Much to my surprise India has turned out to be my favourite country. What makes India so incredible? For one, the variety. Mountains, beaches, jungle and desert. Adventure, history, culture and nature. It is all here for your enjoyment. India is easy to travel around, inexpensive, the food is terrific, and the people are really lovable.
But beyond the tourist attractions is a country that will touch your soul. You can feel enthusiastic, dismayed, inspired and saddened in a matter of moments. You will cringe at the cow eating a plastic bag then smile as people walking by touch the cow and then touch their forehead. The poverty is shocking, the pollution appalling, yet life goes on. Yes, India forces you out of your comfort zone but the reward is realizing how wonderful life is.
Below are some things I have learned to get used to but they aren’t necessarily unique to India nor can they be used to stereotype the whole country. Mostly they are just a bit of fun. Also pics from Hampi, Hyderabad, Ellora and Ajanta where I saw spectacular Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples. Thinking of home but happily abroad,
Carrie
- Personal space, what’s that? Tamil Nadu (state in India) is smaller than Vancouver Island but has more than 2x Canada’s population. One day I was in a jeep with 25 people- a jeep! It was hilarious so I was laughing and the locals were laughing at me...It was great.
- Tourist scams are good fun. You have to be smart in places where the price is different because you are a tourist. The price you have been quoted is outrageously high, so you say no and give an outrageously low offer. Eventually you meet in the middle. It’s a kind of game.
- Freak or celebrity? I stand out as a solo female with light skin, hair, and eyes. Strangers want my picture, want to touch me, want to speak to me, and always seem to be staring. One woman said to me “you are so white and bright”. Huh.
- I keep telling myself I do not hate rats, mice, roaches and bedbugs...But I really do hate bedbugs, gross!
I miss you.
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