India 1992, 1993, 1994
15,000 km by motorcycle through India
(Inhuman limits and human greatness)
India: a land of contrasts, a country that combines highs and lows, a land that is home to many religions and where countless gods are worshipped and adored. For 1 ½ years, Tanja and I drove 15,000 km across the subcontinent on an old motorcycle. During this time, we became part of the mysterious country, dined with a maharaja, witnessed a beggar being eaten alive by maggots, spent days and weeks in known and unknown ashrams, roamed through primeval forests and observed wild elephants, buffaloes and tigers at close quarters.
We witnessed death on the dangerous streets, fakirs who had meat hooks rammed through their backs to hang themselves or who used them to pull a truck through the alleyways. We have experienced things that can hardly be described in words and can only be understood when they happen to you. As if it were only yesterday, I still remember Tanja and I strolling through the alleyways of Madras. It was already mid-April and very hot. In May, the Indian midsummer paralyzes any urge to move, even the locals only do the bare minimum. We felt as if we were the first white tourists. We were greeted with friendly laughter and waving. I felt indescribably comfortable, even happy, to feel the hot Indian soil under my feet. It was indescribably beautiful, I felt at home. Even the dirty street radiated a startling familiarity, as if I had been here before. The people around us seemed to pick up on our good mood and reflect it. Even if it always sounds like a fairytale when travelers rave about the warmth and happiness of the Indian people: I notice this joie de vivre every time anew.
If time permits, I will describe our unique impressions and sometimes harrowing experiences in the “India diaries” section.
India 1991-92/93-94-95
Tanja and Denis Katzer spent 1 ½ years crossing the mythical land of contrasts on an old Indian motorcycle (Enfield). On their 15,000 km journey, they experienced heaven and hell at the same time.
