My idea was that -undoubtedly- it would be very colorful and interesting, but also way ‘too much’. Too much in terms of poverty, misery (animals and people), dirt and a too high risk of getting sick.
Then my husband was sent to India for his work. And I followed him, as I often do. Usually with a lot of enthusiasm, but this time quite reluctant and scared. Scared not to be able to cope with India’s extremes and scared to get sick.
But I ended up spending 6 months in total in India (over a period of 18 months) , since my husband’s project went on for quite a while.
The thought of spending time in India does not frighten me any longer.
I know I can cope. During my times in India I enjoyed myself. I saw and did a lot, met many lovely people and I did not get (knock on wood;-)) any traveller’s disease.
Did I fall in love with India? No.
Do I still find it too much? Yes.
Too much noise, people, animals, smells. Too much being stared at. Too big contrasts. Too much poverty, animal cruelty and trash. Too many touts, cons and corruption.
Incredible India? Definitely!
I was in a constant state of amazement in India. I was amazed, surprised, in awe, disbelief, horrified, shocked, puzzled, amused, intrigued, disgusted, annoyed, moved, angry. Sometimes all in one day or even in one hour! 😉
I felt like I was in a roller coaster of impressions and emotions constantly.
After about 18 months in India, Frits involvement ended quite abruptly. It’s been 4 months since we were last there. From time to time I think back of the people in Incredible India. Like today:
How about that? Such a variation, so many colors, all those people; Incredible India for sure!
How is your relationship with India? Love? Hate? Never been?
My interest for India started during 1985-1986. That year the “Year of India” was launched in France. I read the book City of Joy by Dominique Lapierre followed by a lot of other books. I got hooked and I can really feel/understand your feelings about this country. In the Smell of India by Pier Paolo Pasolini these feelings are so well expressed i.e. pulsing life in an enchanted country together with horror of life/existence. India is a country which bothers me. Compared with other countries, you can’t fool yourself or pretending not to see as you will always face the 2 sides of anything. Though facing all this negativity, I still find people often very beautiful, straight and forward and so different. I have never been to India and I must admit that I very often come across India when I’m not doing fine. But the saying Incredible India works for me as a mirror and it attracts me. Your pictures are beautiful.
Catia
Thank you so much, Catia. And how recognizable to read about your mixture of feelings. Thanks for sharing and commenting!
Wow what fantastic photos.
I’ll admit openly that out of all the countries in the world I want to visit India isn’t on the list. Despite the fantastic images I see from other travellers.
My husband also travels all the time for his work and has been to India twice. He doesn’t want to go back. For all the same reasons you listed and of course the danger. He was there staying at the same hotel that was bombed a few years back only the week prior to the bombing. A little too close for comfort.
For now I’m happy to enjoy other people’s photos of their trips to India and experience only the best that it has to offer.
bisous
Suzanne
I know many international workers like your husband who feel the way he does about India. And many people respond the way you do: glad to enjoy your stories and pictures from my living room and happy I don’t have to go there myself;-).
Love & hate, and i feel all that usually in one day, as you said. My relationship with India it’s been for 10 years already but always very intense. Many of the things of incredible india don’t surprise me any more, maybe because i’m so used . Even though i don’t share many of their beliefs and cultural aspects, I learnt to understand them and respect them. But I know that the day I will have to leave India, i will definetly miss it. But that’s the life of a traveller !
I understand completely, Marilina, and yes, you are right. Being a traveller, expat, nomad, cosmopolitic person has it’s nice qualities and it’s downsides as well. Being able to accept, adapt and appreciate are qualities that come in very handy for us travelers!
Since the women raping, I don’t want to go to India. I know that is rather stupid as it happens everywhere. Just a little too many times in India to my taste.
Biased. I know.
Greetje
PS I want to go to England and Italy. Aren’t I a world traveller.
I understand your position completely, Greetje. And England and France are interesting and beautiful as well;-)