Ni Dieu Ni Maitre

Oh, those playful street dogs on Sarvodaya road that sleep in the shade all day and get frisky once the sun goes down. What fun we have, frolicking in the road as I wander along, past the dozen or more places to eat… But wait! There’s blood on my wrist and a scrape from a friendly chomp on my arm…

As a longtime bicycle tourist, there have been more than a few run-ins with unfriendly dogs over the years. An old movie that still runs through my brain is an episode in Nova Scotia, back in the 1970’s. I’m riding, or rather coasting, full speed ahead down a long descent on one of my earlier touring bicycles, the freewheel clicking just like a movie projector (one of many jobs I had in my youth was as a projectionist in a small art theater). I’m sitting up on the bike, watching the movie unfold as I speed down the mountainside. In the distance is a lonely house on the roadside, and a small dog, very angry, is barking loudly and rushing out of his yard to intercept me as I go past… but coming uphill there is a speeding pick-up truck. Oh, no, I think, watching the movie unfold before my eyes and sure enough that damn dog runs out full speed ahead into the path of the pick-up. Bammo!, as I speed past the driveway and the truck doesn’t even slow down. Nor do I.

Having a bit of trouble with the completely unrelated photos.

Anyway, nobody in the neighborhood knew anything about the ownership of these dogs, and so, as is the case with a bite from any potential rabies carrying animal, a trip to the hospital and a series of shots over a period of weeks was called for. Rabies is 100% fatal if left untreated, so we err on the side of caution.

By the bye, in all my years of bicycle touring, I’ve never been bitten by a dog. Chased, of course. One dog gets a well placed kick, several dogs, it’s get off the bike and pick up a rock… this is universal dog language for run away, works on all 5 continents where I’ve used it. Or even pretend to pick up a rock if none is available.

Also on Sarvodaya road.

Here it is a week later and I remain as hotel manager/only guest. I paid the brother-in-law for 10 days, and off he went to Columbo. Another 10 days rent is due tomorrow, so I am expecting his return… I’m feeding his 2 cats exclusively on milk. They seem to be doing fine and we are now best friends. The idiot’s war has killed the tourist season here and gas plus petrol rationing is in place.

Reading tons of news lately, almost all very bad indeed. Send the navy into the Gulf, I certainly hope not. Land the Marines in Iran? Good grief! His raging egomania won’t allow for a retreat or negotiations. Keep well, all.