I was eating dinner alone in the Hotel Mahaveer International (the best hotel in Nagaur, but a dump by almost any American standard); during the town's annual Cattle Fair - a time of celebration for many people in this far western region of Rajasthan. Nagaur is a dirty, dusty, small "old west" type of town, having only a ubiquitous fort to attract tourists. But I went there to see ordinary people celebrate. And I found this family gathering; this "Cousins Club". I was pleased and relaxed and a little high on Kingfisher as the kids scurried around the large, almost empty dining room. The kids thought that I looked quite odd; and showing compassion to this lonely stranger, offered me a piece of cake; and invited to their table. Since none of my hosts spoke English and my Hindi is truly wretched; I did the best I could to communicate thanks and admiration for their family in pantomime. After a brief period, I excused myself and went to my room. But I was quite moved by their good fellowship and family affection.
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