Comments on: Udaipur, India: A Photo, A Girl, A Lesson

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 05:46:08 +0000

@Alekhya: Thanks for your kind comment and sharing your similar experience. I always try to make an effort to ask kids about their school or family or favorite sports or whatever. Makes a difference to everyone I think. And, although they are often selling things because they need to provide for their families, they are still kids at heart and that attention and play time can mean so much…for everyone.

By: Alekhya

Alekhya — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 23:59:13 +0000

Hey Audrey,
Such a beautiful post. Even i went through the same thing in a recent trip.There were 2 kids who were trying very hard to sell us something (which we obviously didn’t require), but we still bought it. Still they wanted us to buy more. Then i started interacting them, asking them small personal things and then finally took their pics. Their smiles were unbelievable. That’s another thing, that even after that they didn’t give upon us and wanted to sell more. Forgot what i had bought but the smiles still stay with me. 🙂

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 02:55:36 +0000

@Karen: Thanks so much for your kind and thoughtful comment.Being aware and traveling with respect will open you up to many such opportunities and experiences. Safe travels and I hope you enjoy your time in Nepal. It’s one of those countries where I wish had been able to spend more time and go a bit deeper. I hope to return one day.

By: karen

karen — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 18:36:30 +0000

HI Audrey, I am just about getting ready to head to Nepal for some extended travel … and it’s stories like this one that speak to why and how we travel, and what compels me now again to set out: its that travel is full of opportunities to be touched in beautiful, meaningful and sometimes mysterious ways – that aren’t so readily available in our day to day. Whether by the landscapes, people or experiences that surround us when we immerse ourselves in that way. I aspire to travel like you – with an open heart as well as open eyes! Keep on keepin’ on!!! And thanks for writing about it. Karen

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 01:04:09 +0000

@Erica: Thank you for this kind comment and for sharing this piece on Ex Officio’s Facebook page as well. I think back to this girl often and try to ground myself in acknowledging and treating people with respect.

By: Erica at ExOfficio

Erica at ExOfficio — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:53:45 +0000

I love this! What a wonderful exchange and a great story to start off the New Year with. Thank you for sharing.

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 10:26:18 +0000

@Rahman: Thanks for stopping by and for your comment. Yes, we all should cherish what we have. I never take for granted how fortunate I am to be able to travel working and traveling around the world. As we have spent most of this journey in transitional and developing countries, including working with microfinance organizations involved with poor rural and urban populations, I have seen many challenges and successes in all levels of societies. Approaching people – those similar and different to you – with respect helps to break down barriers and confusion.

By: Rahman

Rahman — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 07:19:58 +0000

From one point of view, such kids and even adults tell themselves, “these people are rich enough to be able to travel the world.” You can’t say they’re wrong, can you? To them, such travelers have got the money. All that occupies their minds is how to go on living the way they do, how to make a living, how to get fed and dressed, etc.

You are there, a stranger with a camera in your hand, look different, and smile to everyone! You are definitely a weird being to them. So, they are confused.

I was guiding a bird watching group some 8 years ago at some of the most poverty-stricken parts of south of Iran. At a village, people wanted me to swear to convince them that some people have come to their village to look at the birds and go. They even thought they were doctors who could vaccinate their kids. So, they asked me all those weird questions.

We should cherish what we are and what we have.

Rahman Mehraby
Destination Iran Travel & Tours

By: HUSEN UDAIPURI

HUSEN UDAIPURI — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 07:25:01 +0000

Thanks fr wrting the abve essons.The world is full of Rich and poor peoples.The good people can help forpoorpeople in the world.Udaipur city in Kashmir of Rajasthan and anatural city giftof God the Almighty.We may walk on the right and constructive path of humanity. Many many thanks.

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 11:05:15 +0000

@Violet: Thanks for stopping by and for your comment! We have lots of great content coming your way in the next year – hope you enjoy it!