Finally recovering from our trip to the far side of the globe and the 12 hour time difference... India lived up to it's alliteration. Such a unique and amazing experience: such rich culture, such vibrant and hospitable people, and such stark disparity and juxtaposition. I’ve never been surrounded by such luxury and opulence and I’ve never seen such extreme poverty and primitive living, yet they are side by side in this country.
We saw such proper and pious people, covered up and no of displays of affection; then such lack of dignity with men openly and commonly relieving themselves on sidewalks and roadways. In the middle of a densely populated metropolitan area, just in front of a large estate and a fancy iron gate would be a make-shift mini-village with shelters made of branches, tarps, and the most impressive of all: houses made purely of cow dung. The craftsmanship, I assure you, is remarkable.
There is no better way to describe the traffic than “organized chaos.” Sure, there are lines on the road, but good luck funding anyone staying within them. Really the middle line is quite meaningless. It’s like a constant game of Chicken with the horns constantly sounding and high beams constantly flashing. In fact, painted on the back of many vehicles is encouragement “Horn Please” and “Use Dipper at Night” is emblazoned in a lovely and bright script. Beyond that, any type of transportation you can image shares the roadway. Cars, trucks, motorized and manpowered rickshaws, bikes, wooden carts drawn by horses, donkeys, ox, camels, or goats, tractors, pedestrians all share any given road at any given speed all day long. And yes, we were in a traffic jam caused by a wandering cow.
How fortunate were we to not only see this country and see it’s prized jewels, but to participate in the traditions, rituals and ceremonies surrounding a week-long wedding celebration. As one of the Aunties put it, there is no better way to show your joy for a wedding than to add color. And so it seems that everything we did some how tied back to this theme. From the detailed and meaningful designs of the Mehndi (or Henna, as we call it in the States) to the intricate and lavish clothing and jewelry that adorned the ladies: the brighter the better.
This trip will hold a special place in my memory. I suppose most vacations and travels do—but this one was exceptionally unique.
I’ll add some pictures once I figure out how…
Below is a link to some favorites:
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