Oh, Incredible India, you never cease to amaze me!
We were on our way to the post-office in Delhi when all of a sudden our car had to brake. No, it was not the usual traffic, where cars, bikes, cycles, autos, rickshaws, cows and pedestrians clog the streets. This time, we had to make way for a sheep mob. We waited until the grass eaters made their way despite the red light… but this being India, the fun was just getting started!
We got to the post-office to send an international package but we were unable to do so.
You first need to take the package to the tailor!
the post man said.
WHAT?
In India, international packages can only be sent by post when wrapped in cloth and stitched up. You write the address in the cloth itself (be careful don’t choose some goth color that will impair the post man from reading the directions properly!) and then they seal the deal with hot red wax! All of a sudden, sending letters with a pigeon doesn’t seem like such a far-fetched idea, right?
The tailor at the market where the post-office we went to is located took the day off, which meant we couldn’t send our parcel.
Sometimes India makes me question if it’s really 2013. But it always amuses me like it’s 1999!
I guess I have to add: “sending an international package” to my Indian bucket list.
Have fun with the tailor then! ;)
Oh I have the same problem if I try sending a parcel through a particular post office. This another one I go to don’t turn a hair when I had them my envelope and ask them to send a registry.
I feel you ran into an old-timer postal clerk.
You could find a length of white cloth and do the stitching (just rough stitches with a needle and thread) yourself.
Herds of sheep crossing the road are cute, but cows lying contentedly in the middle of the road are not. Nor stray dogs that choose to dart across the roads when it pleases them.
You are right Ava!
All these cattle encounters are cute when you have time on your hands.. but whenever you’re in a hurry, it’s a hassle! Picturesque though!.. ;)
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