Emma was still recovering from her illness whilst in Jaipur and had to spend yet another day in bed suffering with a migrane. Therefore our story in Jaipur is a short one, but it is not without it's sweet bits.
On our first night we decided (much to Emma's delight) to use some left over Rupees to indulge oursleves. As listed in the Lonely Planet (otherwise known as The Gospel), we contacted Kerela Ayurveda Kendra and arranged an appoitment. We both booked in for a Full Body Massage, Emma also had a Facial whilst Shane chose to have an Allergy Relief Treatment.
It was Shane's first visit to a Spa and he was a little taken back by the paper thong which his massuse kindly helped him to put on. We both found it most ammusing how quickly one strips when an authoritive voice in an apron tells you to. Although not intensive, our massages were thorough (bum cheeks were included) and the warm oils used smelt wonderful. The Facial which Emma had was divine and consisted of a facial massage, exgoliating scrub and rejuvinating face mask. She distinctly remembers thinking 'We should do this more often.' Although Shane was not overly impressed by his second tratment, we both left feeling relaxed and pampered.
In truth, we barley scraped the surface in Rajasthans capital - Our lost day would have been advantageous. The City Palace is supposed to be superb, but we are all Palace'd out at the minute. Our next stop is Agra, and you know what that means...The Taj Mahal!
Looking forward to Taj Mahal pictures guys. Emma doing her Princess Di impression - don't forget to bow the head slightly to one side and dip your chin.
ReplyDeleteI did a Google on 'the Indain Head Wobble' for you. Tips are below. And yes, it is infectious - like an accent perhaps. So Em, be careful how you wobble...they have different meanings xxx
Ways That the Indian Head Wobble Is Used
In essence, the head wobble is the non-verbal equivalent of that multipurpose and omnipresent Hindi word accha. It can mean anything from "good" to "I understand".
The most common use of the head wobble is to respond in the affirmative. For example, if you ask someone if the train is going to your destination and they wobble their head in reply, it means "yes".
The head wobble is also often used as a sign that what's being said is understood. For example, if you tell someone you'll meet them at a certain place at 5 o'clock and they wobble their head at you, it means that it's fine and they'll be there.
Other situations where you're likely to encounter a head wobble include:
As an alternative to "thank you", which is not commonly said in India.
To acknowledge someone's presence. This can be particularly useful if you see someone you know across the street but can't shout out to them.
As a gesture of kindness or benevolence, for example, if someone sits down next to you on the train.
Different Head Wobbles For Different Regions
Similar to how the various regions in India have different customs and languages, the way in which heads are wobbled also varies. You'll find that the further south you go in India, the more prevalent the head wobble becomes. People from states such as Kerala are very enthusiastic head wobblers, whereas in the mountains of northern India, the gesture is less common.
Without a doubt however, the head wobble is the one universal gesture that unites all Indians. Cultural and language barriers miraculously dissolve with a wobble. It's definitely a case of "actions speak louder than words".
Tips For Understanding the Indian Head Wobble
Keep in mind these pointers and you'll be well on your way to making sense of the Indian head wobble!
A fast and continuous head wobble means that the person really understands. The more vigorous the wobbling, the more understanding there is.
A quick wobble from side to side means "yes" or "alright".
A slow soft wobble, sometimes accompanied by a smile, is a sign of friendship.