Monday, September 17, 2012

Shimla Shakedown

Today's fun: Monkey Attack! We were having a lovely stroll down from visiting the Jakhu, a huge pink monkey temple, an area of course swarming with monkeys. On the way up the hill, it was suggested we rent a stick to keep the aggressive monkeys at bay, and we were also warned (in Hindi) by a lady who said to watch for your glasses. After walking around the statue and enjoying the site & sights, we headed down. Stretch was great with the stick. He just tapped it towards the monkeys and they backed off. That is until the very last monkey...who circled around me and in a flash jumped on my head, snatched my glasses and was up on a statue. We started for him, then thought better and tried to lure him with shiny paper and money. No go. Then a vender nearby said "food" and came over with a bag of peanuts. At this point I couldn't really see what was happening, so Stretch tells me the man threw the peanuts to the monkey, who dropped the glasses right in the man's hands. Whew! Stretch said "how much" and the man replies "ten rupees".  I laughed and asked it the monkey was his pet, but didn't get a reply. So, lesson learned: wear my contact when ever possible, and maybe learn Hindi.

2 comments:

  1. I can't believe it. I am thankful we only have bears to worry about. They might eat you but they certainly don't mess with your glasses or work with a vendor selling peanuts. Should have brought your hiking sticks. I imagine you might have to fight off other things as well.

    Everything is fine here at the house. I set up painting on the big table in the garage. It works great. I love it down there, it makes me focus with little distractions. I might just turn into a troll, all white and pasty after my three months are up.

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  2. That is a great funny story. I love reading all your stories. It is like a travel novel that is true. I guess I better watch out for jaguars in brazil try to steal my glasses.. I am reading all your posts this morning backwards as I had a hard time getting them. So wonderful the adventure you are having and it is only October. I miss you both but so happy you are living your dreams.

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