i wish i could take a picture to go along with this story, but it would be slightly inappropriate so you'll just have to use your creative imagination.

there's a problem with the septic tank / sewage system here at the base, so Jaideep had to call a couple of guys to come work on it. 2 guys showed up yesterday dressed in "traditional Indian uniform" - slacks, a button up shirt, and rubber sandals.

right outside the gate, they stripped down to their underwear, picked up shovels, and started digging. for 8 hrs.

15 ft later, i saw one of the guys covered from head to toe in red dirt that's strinkingly the same color as his skin, climbing out of the hole - in his underwear! but more than that, i noticed his piercing hazel eyes... the kind that make you say "whoa!" and do a double take.

after the work day was over, they picked up their uniforms and headed to the bathroom. they bathed, got dressed.... and amazingly enough, left the bathroom cleaner than they found it. (i wanted to call their boss to see about getting them a raise, but im not so sure it works like that out here...)

this morning, i went outside the gate to see the progress and saw one of the guys (wearing the same underwear from yesterday) lifting a long rope up out of the hole with a bucket attached to it. peering inside the hole.... more than 15 ft below... was the other guy. he was so far down and it was so dark that i could barely see him. all day long he'll dig and fill the bucket until he has reached 30ft. atleast it's cooler down there :)

in the West, there are machines that do this kind of work.

Indians never cease to amaze me! they're such hard workers and have such strong bodies, even the old men. i think they should all get the best seats at the banqueting table :)