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Can I have your autograph?

Rocked up in Nagpur intent on giving Aussie travellers a bad name, but it doesn't seem to be working.

People keep asking for my autograph.

Signed about six while buying my ticket for the fourth and final Test.

There aren't really any tourist attractions here so the locals only ever see us foreigners when they host the cricket.

And the locals seem to make the most of it, flocking round you and asking questions to practice their English.

It can get a little overwhelming, but is a pleasant change from being hassled for money.

It seems the local cricket board hasn't seen the debacle that is Adelaide's Footy Park, a ground that is poorly serviced by public transport and is a ways from the city centre, because they have built a new stadium some 18km out (the old one is in the centre).

When not asking tourists for autographs, the locals also love flying kites.

As the sun was setting hundreds could be seen for miles around.

How about the serenity...

A man with a plan

Before I left Delhi, I visited Raj Ghat which is where Mohatma Gandhi was cremated.

In a beautiful public park, there is a lovely little memorial of one of India's favourite sons.

Just across the road is a museum mapping out his life in photos.

You could spend hours looking through them all and reading the quotes from throughout this great man's life.

One of his ideas is known as Swadeshi, which is basically just buying local even if it costs a bit more.

He stood up to the British, who were sending Indian cotton home and processing it into clothes to sell back to the Indians at a cheaper price than they could make them for, by getting everyone to burn their English-processed cotton and make their own.

In doing so Gandhiji made the Charkha (spinning wheel) a national icon which now adorns the flag.

On that note, I am going to buy some local food, sign a few autographs and generally give Aussies a bad name with my disgraceful behaviour.

All for a couple of dollars...

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comments


Date: Newest first | Oldest first
I'm guessing that Gandhi would not be a big fan of the FTA. With regard the location of the Nagpur cricket ground I am reminded of Kevin Costner (not so auspicious as Gandhi), "if you build it they will come". You travelled all the way from Australia to India for the test so I'm guessing transport will not be an issue in the future!!
Posted by joanne26, 6/11/2008 2:14:57 PM
I thought this blog was supposed to be about cricket?
Posted by Kevin, 6/11/2008 9:23:07 PM
In Brazil they have a saying, "Mais o menos." I think there is something in that for all of us. I'm sure you'd agree Kevin.

Chuckle, the transport is all part of the fun joanne. Buses that are meant to be running aren't, so you just end up sharing a rickshaw with the locals. This time the driver was all smiles and shook my hand after the trip. I think it's the mo...

Posted by polky, 7/11/2008 12:34:58 AM
But in Japan they say: ??????????????? Surely you would be familiar with that?
Posted by Kevin, 7/11/2008 12:16:20 PM
Journey to the West
A long time ago Monkey followed a Buddhist priest, Tripitaka, from China to India in search of holy scriptures to save the world. Chairman Polky now heads to India in search of the same, and to watch a little cricket too...

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