seen sheep and goats lined up along the street outside the slaughter house. All in preparation for the big Eid celebration.

Camels, too. There were camels for sale to those who can afford a sacrifice of this size.

And they, too, were painted and decorated for Eid.

On the way to school

The everyday things I see on my walk to school never cease to catch me by surprise and amaze me. What is common place here is still exotic and new to me.
For instance, this is a very personalized lorry. It even has shikaras (water taxis) painted on it.
The neighbor's house was decorated to the hilt for a wedding. So much tinsel.
One morning as I passed the sheep being herded down the road, the shepherds pointed out to me a newly born lamb on the side of the road. This is not him, but a cute goat kid who was also part of the herd that morning.

Shopping sights

I went out shopping and I saw a whole range of interesting sights.


A typical view of the houseboats.

Where I bought my vegetables.


Cloth for a new suit.

What is the fake horse doing in the mall?

Is it the real Pizza Hut?


And, yes, shepherdesses with their sheep.