Animals in Asia

I admit I am not an animal lover.  That's not to say I don't find it interesting to observe them, but I have no need whatsoever to take them into my home, feed them, nurse them, save them.  

   While in Bhutan, I  was reminded of my minority status in this regard.  I observed aghast as MS2 and our beloved Black Foot gypsy guide attempted to feed all of the stray dogs in Paro.  I watched with pursed lips and furrowed brow as a pack of dogs swarming these two gentle women grew larger and larger. I feared the dogs might not realize these are good-hearted animal lovers and I worried that this charitable act might be MS2's last. 

She did get bit, but she survived. We don't have the rabies test results yet. (Ok ok, don't panic. It didn't break the skin.)

   Also in Bhutan, all of my compatriots were ooh-ing and ah-ing over each and every monkey.  Mind you, these were *wild* monkeys. With every monkey sighting 16 - 1 (the *1* being yours truly) people would take chase, camera in one hand, banana in another.  Good grief.   Little did they know that if they caught up to the creature, a battle might well ensue and I can assure you, the monkey would win.

   Today I was reminded that my feelings about monkeys are shared by 1 billion people.  All of the people of India.  I was taking a photo through an open window in Jaipur's Amber Palace when all of a sudden a monkey face appeared in my viewer.  The monkey had jumped up onto the window frame and was still coming full steam ahead!  I hollered and took off. What's more, everyone else in the room (all Indian) hollered and fled along with me.  

I have found my people.

MS1