Leh Diaries: Milestones - Words of Wisdom at 10,000 ft

So I am just back from a wonderful 1 week holiday in Leh. Needless to say, it was rather wonderful, totally awe-inspiring and taught me new meanings of the words majestic, clam, serene, sheer-drop etc among others. But one thing stood out among all my excursions - the milestones and the words of wisdom printed on them as we went from Leh towards Nubra Valley, Pangong, etc.

One popular "quote" seen all across Leh and beyond:

"Speed is a knife,

that cuts through life"

I am posting some more such delightful Words of Road-side Wisdom, literally cast in stone. Regretfully, I could take snaps of only a few of them.

Sample one such gem:

Now tell me, who can NOT follow this well meaning advise? I mean will you now try to be a Gama (whatever that means) while you in Ladakh? No way! 

And in case, you have become confused or you have not understood that this milestone wisdom is to dissuade you from speeding, here's one that makes it clearer: 

If even this refuses to make sense to you, then you are probably one of those people who cannot take a hint. The BRO (Border Road Organization) is ready for even such dimwits, with clearly spelled out instruction about how to drive on the treacherous mountain roads:

And don't think think that they don't know about our penchant for driving after downing a peg or two, especially in these cold, cold mountains. They are on to it! Ergo, the solemn advise:

Even after all this cautioning, should you still decide to speed, here is a forecast about where you may end up: (yup, you guessed it!)

If you are by any chance not yet convinced, here's another gentle persuasion:

Now how can you speed? Another variation of this that was seen across the roads was: 

"Lower your gear,

Curve is near"

Further requests to avoid speeding include this grammatically confusing advise:

Then we also have some valuable life advise thrown in for good measure:

Now who says only the Lamas are spiritual in Ladakh? Something was bound to rub off.

However the ultimate Words of Road-side Wisdom Award went to this little gem:

 

"Safety on road,
'Safe Tea' at home"









Can one be more convincing?

And here's one other popular one in राष्ट्र भाषा:

"तेरा करते होंगे घरवाले इंतज़ार,

गाडी धीरे चला मेरे यार" 

(Translation: Your family must be waiting for you, drive slowly. )

Their concern for our safety is really heart-warming, if a little amusing.