Sivakasi has a population between 100,000 and 200,000. So it may be about the size of Salem. A trip into town on my bike is a test of my fortitude and balance. Traffic comes from all directions and horns blare the intent of someone to pass. Passing, not falling in line, is what everyone does.
Sometimes, when I'm downtown, I begin to believe I'm on a one-way street, but then
someone comes from the opposite direction and I'm reminded there are no one-ways. Just like there are no stop signs or lights or lanes. Cars, auto rickshaws, large white ox pulling carts, and tractors pulling wagons or water tanks jockey for space with the more numerous bicycles and motorbikes. Thank goodness buses and trucks circumvent the core city center blocks.
This is the street the buses and trucks use. Amazingly I captured a calm moment in the traffic for this photo. This is an industrial area. I'm outside fireworks and matches factories. Fireworks, fire crackers, and matches are big industries in Sivakasi. Sometimes at night we see them testing fireworks over the city.
Printing is another leading business in Sivakasi. This older-looking plant is not too far from where I live. I've witnessed the women in their saris heading into work several times.
Like in many other places in the world, fruits and vegetables are sold in outdoor markets and not in supermarkets. Supermarkets, here, carry processed foods and snacks, toiletries and a few household items.
Hindu temples are plentiful all over the city. They come in all sizes. The smaller ones are tucked in among the shops, the larger ones are more apt to stand out on their own.
India is another country that knows eggs needn't be refrigerated. In this photo of a small shop if you look on the left to the shelf above the box, you'll spot the eggs.
Many small shops are none too deep. Customers may be able to take a step or two inside, but more likely we tell the shopkeeper what we want and he brings it out to us.
Hindu temples are plentiful all over the city. They come in all sizes. The smaller ones are tucked in among the shops, the larger ones are more apt to stand out on their own.
India is another country that knows eggs needn't be refrigerated. In this photo of a small shop if you look on the left to the shelf above the box, you'll spot the eggs.
Many small shops are none too deep. Customers may be able to take a step or two inside, but more likely we tell the shopkeeper what we want and he brings it out to us.
The father and the daughter in the last photo are typical Sivakasians. Friendly. Interested. Willing, even offering, to pose for photos. Helpful. The streets are noisy and chaotic, but the people who crowd them are charming.
And....This week Viji told me as a 6th year teacher at YRTV she earns Rs 10,000/ $250 a month. Mrs. Suganthi with 20 years at YRTV earns Rs 20,000/ $500.
No comments:
Post a Comment