Clay pots and bowls and plates made of leaves, something simple like that, which was seen used in families when we were kids. Guests were made to sit and then family members used to cook and serve themselves. A scenario never seen as we grew and almost disappeared as it seemed messy and cumbersome. Families which were big gradually reduced to size and soon we lost connect as we learnt to live on our own and on our own terms. Though standard of living was not too good but people did accomodate and did adjust willingly. Less pomp and show, more of family affair than anything else. Huge houses, with courtyard, a kitchen garden and open spaces which could comfortably arrange and settle many people. Ample sunlight and pure air to breathe with less of illnesses to be heard. Life of simplicity and hardwork yet completely satisfied.
Progress is a good thing, new spheres open, new opportunities, improvements and advancements socially and economically did improve standard of living. Life is comfortable to live on your terms and conditions but what has been lost is something we never realised as we did. Homes are small, we live in closed cramped places in a concrete jungle where to take a glimpse of the stars at night or to see the sunlight we need to go to the terrace. All we can see from the windows of our homes is just another family. Yet we are happy and conteded with everything. We earn so much that we can afford a unique idea of vacation to visit eco friendly resorts, just to show our children how beautiful it is to keep in touch with everything so natural. We relax in the shades of the trees for a change. What we do not realise is we are now paying to stay like that. Everything seems so nice and we so appreciate the mud houses and cottages to spend our holiday in a green environment. We enjoy meals in clay pots, plates of leaves and even with our hands. It is an experience in itself.
We left what was naturally available to us for an artificial environment. The old mansions were replaced by tall buildings as we need to accommodate people.
Today we see us going back to where we had begun. Old mansions are now becoming heritage holiday destinations. We are converting them , renovating them so that we can preserve which was once our own. We are now trying to get back to more natural means of leaving but with a modern makeover, which is fine. We are trying to hold on to our roots now as we can see ourselves not being able to withstand the pressures of our modern lifestyle. It is good that we are realising the need to hold on rather than destroy for a more open, green and comfortable living. It is not very late and this change is welcomed. Better late than never.
