What a hard work to enjoy a cup of tea. The woman of Munnar cut tea leaves on steepy hills for hours. Their rythm is frantic since they get paid by the numbers of bags they can fill during the day. Men are nowhere to be seen, or waiting by the road, as women also carry the bags back to the truck for loading. A gentleman's world.
Still, despite this difficult way of making a living, smiles are easy to come. Probably much easier than thousands kilometers away, in some fancy tea room for bored British ladies. (click on pictures for high res)
All pictures taken with Leica M9 and 35mm Lux Asph.