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.
Very nice post! I wish I could travel to India. Interesting tip about wearing dark clothing!
ReplyDeleteyou can visit india email me on samarpatel@gmail.com
Deleteladki dikhi nahi ki tharkipan chalu
DeleteLol true ..
DeleteVisiting India has been on my bucket list for awhile now, for all the reasons you mention, plus some: I want to experience the architecture of the temples. I want to stay in a village with real people (meaning, not tourists). I want to see the city and the countryside, the physical and cultural landscapes. And I've had this feeling for awhile that there's something waiting to reveal itself to me, something I can only find in India. Sounds crazy, maybe.
ReplyDeleteIncidentally, I have the Hinduism and Buddhism for Dummies books. : )
Too funny, as to the latter!! Katherine, do follow your instincts...and to find that inner voice, you may have to stray off the beaten track:)
DeleteNicely said - personally I just have this need to visit India every couple or so years for all the reasons you cited except visiting the Taj Mahal (have done that a few times already). Having been raised in India, I just get homesick and have to reconnect.
ReplyDeleteI was about 20 when I travelled to India. Landed in Madras and took a train to Manipal. The images of lives lived that I saw from the perch of my train seat on that trip are etched deeply in my brain. Men without shirts brushed their teeth next to their small homes. Women carried things on their heads on dirt paths.
ReplyDeleteBut over the next 4 months, what made India unforgettable was the way that the families took me in. If I was on the train seated near a family, they wouldn't let me buy the vendor food. "Oh, no." A woman seated with her two children and her husband and his brother would tisk and point to the boy shouting "Tahhhhleee.... or Chai." "This is much better" and she would offer me some home cooked deliciousness, and smile. They hated that I was without family, and always wanted me to come home with them.
I am lucky to have a broad palate. I can really eat anything and like it. This has been key to connecting to several different cultures.
It has been more than twenty years since my 4 months in India. I doubt I will ever have such a rich experience again, though I long to.
Paula, my dear, so glad u wrote in & on the very point (hospitality) Mary Ann was asking me to elaborate...it's as if u read our minds!!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNice blog.
ReplyDelete