With JBF having an international reputation, they occasionally receive guests of a similar stature. Today we were graced with the presence of Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden, Duchess of Västergötland … (good luck trying to pronounce that last one). Basically, we were hosting royalty. As much as I have utterly no emotional connection to the antiquated and impotent aristocratic systems of Europe, I was oddly excited for my first “Royal” experience. In order to mark such a majestic occasion, I set myself the task of procuring a photo of myself with a real-life, modern-day princess.
We arrived at the field visit site about 15 minutes before the actual motorcade; although, we were mistaken twice for being important ourselves. The site was a bustle of activity with a small traditional Rajasthani band, a group of iconic water-bearing women, and enough paparazzi to make Brittney go bald, take 2. When the motorcade finally did arrive, it turned out to be less of a motorcade and more of just two plain jeeps … one with those tiny hood flags signifying someone of political heft and one without. After she stepped out, I finally observed the true meaning of a media scrum … it was like a rugby match all the way to the tent setup on the other side of the lake. Once seated, she received flower garlands, a rainbow turban and many kind words from the local leaders. Near the end of the ceremony, she stood up and applauded the efforts of the community for its progress towards water sustainability. Shortly thereafter we were off to location number two, and I was yet to have an opportunity to get my desired shot.
Victoria (bottom left) and me (behind the camera)
The second stop was a virtual repeat of the first; moreover, I was stymied again photo-wise. Normally, on these visits we are tended to rather attentively; however, now that there was a white person of greater status in attendance, our typical luxuries were sorely neglected. Frustratingly, we had to settle for a non-shaded, standing-room only space at the back of the tent. Seriously though, it was a special treat to be ignored for about a three hours.
By this point we were to return to the office and I had given up all hope of my fairytale photo op. However over lunch, my boss told me that Abi and I could see the Princess off later in the afternoon. We squeezed into the back of a car and snaked our way through the city towards the Jodhpur Airport. We ended up waiting about an hour for her to arrive, but I convinced myself that it was all worth it for the shot.
She was proceeded by her blood-haired, blue-eyed body guard, who had made the uncomfortable decision (for both me and him) to wear the least ergonomic pants possible. Regardless, after being involuntarily memorized by the mechanics of his clothing, I rose, camera in hand, ready to seize the moment. Upon spotting the camera, I was immediately rebuffed by tight-pants, which threw off my sense of determination (and orientation). She had taken four steps past me, before I was able to regain some sense of composure. With my opportunity slowly eluding my clutches, I tried one last ditch effort to snatch it back … However, all I could muster was four unconfident, quivering words aimed at the back of her head: “Have a nice trip …” She stopped abruptly, turned her head clearly perplexed, and immediately upon catching my gaze, smiled and leanly exclaimed “Thank you” before resuming course to the VIP lounge.
We arrived at the field visit site about 15 minutes before the actual motorcade; although, we were mistaken twice for being important ourselves. The site was a bustle of activity with a small traditional Rajasthani band, a group of iconic water-bearing women, and enough paparazzi to make Brittney go bald, take 2. When the motorcade finally did arrive, it turned out to be less of a motorcade and more of just two plain jeeps … one with those tiny hood flags signifying someone of political heft and one without. After she stepped out, I finally observed the true meaning of a media scrum … it was like a rugby match all the way to the tent setup on the other side of the lake. Once seated, she received flower garlands, a rainbow turban and many kind words from the local leaders. Near the end of the ceremony, she stood up and applauded the efforts of the community for its progress towards water sustainability. Shortly thereafter we were off to location number two, and I was yet to have an opportunity to get my desired shot.
Victoria (bottom left) and me (behind the camera)
The second stop was a virtual repeat of the first; moreover, I was stymied again photo-wise. Normally, on these visits we are tended to rather attentively; however, now that there was a white person of greater status in attendance, our typical luxuries were sorely neglected. Frustratingly, we had to settle for a non-shaded, standing-room only space at the back of the tent. Seriously though, it was a special treat to be ignored for about a three hours.
By this point we were to return to the office and I had given up all hope of my fairytale photo op. However over lunch, my boss told me that Abi and I could see the Princess off later in the afternoon. We squeezed into the back of a car and snaked our way through the city towards the Jodhpur Airport. We ended up waiting about an hour for her to arrive, but I convinced myself that it was all worth it for the shot.
She was proceeded by her blood-haired, blue-eyed body guard, who had made the uncomfortable decision (for both me and him) to wear the least ergonomic pants possible. Regardless, after being involuntarily memorized by the mechanics of his clothing, I rose, camera in hand, ready to seize the moment. Upon spotting the camera, I was immediately rebuffed by tight-pants, which threw off my sense of determination (and orientation). She had taken four steps past me, before I was able to regain some sense of composure. With my opportunity slowly eluding my clutches, I tried one last ditch effort to snatch it back … However, all I could muster was four unconfident, quivering words aimed at the back of her head: “Have a nice trip …” She stopped abruptly, turned her head clearly perplexed, and immediately upon catching my gaze, smiled and leanly exclaimed “Thank you” before resuming course to the VIP lounge.
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