Yes, I know, this is another one of those ‘Look! An interesting ethnic-looking woman in her colorful native garb’ photos you see so much of on Flickr. I have to be a bit-shamefaced posting it as well, knowing that this gorgeous woman in Sikrali will never have the chance to see the image my friend Sharon took (she wouldn’t lift her veil for me).

Setting up for the Sikrali festival, we spotted her house on top of a hill next to the parade grounds. We walked up through brambles and okra plants to meet her, her husband and their son. (I can only remember the latter’s name, Rana Ram). She quickly set about making us tea, but Sharon insisted we were just stopping by to see their place and check out the view from their roof. We set off for the nearby temple.

A few minutes later, she arrived with tea that she’d brewed and put into a metal pot. We were embarrassed by her kindness, but also realized that part of this is decorum and there’s no way you can get by without deference.

A good picture will inspire a thousand words.