The powerful yet soothing sound of the Ganga fills our ears as we look over her thick olive-turquoise mass. We laugh to ourselves (or each other) and indescribable smiles fill our faces. Rishikesh, you have a splendour unmatched in spiritual hubbub-ness.
I've been in the North of India for the past week and a half and the difference to the South is stark, specifically in the desert state of Rajasthan. Mostly, there are no coconut palm trees or rice paddies and instead we are face to face with dust, cold and oddly twisted winter trees. Despite the slightly starker landscape, its been long enough on the 'road' to adjust to new landscapes relatively quickly.
Lauren and I flew indirectly to Jaipur via Mumbai, after taking a 14 hour bus ride from Kumily, Kerala to Bangalore, Karnataka (where we drove through Tamil Nadu for about 10 hours, so I can sneakily say I've been in 7 states up until this point). Two people make big difference in travel. Immediately decision making is a hell of a lot easier!
After spending an eye opening, people meeting few days in Jaipur, and a quick foray to the 'pilgrimage palace' of Lake Pushkar, we disappeared into the desert in Jaisalmer. We ended up sleeping inbetween the desert sand dunes of the Thar desert that night. But that's a story you'll have to ask for when we meet again :)
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It's a task. India. Coming from a place in which we think we know what a 'hard life' is. We have no idea. The sharp sharp contrasts from rich to poor are more evident than I would have expected. The age old caste system plays a part in shaping this. From Lassi and Chai Wallas, to Blacksmiths and Miniature Paint experts, theses are tasks that vary in terms of 'caste class'. This is definitely an anthropological expedition in itself.
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I'm happy to be in amongst the mountains and by Mama Ganga. Finally in a place for more than 5 (pach in Hindi) days! Being confronted with all this life-dom that India offers is exhausting both mentally and physically.Reflection time is paramount. This is no vacation, this is exploration, this is life.
I've been in the North of India for the past week and a half and the difference to the South is stark, specifically in the desert state of Rajasthan. Mostly, there are no coconut palm trees or rice paddies and instead we are face to face with dust, cold and oddly twisted winter trees. Despite the slightly starker landscape, its been long enough on the 'road' to adjust to new landscapes relatively quickly.
Lauren and I flew indirectly to Jaipur via Mumbai, after taking a 14 hour bus ride from Kumily, Kerala to Bangalore, Karnataka (where we drove through Tamil Nadu for about 10 hours, so I can sneakily say I've been in 7 states up until this point). Two people make big difference in travel. Immediately decision making is a hell of a lot easier!
After spending an eye opening, people meeting few days in Jaipur, and a quick foray to the 'pilgrimage palace' of Lake Pushkar, we disappeared into the desert in Jaisalmer. We ended up sleeping inbetween the desert sand dunes of the Thar desert that night. But that's a story you'll have to ask for when we meet again :)
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It's a task. India. Coming from a place in which we think we know what a 'hard life' is. We have no idea. The sharp sharp contrasts from rich to poor are more evident than I would have expected. The age old caste system plays a part in shaping this. From Lassi and Chai Wallas, to Blacksmiths and Miniature Paint experts, theses are tasks that vary in terms of 'caste class'. This is definitely an anthropological expedition in itself.
------
I'm happy to be in amongst the mountains and by Mama Ganga. Finally in a place for more than 5 (pach in Hindi) days! Being confronted with all this life-dom that India offers is exhausting both mentally and physically.Reflection time is paramount. This is no vacation, this is exploration, this is life.
A true life experience and insight into how tough it can be...contrasts highlight the wonders of life.
ReplyDeleteLove Ya, Pads