More leaf samples have arrived

My time I need to divide

For one week, from the lab I must hide

A trip to Baraut

There's something about the villages of western Uttar Pradesh that makes me feel like running on the dusty roads or along the bunds of the fields like the urchin boys... in nothing but grubby shorts that are falling off my bum!

My field trip to a couple of orchards in Baraut, a Tehsil in Bagpat District, U. P. reminded my of my ancestral village near Mathura. How do these places... miles apart seem so similar? The whoosh of dust, cowdung cake-firewood smoke and aroma of freshly cut chari (Sorghum, used as fodder) filled my nostrils and made me so nostalgic. And the bumpy roads..coupled with the rickety Armada we were aboard formed this deadly combination in which my head felt as if it would jerk off from the neck, and my internal organs seemed to have got dislodged from their various points of attachment to beome a homogenised pulpy mush inside. Nevertheless, the overcast sky and cool breeze laden with familiar smells kept me happy.

The orchard men were pleased to oblige with their knowledge of local mango varieties. They were surprised and probably dismayed that I had come all the way from Delhi for leaves of those trees,and not fruits. Shabudin alias Shaheen (pic) was of great help. My guide, Dr. Bhat and the HOD (Collection & Exploration), Dr Malik, were amazingly cooperative - doing all the jumping and plucking... while I simply did the labelling (Womens lib? HUH.. its great being a girl... and a shortie at that).

Forty three varieties later, we decided to stop. We lunched at Malik Sir's nephew's place. The ghee was superb. Ghevar, the sweetmeat of the monsoon was there in its saccharine, perforated glory. We bought lots on the way back.

The onward journey was bad... bumpier as the driver got mixed up ith the roads. I wanted to cry as I felt my medulla separating from my spine. AARGH. Dr. Malik had to be dropped back yo Mayur Vihar, my leaves had to be refrigerated in NBPGR, and I was dropped home last. Reached at 8 30pm... But it was a rewarding trip.