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City to Village life...
I have just returned from three days in Sunderbans Tiger Reserve, over 250 man eating tigers reside in this expansive mangrove swamp (majority of reserve is in bangladesh). Stayed with a family in local village opposite the reserve, the husband of the eldest lady in the family was killed by a tiger around 20 years ago. On average about 300 typically fishermen are killed by the tigers every year, the region is also famed for it's honey, a death defying business collecting it. Had some qualms about buying the honey and encouraging this kind of risk, but figured as it had already been collected then best to reward effort, and v tasty.
Went with two tour leaders, the two other volunteers and indian family of 3. We stayed with a family in mud huts, they cooked all our food, lots of fish, delicious tomato relish but unfortunately wasn't able to sample fully, came down with pretty bad tummy bug at 5am on day 2. Tour of sunderbans was i guess a little dissapointing in terms of wildlife spotting, saw a small baby croc, a few deer and a wild boar, a tiger had been sighted at the watch tower we visited 3 days before, so not altogether rare, but unusual enough to spot a tiger. Was reading in newspaper today that village (am hoping a wee way from where we were staying) had captured a tiger and it was released yesterday back into jungle. Officials think that prey in reserve is dwindling and tigers know (and can swim) short distance to villages that border reserve and have a feast. Sounds as if they release deer as prey regularily into reserve to sate their appetite and fence area around reserve and villages as precautions.
Republic day here, much fevour in city, flag waving and officialdom touting their greatness. Great to see head of mother teresa charity here awarded a honour in 'official list' but certainly weighted to business greats. Was struck by attitute indian family had towards litter (won't harp on R never heard end of it on last visit!) but their son (4.5 years old) had no qualms about dropping kit kat wrapper on ground near watch tower in tiger reserve, throwing chip wrapper out train window, water bottle wrapping on ground, no eyelid batted from parents. V frustrating to see some of the attitudes of educated intelligent people towards the envi, an uphill climb, especially when there appears to be growing press and feeling about pollution and waste from many other kolkatians. Nat govt elections later this year, unfortunately the bill stating a right to education for all indian children after 10+ years of wrangling still not enacted, really hope that this and basic health and sanity climbs to top of electioneering hit list, but having seen who gets credit in republic day honours list suspect it will be all about the economy and miltary might.
After almost a week on holiday back to work tomorrow, feeling much better :)
Take care xx
Jess
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