A helping hand

I led an unusual cycle tour today on Srirangapatnam.

Four teenagers, ok one isn’t yet but no one would know. Were invited to join me for a cycle tour ostensibly to better understand how to be a guide.

My objective which alines with my latest thinking on how we might better prepare young people to be more rounded and better active citizens as they mature.

I’d hoped that the day’s adventure would help improve their confidence, communication and assertiveness.

Big ask but a tiny step.

Coincidentally Kaveri asked me why a horse had blinkers. I lost no opportunity to use the analogy in how it’s important for them to get a wider view.

I delivered the standard tour with more emphasis on how they should manage it, rather than the content.

SB the ever present aid and family member was her usual great support.

After the tour we visited the recently opened car museum

The museum included a similar Mercedes to one I owned in the 90s, my wonderful inactive Ambassador and a candlestick telephone like one at home.

I’ve invited them to continue with this journey, if they wish, so that within a year ( much less!) they should be able to lead a tour.

Maybe more meals might do the trick

Who knows where it might lead —- greater personal competencies at least.

If it happens— I’m open to them leading tours and maybe taking over and expanding. I have absolutely no expectations.

They’re all very different characters but of course, all have potential.

I was happy with the day.

Hanging out Srirangapatnam

Here to prep the cycles for a student tour in two days.

I’m now sitting on the most unusual steps by the bathing ghats, which are featured on our Srirangaptnam tour.

With various characters walking by

I was previously innocently sitting at the bottom of the tree.

A wanderer asked where I was from and then … am I a bachelor. No reward for guessing what that means. I’m married whilst pointing to manjula’s tattoo.

Useful.

I’m appreciating wonderful views, whilst trying to ignore, in both locations, the wafting aroma of the evidence of defecating in the outdoors.

The juxtaposition of India.

We had a great tour last week, Brits, birds (they’re twitchers) and not especially smelly