Another perspective: it’s amazing how much garbage is everywhere, plastic bottles in big piles on the beach and in the woods, butts and wrappers and papers and wire and other plastic all over the place. Nobody thinks about picking it up at all. I don’t know if there is a landfill or recycling depot being used at all, but it sure doesn’t look like it.
There are so many poor people all over India. For 50 Rupees each (just over a dollar), a few workers could easily clean up the whole area. I just don’t understand why it’s acceptable to dump garbage everywhere! Perhaps they would just take it all to one spot and dump it there. Instant landfill.
Anyhow I was happy to see a group of people yesterday wearing gloves and picking up garbage off the beach. Don’t know who they were or if they were being paid, but I was very heartened to see at least an awareness of the importance of cleaning up!
And that is not to mention the cows and dogs and water buffalo and chickens that wander freely. While they also add to the pollution with their shit, they eat a lot of garbage too, especially the pigs. I must say I haven’t seen pigs or monkeys since we arrived here at Gokarna. But the animals and the people really coexist everywhere. A cow will come over to our blanket on the beach, seeking gifts (food I guess). The dogs too, quite aggressive in a friendly way. A young cow was particularly interested in Amy (picture attached), and was difficult to dissuade. Cute and obnoxious at the same time. Anyhow, after a while he moved on. The water buffalo stream through in the morning and back in the evening, sleek and somewhat moose-like in their faces, very beautiful.
Major problems I see in India – there are two that really stick out: poverty and pollution.
Major attributes: lots! Beauty, warm spirit, yoga, healing, meditation, nature. Then there’s excellent food and drink, entertainment and lots of travellers to meet and talk with. Some stay for weeks or months in a beach town, hanging out meeting others from around the world, exploring the area and chilling. Don’t know how long I could last in a place like this, probably a few days is enough. I could see spending longer in Hampi though. We didn’t get to visit the amazing caves with ancient art painted and inlaid into the rock. The whole cave world around Hampi is a highlight we will have to see next visit (God willing!).
This afternoon we are on to our next adventure: sleeper train south to Kochin, Kerala. Our Kerala time begins. Looking forward to backwaters, Ayurvedic treatments, Amma’s Ashram, elephants and nature reserve time, and even more beaches! And I understand the food in Kerala is spectacular.
Till next time!
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