For a couple of weeks after returning from India, I travelled to India every single night in my dreams. I rode trains and buses and rickshaws. I walked many miles down strange streets that were absolutely familiar. Colours and textures and noises and scents that crept into my person while I was in India, resurfaced every night for two weeks. I woke up refreshed and totally invigorated. These little adventures set the mood for my day.
Lately I dream less and less about India. I can recall India, but I have stopped travelling. I want to express my thanks to those who followed me on my little journey. The company could not have been better!
People have asked me if it was "life changing". Initially I thought that was rather a high expectation of both myself and India. I think India for me was more life affirming than life changing. Life for me seems to change with or without a passport.
People have also wanted to know if there was a "highlight". There were many.
Sitting high above Dasaswamedh Ghat watching evening puja unfold.
Laying beneath the stars in the Thar Desert listening to the night.
Paddling the backwaters.
Standing at the entrance to Ranakpur, the exquisite Jain temple outside of Udaipur.
Being surrounded by dusty little children outside of an opium den in Jaisalmer. Ummm…maybe not so much a highlight as an amusing memory.
Receiving a blessing from a priest in Varanasi.
An evening of classical Indian music by candle light.
Chugging through the Indian countryside on a very uncomfortable tightly packed non air-conditioned train for nine hours in the company of what seemed like all of India, but more specifically a lovely family from Bangalore. Their baby fell asleep in my arms. His fine hair catching the warm breeze from the open window.
Sharing so many wonderful meals with so many wonderful people.
Motorbiking through the surreal countryside surrounding Hampi.
Chilling…perhaps not the best choice of verb given the extreme temperatures and humidity…on rooftops, under broken umbrellas in the pouring rain, in crowded train stations, by the river's edge, beneath the moon, on top of the world.
Documenting the many wonderful people I met along the way. So receptive to me and my camera's lens. My facial muscles were sore from so much smiling. I think India became very accustomed to my laughter. I had so much fun interacting with India.
I adore the way children say hello to strangers. The way they smile at strangers. Their curiosity and their confidence. I adore their games and their songs and all of their names and shenanigans.
Conversations with so many wonderful people. Crazy Sadhus from Nepal, "Massage Therapists" from Udaipur, Jewellers from Goa, Artists from Cochin, School Children from Jodhpur, Fishermen from Varkala, and Future Cricket Champions of India.
Reflecting…on the past 50 days in my 50th year I am in gratitude. Every day I set aside time to give thanks. I find when I am near water this process is fluid and effortless and runs deep. I began and ended this journey on a river. I offered candles and flower petals to the sacred Ganga in Varanasi. In Hampi I offered up al list of names, aptly beginning with my parents.
I was given 50 days to reflect on the past 50 years. India provided the perfect backdrop for my reflection. India, I am in gratitude. Thank you for having me. I won't wait 19 years to call again.
