A & N Diary- 2

The Brother & The Writer...going back from Limestone caves!!

4pm, Friday 29^th November 2013

We are back from Baratang, the second most attractive island after Havelock. It is on this island where limestone soda caves are situated. These caves can be tagged as one of the best examples of fine arts done by God. To reach these caves, we literally had to go through tough conditions because of unpredictable weather. One more element that was important in reaching limestone caves was ‘searching for Jarawas’. Yeah that’s exactly what we were doing. This tribe is one of the few left tribes from around the globe who are living completely in the adobe of nature. Obviously they have a kind of better life than us but it is also a real challenge. Our driver for trip told us so many about this particular tribe, but just to maintain the excitement for those who will visit A & N anytime in future, I would not mention all details. While going through jungle road in our rental car towards Baratang, we had kept our eyes wide open as instructed by the driver. The only mission was to get a glimpse of members of this tribe. Estimated distance from Port Blair city to Baratang is 120Kms (Dear Mumbaikars that would be Panvel-Pune). I was able to spot 4-5 grown up men while going and a group of tribal people while coming back.

Members of Jawara tribe!!

Also the confusion that had grown into my mind about people carrying vegetables was cleared by our cook who was from Chennai. He told us- Majority of population of Andaman consists of Bengalis and people from Chennai. So those who work here at Andaman visit their home often during the year. The only way to move out of city or to arrive here is through air or sea. Sea travel demands so many days and it is not a simple task to travel by sea. So those people from Chennai who were carrying vegetables were actually carrying their food for the night. It is because of weather and land conditions that in Andaman, vegetables are not grown on a large scale. I guess this is the main reason behind the fact that vegetables are costlier than Chicken or fish.

After a dinner of fish curry-rice, I went into my room and tried to reflect upon myself the kind of hectic life we are living in city-

Oh Lord, thank you for being so kind

Thank you for giving such beautiful collection of fauna

To keep us alive,

It may not repair the wound inside, but does,

It really does bring a smile!

True that we have not taken care of your land and animals,

But you have always showered upon us your mercy!

I thank you on the behalf of my brothers and sisters!

Looks like Gateway to Heaven? Well this is a part of way to Limestone!

More to come...