One photo

There are some phrases Indians learn by heart. "Name?", "Which country?", "Are you married?", "Boyfriend/Girlfriend?" are the interrogative ones. "School pen.", "Rupees."or "Chocolate." are the demanding ones, and usually said by kids.

As I have said, there is nothing much to do in Bundi. A couple of palaces and bazaars are it's main attractions. But for some time now, I've been searching for something else that I can't find in it's temples, palaces, bazaars and castles. I've been searching for that part of their lives specially dedicated to Indians. So against logical safety advices, which I think are nonsense, I venture myself into the residential areas, as I did in Udaipur, Diu or Bundi.

Adults usually look at you with a weary eye, but kids, their open hearts and interested innocent minds, run to you pronouncing all those demanding sentences I listed before. But, if they see you with a camera on your hands, they will forget all those phrases, and ask directly for "One photo". Young and adults indistinctively. A photo you have to show them once you have done it. Sometimes they get a bit aggressive, and you have to straighten them up before you show it. Too many hands try to grab you camera at the same time, it turns into chaos if there are too many. Sometimes they give you their address so that you post them the picture taken. I still have to post a couple.

Their poses are many. From postures taken out of their favorite Hindi movies to the strangest face they can put, twisting their faces in ways I find impossible, or with the saddest face imaginable. In these cases, I generally wait a lot until they laugh about the situation and loose concentration on the picture that's being taken. Those, I think, are the best. Sometimes I do a stupid face myself so that they can laugh.

Unfortunately, I'm not too good at taking pictures of people, but I'm working on it. I think this defect might come because I'm really not too good with people. I am harsh when I have to be soft, and say things in too a clear way that I end up offending those I love and care about. My mouth generally goes faster than my brain, without realizing I'm hurting my family and friends. However, they are always there, and I'm grateful for their patience and love.