Saturday, December 18, 2010

India

Caryn had a dream that I wrote a blog post and that I called it “India.” It’s not often that you have such a wonderful chance to make a dream come true so I thought I’d seize the opportunity.

So, India. I just finished the novel A Fine Balance. I loved it, although by the end it consumed my life. At random times during the day I wondered what would happen to the characters next, and even now it’s truly hard to believe they aren’t real people. This is similar to how I feel about Glee, but that’s not the point.

I feel a lot more prepared for India having read the book. It seemed to go in depth into so many parts of Indian culture and different Indian experiences. I’m glad I’ve got a little insight because I’m sure it will be a huge culture shock. Sure, on the one hand, India is a traditional tourist spot, so no problems right? On the other hand, there’s the travel video I watched (ps I recommend Globe Trekker vids for where ever you want to go, or just to watch for fun). So anyway, this guy is a pro traveler ie it’s his job. How does he like India? He gets sick, the pace is frantic (at one point he’s at a HUGE event just asking random people, “so what’s going on exactly?”) and he said, “I think India is an experience I’ll enjoy in a few months.” That is, looking back on it.

But I’m excited! As long as we go slow and take time to adjust, things should be ok, right? I’m ready to see people being cremated on open-air pyres along the Ganges River (our first stop... maybe “I’m ready” is a bit over-confident). I’m expecting to see beggars of all types (the man with no legs and hands was one of my favourite characters in the book). Bring on the masses of people! The traffic! The noise! The daal! The strays! The this! The that! The everything! Oh man... what have we gotten ourselves into? I can’t wait to find out.

So, dear commenters, my experience with India so far has been through A Fine Balance and a Lonely Planet guide. How about you? Movies, Bollywood, or have you been? Tell us what you know of India.

3 comments:

  1. I heart this blog. Any you. I too think that Glee may be real, in some parallel universe. But I have no hands on experience of India except that movie I once borrowed from your mom, and that other one, Cooking with Stella. And a handful of Indian parents of my students, who are all lovely. Boy, this trip is coming up fast!!! I will live it through these posts. Go have fun!!!

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  2. I support a cook at an orphanage in Kuzhipanthandalam (near Mumbai). That's it - my whole connection to India. That and one of my good high school friends, Niti, was East Indian and she'd bring the most aromatic lunches ever. Ever. I do love curry.

    Keep us posted - vicarious travelling is better than no travelling at all, which is what the next year is shaping up to be!

    -Evonne.

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  3. Dear Favies,

    This is what I know of India.

    1. Large in size and population.
    2. Poor
    3. Colourful
    4. Hot
    5. Elephants


    Don't forget you must take a picture (colourful) of you two to put in my new frame!!

    xoxoxo

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