Camels on the Street!

This is just too good not to tell! Recently I heard the quiet sound of bells...little, jingly bells...that I had never heard before. So I ran to the window and discovered two men leading camels past the house. I grabbed the camera and a little bit of $ and ran for the door for a good photo opportunity. After giving my rupees to one of the men, I stepped back to take some pictures and he began urging me to get on for a ride. I told him I was a bit nervous about that, but he continued to urge me and I felt my resistance weakening. Before I knew, I was climbing on (just to sit) and then he told me to hang on tight and despite my protests he made the camel stand. What an amazing journey from ground level to camel height!

As the camel stood (hind legs first) I found myself suddenly facing the dirt below and hanging on for dear life. With a bit of terror edging my voice and at the same time experiencing the fun of the moment, I asked the man to take me one way (away from the people so I wouldn't be such a spectacle) and he proceeded to turn the camel and start me down the street past all the houses so everyone could see the silly lady who had gotten on his camel. We s-l-o-w-l-y walked two full blocks while everyone came running out of their houses to watch and laugh as I came by.

It was embarrassing but fun and I can now say that I have had a camel ride...right on the street in front of my house. One of those fun moments in India!