India III: Wrap-up and Reflections
Updated: 3 hours ago
We were lucky to spend five weeks in India, and while we were there, a few themes kept coming up. Lots of our friends and fellow travelers are curious about India, so we thought we'd share some of our perspectives!
Time with family is priceless
Our most meaningful experiences in India were with family. We celebrated weddings, birthdays, and milestone anniversaries. We traveled with cousins, aunts, uncles, and parents, and each time we learned not only about the history, artistry, and culture of a place, but more importantly about the memories and meaning it held for them, growing up and living in India. We got to be part of the daily routine: the favorite foods, the games, the after-school homework, and the projects that give them purpose. We are so appreciative of the time our family spent with us. The hospitality they showed us, and that their friends extended to us too, is unmatched.
And you don't need family there to feel the hospitality! Even if you arrive knowing only one person, or no one at all, someone you meet will take you under their wing and treat you like family. If you're invited to a wedding, you'll be welcomed as one of their own right away. Indian culture is so welcoming to visitors, and people are proud to show you its beauty.
Just jump in!
India is home to more than 1.4 billion people, 22 official languages, and hundreds more spoken across its states. It's also the birthplace of four major world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. With so much variety, the experiences you can have are almost hard to grasp! The best thing to do when you arrive is just jump in and savor all the sights, smells, sounds, and flavors. India is a feast for the senses, and there are a million ways to experience it. The rich flavors of the food will knock your socks off! Indian music will transport you to a magical, relaxing place, like something out of a storybook. And riding in a tuk-tuk is an adventure of noise and smells all its own!
Everything is an experience, done with beauty and hard work
People work hard and are thoughtful about creating an experience, not just running a business. The markets and restaurants were filled with bright colors, sounds, and music. Artisans create beautiful crafts that are unmatched in their detail, layers, and patterns. Tailoring is an art. You can have almost anything you dream up turned into something to wear to your next event!
There's a real excitement and vibrancy
There was a consistent vibe during our time in India of excitement, optimism, and innovation. We last visited in 2008 for a family wedding, and we were so impressed by the changes made to improve daily life since then. New highways make getting around much more convenient, and mobile technology is everywhere. As our cousin put it, if you have a good idea, there's an opportunity to build it and see how far you can take it.
Become one with the crowds and traffic!
With more than 1.4 billion people, life in India is centered on family and community. People visit each other constantly, and family might show up at your house any time of day for chai, snacks, and a game of cards. Trains, markets, malls, and restaurants are always bustling. And the traffic is out of this world! Rules seem more like suggestions, and yet somehow traffic is an ecosystem that works once you learn how to flow with it. The creativity of India's drivers is jaw-dropping!
India is an experience. People work hard, the traffic is amazing, and family is the fabric that holds it all together. We can't wait to go back!
