Unbelievable one day ...

Returning from an unbelievably good Ayurvedic treatment, in the Jaipur evening.  Feeling like that was the best massage ever.  We chance the road and the opportunity to walk off a little bliss, as opposed to taking an auto - a previously agreed.  Nice one.

Arriving at a busy intersection, it's approaching 7.30pm and the mid week evening traffic rush is in full flow.  How to negotiate the traffic and cross to the other side?  There are no traffic signals, at least none visible through the haze of dust, smoke and high beams.  There's a zebra crossing, which means little in India, except perhaps a recognisable pick up spot for the ambulance.  A local Jaipurian, late 20's, well dressed, computer bag draped over his right shoulder, stands on the curb.

'He's going for it,' I think.

"I'll have what you're having," I remark. "When you cross, we'll go with you."

He smiles.  Gesticulates acceptance of the offer.

A brief pause, then it's action, no lights and no camera.  He steps confidently onto the road.  The traffic keeps coming.  We join him as if to walk in his shadow.  We dodge the speeding autos, cars, thankfully no buses.  A few vehicles without lights.  Hands shielding our eyes from the glare, or maybe in a vain attempt to hold back the onslaught.  Ducking and weaving, or was that the traffic, we negotiate our way to the centre traffic island, climb up, look left and believe the flow is lighter.

"Let's go for it," I exhort.  DG and I are off.  Turning back to ensure our guide is safely with us, I'm surprised, amazed, to see him returning to the original fatal shore.  That's India for you.  Unbelievable on day, incredible the next!