I
met with my fabulous editor, Laura Wine Paster the other day. She had just
returned from a ten day trip to
India.
She was exhausted, but exhilarated. "I had an amazing time," she
said, "and I'm going back!" Just like Oprah, I mused. She laughed and
said, "That's what everyone's been saying to me!" From Arnold Schwarzenegger
to Oprah Winfrey, What is that foreigners love about India and it keeps them coming back?
After conducting a ridiculously unscientific poll, here are the
TOP 5 REASONS WHY FOREIGNERS LOVE
INDIA:
1. THE SPIRITUALITY: As the global community becomes increasingly
capitalistic, the quest for spirituality has grown in urgency.
India,
its people, its infrastructure and indeed its very soil encourage and breed
spiritualism. Sharell Cook says that one of the things that impressed Oprah so
much about
India is that
people don't just talk religion in
India - they live it. From poor
people in
chawls, to movie stars such as the Bachchans, everyone has a space
devoted to prayer in their homes. There is a dedicated practice of going
inwards and reflecting on something bigger than the self. Oprah admitted she
hasn't felt like this anywhere else. (
http://www.whiteIndianhousewife.com/2012/oprah-at-the-2012-jaipur-literature-festival)
2. THE CLOTHES: "Indian fabrics are soooo beautiful," said Laura
to me, and I have to agree. From the rich-looking brocade to the ethereal
muslin to the classic Indian silk, Indian fabrics are much admired and display every
shade of the rainbow. One tip: When visiting, wear black or dark-colored clothes, because no matter now posh your accommodation you will get covered in dust.
3. THE WARMTH OF THE PEOPLE: In developed countries there is an ongoing
trend towards non-interaction. Whenever possible, modern technological facilities
ensure you can perform most of your daily tasks without actually having to talk
to anyone. Not so in
India.
Everyone in
India
from the street cleaner to the average mom-and- pop-store owner has a phone.
And what do they use it for? Speech! Not speech-in-quotes or a text transmitted
over phone lines, but actual "talking"!
4. THE FOOD: Everyone loves to (over)feed a guest in
India. My mom
calls it "hostile hospitality". From masala chai and street food to
puris and chole bahtura -
India
offers an immense cultural smorgasbord - which no true-blood foodie can forget.
5. THE LURE OF THE TAJ MAHAL: "I was going to actually give the Taj a
pass and skip it," said Laura. "After all, how many times has one
seen the Taj in movies, images, brochures etc. But I went along because the
rest of my group wanted to view it. And I'm glad I did. It's a remarkable
experience." I would concur. The Taj is timeless.
And, part of the magic of seeing
the Taj in person is the way the light of the sun and moon play off the marble.
