I’m writing this in Varanasi a few days before we leave, and as happy as I am to come home, I know I’m going to cry when we go. This has been the most powerful experience of our lives and while I can’t imagine returning,I know I’ll come back again and again in my mind.
I’ve come away from this trip with a broader world view and less tolerance for our self-indulgence and what we consider to be problems in our first world. We think we’ve got problems? These people REALLY have problems.
My mind is full of everything we saw and experienced and I’ll continue to share them in the coming weeks. But for now, here are a few that stand out tonight:
Very clear communication, don’t you think?
Student uniforms were the nicest clothes we saw on kids. Usually, they were dressed in filthy rags. It was heartbreaking.
These are actually ancient carvings of earring styles. Maybe a catalog?
Some old art in stone looked contemporary, like this one. So many lovely ancient things to see.
Workers seemed to rest whenever they needed to. And wherever.
Cute, right? This was actually taken through the front window of our bus and was a standoff. I can’t believe we didn’t see anyone dead on the road. And no dead animals, either. A driver who hits a cow must go to a temple and do penance.
This is not Santa Claus. A float in a religious parade at Pushkar. Note the marigolds.
Everyone is so industrious.
The only person with eyewear I saw. Seriously.
Pushkar Camel Fair had an old-timey midway, complete with ferris wheel.
As these women wave goodbye to us on our way out of Pushkar, we also wave goodbye today and wing our way home.
Ryder, I’m in flight and your comment cracked me up!!! I think this will be the only trip I ever make to India….and as I add more posts, you will see why. But I highly recommend it if you have the stomach for it. Literally and figuratively. 😉
I am so glad you went and shared your adventures. You confirmed my desire to visit other places on my bucket list before I consider India. Having traveled extensively and even having lived abroad for two years, I never had India as a priority. And for the reasons you mention. While the education is priceless, I look forward to learning different lessons. I really enjoyed your series and hope you do post more on your experiences.
Absolutely beautiful Carol. India is a place I would like to visit but will not. It is one of the places in the world that actually frightens me…and I have not idea why. I suppose even a callus traveler like me has a threshold where poverty ceases to be endurable. Thank you for sharing.
What an incredible opportunity. I feel as if traveling beyond the first-world should be required. It really does make one take stock. I look forward to learning more about your travels and how the experience feels with a backward look too. Thank you for sharing!
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Moving…but i still maintain, better you than me. I’ve had all the excitement I need for one life!
You’ve been on your share of trips!
Thanks for a fun recap. If you ever go back, call me! I’de go in a nano second…..
Ryder, I’m in flight and your comment cracked me up!!! I think this will be the only trip I ever make to India….and as I add more posts, you will see why. But I highly recommend it if you have the stomach for it. Literally and figuratively. 😉
have a safe trip home! Great photos.
Thanks so much! Come again and again!
Ahhh, the bittersweet moments of travel.
I am so glad you went and shared your adventures. You confirmed my desire to visit other places on my bucket list before I consider India. Having traveled extensively and even having lived abroad for two years, I never had India as a priority. And for the reasons you mention. While the education is priceless, I look forward to learning different lessons. I really enjoyed your series and hope you do post more on your experiences.
Absolutely beautiful Carol. India is a place I would like to visit but will not. It is one of the places in the world that actually frightens me…and I have not idea why. I suppose even a callus traveler like me has a threshold where poverty ceases to be endurable. Thank you for sharing.
b+
What an incredible opportunity. I feel as if traveling beyond the first-world should be required. It really does make one take stock. I look forward to learning more about your travels and how the experience feels with a backward look too. Thank you for sharing!