(keeping a watchful eye high above Pushkar)
In the Rajasthani state, Pushkar is an ancient city which hosts an annual camel fair that is coming up on November 8th 2016. I've never been able to attend the camel fair, however, Pushkar is a backpackers paradise at all other times as well. The surrounding desert is spectacular as are the myriad of cultural events that are ongoing in the area.
The monkeys are always a hit with new and unwary travelers, though it does not take long to realize they are a scheming bunch regardless of what continent or species you may encounter. I have yet to meet a monkey that didn't attempt to rob me or my windowless dwellings (hut above El Peten lake, Tikal) where they entered the room and took food that I had suspended from the rafters. A large female spider monkey sat with me on the outdoor dining table, arms folded while looking peacefully around as I had my dinner. Suddenly, she lunged at me grabbing a large slab of cheese from the edge of my plate. Of course, she then ran off and up into the safety of a nearby tree.
I have had monkeys repeatedly attempt to remove the keys from a running motorbike. Actually, one was successful the first time and I should perhaps omit how I recovered the keys. Nonetheless, moments later the same monkey returned and attempted to remove a locked Paksafe device from the front of the bike. I laughed at him openly and the lunged at him (pepper spray in hand just in case he decided to take me on for real). I know what you are thinking - isn't it impossible to pull the keys out of a running motorbike? Nope sometimes the ignition internals fail and allow a key to be removed even while in the running position.
Okay to be fair, this troop of spider monkeys were well behaved as they'd likely already been fed by those coming up this trail above the city.
A view from my room, who is really behind the bars here?
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