Traveling is not getting from point A to point B, it is a journey, it is a process of self-discovery. Although I am not a huge fan of Louis Vuitton, I can certainly share their core values. Have a look.So here I am in Romania catching up on my blog from India. It seems that I am traveling faster than I can blog. You will have to bear with me as I play catch up.
I had an interesting conversation with my friend's mom. She wondered if we are all subjects of destiny. We debated a bit because I believe that we determine our own destinies and we must follow our gut instincts. We settled mid way, expressing the observation that it seems like when we meet nice people there was some sort of reason behind it. If I were not to have met her daughter and not have had the idea to come to India, I would never have met her. We wondered if it was written that we were supposed to meet at that time or if it was just some sort of random coincidence. I know this is a lot of philosophy but I think traveling is all about taking a step back to think. This makes me that I should read Freakanomics. In any case, I spent four wonderful days in their home. They treated me like family and I was sad to leave.
The “Other”
Wouldn’t you agree that it is important to expose one self to others’ customs? Here is a brief synopsis of some of the things I learned and appreciated during my trip:
I enjoyed eating with my hands. I learned how to break the bread with my right hand and not use the left. There is quite an art to eating with ones hands (no fork or knife). I was a bit clumsy at first.
I also learned about the importance of spice proprieties – e.g tumeric for cleansing the digestive system.
Finally, I learned how to wash using a pale and a cup. I probably only used 5-6 cups of water per day to bath as opposed to the possible 2 gallons I probably waste in the US.
The “Tourist”
The “Other”
Wouldn’t you agree that it is important to expose one self to others’ customs? Here is a brief synopsis of some of the things I learned and appreciated during my trip:
I enjoyed eating with my hands. I learned how to break the bread with my right hand and not use the left. There is quite an art to eating with ones hands (no fork or knife). I was a bit clumsy at first.
I also learned about the importance of spice proprieties – e.g tumeric for cleansing the digestive system.
Finally, I learned how to wash using a pale and a cup. I probably only used 5-6 cups of water per day to bath as opposed to the possible 2 gallons I probably waste in the US.
The “Tourist”
Delhi is filled with Temples, Mosques, forts, markets and gardens. One of my most memorable temple visits was in Old Delhi. Shruti and I decided to visit the old part of town. Upon arrival we were greeted by a nice bicycle rickshaw driver who asked to be our guide.. I have to admit that a bicycle rickshaw is almost more intriguing than an auto rickshaw but it is debatable. In any case, no cars or scooters are allowed in this part of town because it is filled will small, twisty streets that is barely wide enough for a bicycle rickshaw.
The guide took us to a Temple off of the main path (he also took us to his ‘brother’s’ jewelry shop but never mind). It turned out to be a Jain temple which means that men are dressed in white and are very careful not to squish any bugs as they walk. Okay, that simplifies them a bit too much now doesn't it? One of the Jains became our guide (meaning – please give him a donation at the end of the visit) and blessed us upon entering the temple with a small yellow dot on our forehead – in the spot where our third eye is supposed to be. Then we visited the chambers only to find beautiful mosaics of many colors telling the story of the birth of Buddha. We weren’t allowed to take photos so you will have to imagine how beautiful it was.
The guide took us to a Temple off of the main path (he also took us to his ‘brother’s’ jewelry shop but never mind). It turned out to be a Jain temple which means that men are dressed in white and are very careful not to squish any bugs as they walk. Okay, that simplifies them a bit too much now doesn't it? One of the Jains became our guide (meaning – please give him a donation at the end of the visit) and blessed us upon entering the temple with a small yellow dot on our forehead – in the spot where our third eye is supposed to be. Then we visited the chambers only to find beautiful mosaics of many colors telling the story of the birth of Buddha. We weren’t allowed to take photos so you will have to imagine how beautiful it was.
Sarcastic note: if you are undergoing menses you are not allowed to go on the second floor as it may cause some sort of destruction. I am not sure how they check but I guess if the ceiling were to cave in it would probably be some woman’s fault for sure.
Other moments during my travels to India worth mentioning was an evening of music – both old and new. We started the night with traditional Hindi music and then ended it with underground Asian music. Notice the violent contrast between the two events.
One of my most funny moments was when I taught a young British tourist how to use a Turkish toilet. No worries- it was a SIMULATION not real time. Sorry no photos or video. :-)
A runner up for my most funny moment was when I got a massage at a local spa and at one point I had three women massaging me in different places of the body and in different directions at the same time. You know how Buddha is sometimes represented with 6 arms? I felt like that is what I looked like if I were to look at myself from above. I have to admit, the massage was not relaxing – I consider it more symbolic of the hyper sensioral experience I was having in India.
So to reiterate - all senses (smell, taste, touch, hearing – even metaphysical) are awakened in India. I was on a constant high from the spices food. E.g. Breakfast consisted of spiced chauliflower and potatoes, bread (like a sopapilla) and spiced tea.
Other moments during my travels to India worth mentioning was an evening of music – both old and new. We started the night with traditional Hindi music and then ended it with underground Asian music. Notice the violent contrast between the two events.
One of my most funny moments was when I taught a young British tourist how to use a Turkish toilet. No worries- it was a SIMULATION not real time. Sorry no photos or video. :-)
A runner up for my most funny moment was when I got a massage at a local spa and at one point I had three women massaging me in different places of the body and in different directions at the same time. You know how Buddha is sometimes represented with 6 arms? I felt like that is what I looked like if I were to look at myself from above. I have to admit, the massage was not relaxing – I consider it more symbolic of the hyper sensioral experience I was having in India.
So to reiterate - all senses (smell, taste, touch, hearing – even metaphysical) are awakened in India. I was on a constant high from the spices food. E.g. Breakfast consisted of spiced chauliflower and potatoes, bread (like a sopapilla) and spiced tea.
My friend’s mother is a doctor so she also had us drink a concoction of fruits and vegetables made into a sort of pulpy soup. It was high in antioxidents and fiber. It took my four days to be able to get used to it and finish the entire cup. I must say that this concoction was exteremly healthy and good. I will continue this habit going forward.
One Indian habit I will not continue is the contant honking of cars. I learned that you must honk when you pass (“overtake” in British English) a car. They don’t use their mirrors for some reason so the only way another driver will recongize that you are near is by hearing you. Also, as a pedestrian, if somebody honks that means that they will not stop even if there is a cross walk so do not walk in front of them. (I wonder if deaf people can drive or walk in Delhi without an accident?) Honking is actually encouraged – in fact on the back of most trucks it is written, “please honk.” With that said, there is a compaign to stop honking due to noise pollution but unless they teach people to drive using their mirrors there is going to be some serious damamge.
I like this expression on the back of this truck: “Building Turst Worldwid” Hum…do you think they are “Turstworthy?” I am a bad speller too so I should be niceI have a special place in my heart for Delhi. I hope to return someday soon. My writings above do not do much justice – you will have to experience it for your self. For those of you who have been there or live there – you know what I am talking about.
