India (Nov 2017)

I've wanted to visit India for as long as I can remember. I'm not sure what first attracted my attention: perhaps the food, maybe the music, most likely photos of a land filled with life and color and people. I've read countless novels, seen countless movies, and dreamed endlessly about one day experiencing India for myself. Finally, in November 2017, I did.

Over the course of three weeks I learned some words in Hindi and some new favorite foods. I learned that you can take potatoes, chickpeas and spices and create a different and delicious meal for every day of the week.

I learned that I am soft, no match for the women who balance weighty bricks on their heads, still looking elegant in their colourful saris; or the families who share homes smaller than my bedroom, with no plumbing, and still manage to smile; or the millions who eek out a living, working seven days a week, selling marigold strands or deepfried goodness, polishing shoes or pedaling fat tourists in their cycle rickshaws.

I learned that I have no reason to feel stressed or worried in my life, no matter what happens at work or at home. I learned that peeing in a squat toilet isn't so bad after all, and that you should travel everywhere with hand sanitizer and toilet paper. I learned that I prefer travelling with companions.

I learned that India was partly what I expected, but more so filled with wonderful surprises. I learned that you can make someone happy with a smile or a photo, and there's no better feeling than making someone happy.

I kept a journal along the way, and am finally doing something with my notes. I hope you enjoy.