A month sojourn in Incredible India

I am taking a vacation for a month.

“Where are you going?”

I N D I A!

In a split of milliseconds, people appeared whammy as if a thunderbolt just flashed before their eyes. Myriad of cynical reactions are blabbed out.

“It’s dirty there.”

“You might get rape.”

“You are going to call home and regret it.”

“You won’t survive the food.”

Even some mainstream news remarked it as one of the worst go-to countries of the world.

For some reason, I did not listen to the claptrap. I was stalwart with my plans and I was ready to prove them wrong.

I left for India and wore my windbreaker of valor. The courage came from the thought that my Spiritual Father and Reverend Sister were waiting for my visit. The truth is… India is idiosyncratic. It’s one of a kind like other countries and it takes an ardent eye to see that. To flaunt fairness, here are my candid scrutiny:

1. India is a beautiful country rich with terra firma and crowds of people.
2. It’s a very big country that it takes at least an 8-hour drive to go from one state to another (Kerala to Bangalore).
3. Indians are beguiling and it’s pleasantly amusing how devoted they are to their religion. I was staying in a foster loving Indian family and they were all just so hospitable.
4. You see monkeys, swines and elephants not on cage. There was this incident that a monkey was peeping on my window. Little monkey wanted to come inside and mug my food.
5. People are just good singers. In Kerala, the catholic masses go for 2 hours with all the croons and chants.
6. Their doctors are first-rated. Exceptional! I had my diagnostic there at St. John Hospital and I got scolded for being stubborn with my medicines.
7. I love their food. I love eating with hands, and now I suddenly miss eating biryani and hummus.
8. For a shoe-girl like me, you will love Bata and Moochi.
9. Wearing Saree will make you feel like a princess.
10. They speak good English so it’s easy to ask for directions when lost.

It was a ravishing one-month stay. I enjoyed farming, the monastery visit, the short stay in the hospice, the long travel, the weather… EVERYTHING. Perhaps, because I have a heart that finds pleasure in simple things and a mind that is not shaken with anything. Huge caveat though, always bring skinnies or pants with you. Never show off your legs since Indians find it repugnant.

There is no bruise in exploring new places even being terror-stricken by friends before you could pack your luggage. Just be careful.Traveling can be a life’s greatest teacher. You will never know the veracity of people’s assertions if you will not check it yourself. Go and make a discovery!