Culture shock, indeed

The following are my most immediate thoughts and observations about general life in India. Much of it is based on my experiences in Delhi, and even from my brief travels within the country so far, I've learned that despite certain similarities and shared experiences, it's pretty difficult to generalize or stereotype across the board. So while it is brutally honest, much of what I have to say may be tinged with ignorance and naivety. Many people familiar with India may laugh or cry in agreement, or they may vociferously disagree with what I have to say. I suppose it's a testament to just how varied experiences can be from one person to the next and, indeed, within India, itself.

The most vivid description I can offer is that India is an assault on the senses, both magical and terrible at the same time. There is spectacular colour and diversity, but there is equally shocking poverty and filth. Life is lived with seemingly reckless abandonment. It only takes an attempt at crossing the street to see this, where one literally takes their life in their hands at every swerve and turn to avoid an oncoming vehicle. Then again, driving here - mind you, just being a passenger - is one of the most incredibly frightening experiences you can possible have; yet, at the same time, there's a strange calm that accompanies it, as well. Despite my shock and amazement at the fact that I have never seen, or been involved in, an accident (that almost changed a couple of nights ago where my auto-rickshaw driver nearly ran over a weaving bicyclist), one usually gets a calming sense that everything will work out, that these drivers somehow know every inch and angle against which they can push, without actually passing the barrier that signals true chaos.

India challenges everything you've ever learned and known. Every day encapsulates such a range of experiences and emotions; from having wonderful, meaningful conversations with locals over chai, to literally being chased and followed down a street by a child wearing filthy rags, begging for rupees or whatever you can possibly offer. Being as my natural inclination is always towards openness and trust, India has forced me to become a little more guarded; to trust far less easily; and to always be making calculations depending on the scenario and situation. It's something I am cognizant of and though it is disappointing for me, it is a reality of traveling in India.

That being said, there is so much rich culture and heritage to admire, and many of the sights are simply the most stunningly beautiful and magnificent things I have ever seen. My camera has certainly been getting a heavy workout every day. Another wonderful thing about traveling in India - perhaps this is true of all travel, but I would emphasize the effect of traveling solo, and in a place of such contrasts - are the opportunities afforded for introspection; really learning your mettle; and finding out what you are capable of. It is truly remarkable what we are each capable of, and sometimes it takes an experience such as traveling to remind oneself of such a fact. At the end of each day, I always try to keep in mind how lucky I am to come from where I do, to have never known for want and to have truly lived a privileged life. It is important to have perspective, especially when faced with such challenging scenes almost daily.

There's a great deal more that I want to say about these things. I probably will at a later point, after I've posted some details of things I've actually done and seen! But in spite of the intense heat of the Rajasthan desert, Udaipur's idyllic beauty calls...