Monkeys are a part of the everyday landscape in India. In the mornings I need no alarm as at 5am the dogs start barking at the monkeys hopscotching their way across the trees outside my bedroom window. On my morning hike to Dharamkot, monkeys rustle in the trees above me and forge through the garbage left out overnight. During yoga, they dance across the tin roof drawing the dogs into hysterics. And as I return home in the evening, monkeys line the retaining wall keeping a watchful eye on those making their way up and down the hill in the twilight.
I find they are one of the toughest images to get a good picture of. I have tried many times. Swinging from electrical wires, scaling temples with ease, cradling their young or finding the cans of tuna we have stored on top of the support van (which by the way they were most welcome to), the image is blurry, too far away or cut-off.
At first I was memorized by them. My frame of reference is of cute, inquisitive Curious George that I got to know as a child. Or more recently, a highly intelligent primate featured on a National Geographic special. But what I have come to realize is they are the Indian equivalent to the raccoon.
They are tame to the point of being aggressive at times. They tend to be destructive, especially to roofs, and, last but not least, they have WAY too much fun with the garbage. Well, I'll give them the last one as I have gotten one or two good laughs out of these dumpster divers.
06.06.14
McLeod Ganj, India
4:41pm
Mornings are a field day for these guys. At least the action is somewhat contained.
This one was having the time of his life. He never came up for air!
I know monkeys are highly intelligent and some signs are universal, but I think the local merchants are living in hope on this one.
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