I am Indian

Took a night bus to Jamnegar last night and arrived this morning at 5:30am. No sleep on the bus - constant hooting. Loud hooting. Each bus had their own stupid tune. Decided to only buy some Batik Bhandai cloth (to lie on in trains) here in Jamnegar, so didn't book into any hotel. It took a long time to explain to all my little helpers that I in fact did not want a hotel room. Eventually I gave in and said Take me to the President Hotel! There I carefully explained again that I don't want a room. It sunk in. They let me sit in their lobby, though, till the sun came up.

Then the concierge suggested I walk around Lakhota lake - that's what everybody does around here before 7am. On my way there I walked past a huge gravel field where people were playing cricket. I said I don't play and sat down with the batsmen and watched the game. I was then told to field. The wicket keeper passed me a few balls. Everybody cheered when I caught the balls. I didn't drop a single one just for the record. He even threw me a super fast one. I caught it. I caught a fast one coming off the bat. The captain came running toward me cheering hands up in the air. What can I say - I'm from South Africa. Jonty Rhodes and all. I hid my nervousness exceptionally well. These guys play every morning between 7-9am for the past two years.

I then walked around the lake. Met a seventeen year old on a bicycle. We went to the temple together where they have been chanting non-stop for the past forty years. Sat there and fell asleep a few times. I explained star signs to him, which was tricky. We had many silences. I am Indian he exclaimed once. Lots of conversations like this. Stating the obvious is a favourite.

I showed him the photos I took of the cricket. He wanted one taken of us two. Then another older man joined, he also wanted of us three. Then the kid bought me bananas and apples because I looked hungry. It was great listening to the chanting.

Bought cloth at the market. Sat down on a chair in the middle of the room. Many cloths were presented to me. Much bartering. Pepsi was bought for me too (I declined, though - too much sugar). Had lunch in a bleak restaurant.

Incredibly bored. Wish I could pull the plug. Perhaps I will meet travellers some day, so that I can stop having the same conversations over and over and over.

Off to Jundeghar now. There's a mountain to climb - something to do.