WanderlustandWhimSea

India assaults all the senses immediately upon arrival. Driving is nothing like the calm streets of Ponte Vedra, Fl. The lane markers, lights and even the direction of travel are mere suggestions. The streets are filled with Cars, Buses, Trucks, Motorcycles, Scooters, Bicycles, Pedestrians, Camels, Cows, Horses, Water Buffalo and I even saw a Wild Pig. The motion of all that is daunting, but the sound is a constant din of HORNS, HORNS, HORNS! We visited a home in Old Delhi and the Tuk Tuk ride to get there through the narrow streets was a kaleidoscope of colors as we whipped along. I thought the Tuk Tuk was a wild experience until we walked the streets. I found the frenetic energy a bit overwhelming as I tried to not fall in a hole or bump into a cow, or slip in some garbage. Others in my group found the experience exciting but it was definitely an experience I won’t soon forget.

The food has been the best surprise. It has been really good and definitely interesting. Our Tour Director asks the restaurants to tone down the spice level for our western palates but the flavors are complex and tasty. I’ve really liked the eggplant and okra dishes but my favorite by far is the naan. The naan often arrives hot, with butter and sometimes garlic but always good. So good in-fact, that one of my fellow travelers suggested we might need to join “Naan Anonymous”.

Religion plays an integral part of life in India. Your life, work, identity, fashion, marriage and food are all dictated by your religious beliefs. The first temple we visited was Sikh where the emphasis is on serving the community. This hall served up to 30,000 people a day and it was all for free. The Sikh are a minority religion in India but very impressive in their mission of giving back.

The colors of India are vibrant. The women’s sari’s are intricate and stylish. It is wedding season and we have seen many brides being photographed in their wedding sari’s with lots of bling. The Indians seem to love bling and bangles and sparkles. While they dress modestly, covering most of their bodies, the colors are not to be missed. As I walk amongst them with my khaki LL Bean pants and grey T-shirt I feel pretty boring compared to the colorful fashionistas of India.

For me visiting India is a once in a lifetime experience and it has already exceeded expectations. The next stop is a National Park for a Safari and a search for Tigers.