Animal Farm

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While all my life I thought cows were put on this earth for a protein source- or at least thats what my best friend a dietitian has told me, we were both wrong. In India cows are sacred. It is against the law to eat beef-banned-forbidden! The cow in India is revered as the symbol of life and may never be killed. Most Hindus respect the cow for the gentle nature which represents the main teaching of Hinduism. The cow also represents butter (ghee) and strength.  The cow is often adorned with jewels and fed fresh corn on the cob in the streets.  Best to rethink sinking your teeth into a juicy hamburger if in India or you could end up behind bars for up to 5 years.  Goat is a common staple of India. As we traveled South of Mumbai, I was excited to see all of the cute little goats lined up and tied in front of a shop until my friend told me it was a mutton shop and all of the cute little goats were waiting for slaughter.  Needless to say I did not take a picture of this as it made me never want to remember the cute little goats lined up again..... Chicken on the other hand is abundant. Fresh chickens are at the meat market in little cages waiting for slaughter for the freshest of meat. There are many prepared chickens waiting for purchase as well.... covered in flies! No thank you- We could turn to fish... however after seeing the fish being scaled and shrimp peeled by women adorned in beautiful clothing sitting in blood and fish water  we decided to pass on this as well. Needless to say I think we will remain without meat on this trip.