"108, 108, 108..."

I had to comment on this. I took a picture of this building last time I was here because I was captivated by the Seuss-like slope of the Eastern wall. I had hoped that it represented a very lit ramp, and not a foundation that had finally settled. It looks like one architect planned for three stories, but the window department was only available for two, so they compromised. The scary part is that this was a Hospital. Now, it is under renovation. The windows on the South side already show a makeover, each receiving a small balcony. Workers were scampering in and out of the West side, the whole wall gone, some carrying in goods like cement, brick, stone on the ground floor; others two or three flights up filling in the holes that used to be passages or windows. Safety is relative. In the foreground corner you can see a rarity in India: Western-style steel scaffolding. Most of the work is still done with wood beams and rope, whether it's an addition to an existing structure or something from the ground up. My guess is that this will become an apartment building. Incidently, just after we arrived Karnataka State implemented their quick response medical emergency hotline number. If there were an emergency at home, you wouldn't yell "Hey, somebody, My leg fell off-- go call that quick-response-medical-emergency-hotline-number!" You would calmly say "Holy crud-- call 911 !" In fact, maybe the whole interaction would be: "You O.K.?" --- "911, 911, 911..." and you'd know. Here they have another important number--- 108. Yes, when you are in India and you have just been trampled by a herd of goats, on ox cart, or a rickshaw, just repeat "108, 108, 108..." like a mantra and someone will surely understand that you need an ambulance. Then you can be taken to the nearest Hospital.

--- aeryk ---