For a little adventure yesterday I visited a jungle with a student. A magnificent rumbling fountain invited me for a bath. I climbed up the risky, rocky terrain and sat down for the bath. Sharp slippery rocks and insects made it riskier, but it was enjoyable.
To spice up the whole thing, a troop of monkeys attacked us. They wanted to take away our stuff — mobiles, wallets, backpack, shoes, everything. With violent squeals they began to scare us. Were ready to pounce on us with their bared teeth.
We got into action. I have some experience in dealing with monkeys. I advised the student not to back off but pick some stones lying around and pelt at the troop helter-skelter, with all his might and shout at them as loud as possible. This circus lasted for a while before the troop dispersed. We gathered our stuff and continued the hangout.
Monkeys are a menace at tourists spots in India. But being considered as holy animals, their nuisance has to be treated and tolerated with reverence. But the reverence cannot protect us from harm. Better, beware.