Traditional Indian Laundry Service

The women  of India are remarkably power beings. It was rare that you didn't see the women working at something  to keep the family going. There were  North American type washers and dryers in the more affluent homes but the majority of the poor did everything by hand. The washing procedures looked pretty back breaking as the women hunched over either a pond or stream or simple water bucket manhandling yards and yards of fabric. The ring cycle was also difficult as they teamed up at either end of the fabric twisting and pulling until the water was squeezed out onto the ground. I think the drying cycle was probably even more efficient than our dryers because all they did was lay the fabric on the steaming rock steps where the clothes dried quite quickly.

Indian Washing Machines

The stairs on the edge of the temple in Badami was the perfect spot to do the laundry, although I am not sure how clean the water looks.

Roadside laundry service

This was a typical scene as we drove through the small villages. The women are working hard.

Indian Dryers

This was a simple everyday activity that the hard working women in Badami performed  everyday. The drying process created a beautiful mosaic of spectacular sari's along the steps. If you look at the far end of the picture you can see the sacred cow also being washed and cooled for the day.

 

India's Natural beauty

It is amazing to me that even the plants of India have a survival instinct. February in India is very dry and yet you find these beautiful gems  brightening up the view.

Edible flower

This beautiful plant was growing in Biri's back yard. This plant feels like it is plastic. Ramka told me that you could eat it and he pinched off a piece and dared me to try it. I did of course. It wasn't too bad and I lived to tell the tale.

Cactus growing beside the temples in Badami

Even the garbage bins are unique.