11 July,2010 08:28 AM IST | | Sowmya Rajaram
33 year-old British journalist Vanessa Able trashed every myth about a lone foreign woman travelling across India when she traversed the world's 'scariest' roads in a tiny Tata Nano. Her experiences have been documented in the quirky www.nanodiaries.com. She tells SOWMYA RAJARAM she'll be back in India this October, to take her Nano up to Rajasthan
Why India, and why in a Nano?
I used to come backpacking here when I was a student in the '90s, and I don't think there's anywhere quite like it in the world. So on January 25 2010, one day after my 33rd birthday, I became the proud owner of Abhilasha, a canary yellow, LX model of the Tata Nano. With four doors, no trunk, a button-sized steering wheel to go with the button-sized tyres, a rear-mounted 64 c, 2-cylinder engine and a maximum speed of about 90 kmph, it's hardly every boy's dream racer.
What better steed, I thought, than this highly symbolic mascot of a country with one of the fastest growing economies in the world?
Vanessa and her willing posers, a neighbourhood Sunday cricket team
in Mumbai
India is notorious, especially in the eyes of the 'first world', for its bad roads and unsafe environment. Was this a concern?
Yes, it occurred to me before
I left. But I was pleasantly surprised by the state of most of the roads, especially those within the Golden Quadrilateral. There were times when highways suddenly disintegrated into dirt tracks, but anyone who plunges into driving in India realises that it's actually quite easy to integrate yourself.
It requires more alertness and concentration than driving in the West, but I found it exhilarating. I encountered nothing but respectful friendliness from almost everyone I met.
All this driving later, have your feelings for India or the car changed?
The Nano performed better than I expected. No mechanical problems. What struck me about India of 2010 was how much technology has takenu00a0 a hold, and how resourceful people are. I think it's a very exciting place to be in right now, both, culturally and economically.
Vanessa Able christened her car Abhilasha
Was any helpful advice offered before you left?
Most people just stared in horror or amazement. Indian friends tried to talk me out of it, or into acquiring a more suitable car and a driver who'd double as a security guy.
Once on the road though, reactions from strangers were marvellous. I shared nerdy car-talks with enthused drivers and hotel managers and street vendors. Children in villages ran after the car as I drove through, and a petrol pump attendant even asked for my autograph!
What has the entire experience taught you about India's culture and ethos?
With so much congestion, it does seems irresponsible to put more cars on the road rather than pour money into improving public transport. The advent of the Nano echoes the production of the T model Ford back in the early 20th century United States, when the decision was taken to expand the country's roads rather than its railway system. This had an enormous impact on lifestyle.
But I am a car lover, and the adventure of a road trip is unmatched. It's exhilarating to have the freedom to go where you wish without having to wait for train tickets, argue with rickshaw drivers or perch on a shaky, overcrowded bus.
What did you do apart from driving?
I went to Osho's ashram in Pune, Amma's (Mata Amritanandmayi) ashram in Kerala and Sai Baba's place in Puttaparthi. I saw the Dalai Lama in McLeod Ganj, I went on a tiger safari in Corbett Park (though was disappointed since I saw none) and was impressed with the Sun temple in Orissa. I had some days on the beach in Goa and Varkala, and met interesting Aurovillians in Pondicherry.
I met with friends in the big cities and ate my way through cafes and restaurants along the way. South Indian food is my favourite. I'm mad about puris and coconut chutney.
You are raising money for a charitable trust through this adventure, we hear.
Yes, it is the Women's World Banking (WWB), an umbrella organisation that supports several microfinance groups around the world and India. They lend money to underprivileged women. It means that women are able to get credit during times of erratic income, that they may need for family or business. We have managed to raise over $5,000.
Able's journey ended on May 13, 2010, but she says she's going to be back on India's roads this October.
Check Out more details of Vanessa's adventures on The Nano Diaries page on Facebook and follow her on Twitter at @vanessable.
