On the long bus journey from Kumbokanam to Tirunelveli, we stopped for a bathroom break.  The bathroom consisted of a large field with some bushes and trees.

What a laughable scene it must have been to see hoards of women in white saris and Punjabis spreading out across this green and golden landscape in search of a hopefully secluded and private spot, and then squatting here, there, everywhere.  It was only after we had re-boarded the buses and started to slowly drive away that we noticed the small crowds of local people who had been watching the whole time from their houses that were tucked away in the trees.   They gathered together, mostly women in beautifully colored saris, and children – watching us with smiles on their faces as we drove away.

Realizing we had been caught ‘red-handed’ as the saying goes, laughter rolled through the bus.  We waved at the gentle, tolerant people watching us.  They smiled and waved back.

Malini – USA