"You give me fraud marriage?"

Because we really are ultimate lazy toads, Ed, Amelia and I got a taxi from Rewalsar Lake to Kullu. Our taxi driver, Sandoo, of 27 years, slightly grey haired from one U-turn too many on the side of a mountain, was a very friendly guy, who had a rather keen interest in obtaining an English visa....

After finding out we were from London, Sandoo told us that he was desperate to come to England and work for 2/3 years... and that his plan to get an English visa was by obtaining a "fraud marriage". After lots of repeated attempts by Amelia to try and convince Sandoo that "fraud marriage" really wasn't the best idea, and that the British authorities take a rather dim view on it (sign language for "jail" was an interesting one) he seemed a bit melancholy. Then, after we'd told him we were interested in going to Spiti valley, offered us a completely free trip (usually 20,000 rs.) if I became his temporary wife. Ummmmm. To be fair, 20,000 rs didnt really seem reasonable compensation for marrying a guy, and living with him for 3 years to prove it. Amelia suggested that it would be easier to convince the authorities of the authenticity of a "fraud marriage" by having a baby, luckily, Sandoo seemed reasonably deterred by this.

In all seriousness though, I truly felt sorry for him. He genuinely seemed desperate, the fact that he'd give up 20,000 rs just for our help was very touching, especially considering the average wage according to him is 2000 rs. per month. (Divide by 83 and you get the amount in pounds) When he found out how much he'd earn in England, he was overjoyed, but then suitably shocked when we told him that a cup of chai would cost him 160 rs.... and it would be Starbucks chai... the most hideous thing on the planet. I'm intrigued to see if Sandoo ever makes it to England, I hope he does, without the need for a fraud marriage.