The Wire
River ferries are commonplace here
but this ferryman stands out,
literally.
He collects his passengers from steps cut into the river bank
then safely carries them to the opposite side,
without the use of oars.
Instead, he walks his hands along a guide-rope,
which spans the river.
No fares are collected.
This free service prevents his fellow villagers from being isolated by their river.
It is
“pro bono publico”
A far from fashionable concept,
in the West.
________________
Pictures taken of the river crossing, near Kottayam, Kerala.
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There is a similar ferry at Symonds Yat, people who live beside the river are not charged for the trip and even ‘outsiders’ are charged a very small fee.
August 8, 2011 at 9:56 pm
I stand corrected on believing that public expenditure on “the small necessities of life” was under threat. From now on The Guardian is struck from my reading list!
August 8, 2011 at 10:12 pm
May I recommend The Telegraph?
August 9, 2011 at 1:32 am
I already browse The Telegraph – but find it slow to load…
August 9, 2011 at 7:16 am