TRAVERSE Issue 45 - December 2024 | Page 148

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the Deccan Plateau wasn ’ t immune . Villages grew in number until a sprawling shanty town appeared , stalls selling trinkets and tourist merchandise were plentiful , as were tents competing for the hungry adventurer . My companions looked at me with an edge of anger and bewilderment , had I been conned again .
I tried to remain calm as we entered a gateway to pay an entrance fee . Sure , the people of the Indian streets are always out to make a buck , it ’ s only natural , a want to survive however , they very rarely lead astray the unwary . I felt I ’ d let my guard down and had been taken for a , tendollar , ride .
Amongst the crowd the pickpockets and street urchins were plentiful . Something felt off about this place yet as we scanned our tickets and entered the main entrance things seemed to change , a
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