In preparation I was youtubuing, I watched a video: several college students compiled video clips of their recent adventures in Chennai, India. It began with their airplane meal, followed by the auto-rickshaw ride from the airport. While watching, adjectives came to mind which described what I was viewing: busy, colorful (or colourful) chaotic, commercial, loud, happy, crowded, and fascinating.
I have been counting down the days to this point in the summer: the point in which I will be able to experience India for myself. I have been extremely intrigued and curious about the nation. I can honestly say I am not sure what to expect. I am no expert of the society, by any means. Nonetheless, I do know it will be an adventure. I am sure I will become overwhelmed as well as even more curious about… everything. Just like previous experiences, I may finally start to feel as if I’ve adjusted to the culture, am at home in another world when it will already be time to pack my bags, my one suitcase and backpack which will be filled over the top with souvenirs , to be shut by another life experience. Time will go by fast – I am sure. My goal(s): make the most of everything; take those opportunities that arise, which may seem… weird or insignificant at first; try all the foods (those that are safe of course). What is the worst that could happen? The story that could follow, no matter how disgusting, without a doubt, trumps that possible three-second hatred on the tongue; I would like to learn the language (Tamil) at least somewhat and speak it every day; I would like to meet the locals and form relationships, I will be safe but maybe take some educated, well thought-out risks; Finally, journal. No matter what anyone says, it is important to me. I don’t need to label everything I participate in or observe. Yet, going back and being able to look at even one stimulating word allows for nothing to be loss among the overwhelming package of feelings that comes with traveling.
There have been many different responses to their finding out I’m going to India. Some may not understand or may think I’m crazy, that I’m “jumping into more than I can handle.” Others have replied from statements of praise to, “That’ll be so interesting. You have to take many pictures.” I assure you, there will be many pictures taken; although, I will be careful not to let the focus of photography cause any oversight of this vibrant culture. Of course much of my reason for going to India, traveling alone, came from the ‘travel bug’ I “unfortunately” caught while in Poland. I am excited about the adventure that India poses – the challenge it will be, because I know it will be one. There is one word I think of, in which I attribute my reason for choosing India as a five-month life of destination, to travel thirty-two hours via airplane to a tropical climate in which there must be the daily intake of malaria pills; the threat of drinking anything other than bottled water is ingrained in my brain. It is so fascinating.
The world is huge. I am curious about every bit. How can we appreciate our world, our culture without seeing others, including other various ones which may be struggling? For me it is important. I want to experience something completely different. I am fascinated and intrigued by the vibrant culture of India, the passion of it, and the possibilities it may pose for me. No matter how rough reverse culture shock may be, fascination undermines it all, including that fear of assimilating back into American culture. I had one brilliant best friend tell me about a quote she read – something along the lines of: the world is a book. If you don’t travel, you will remain on one page.
I am curious. While some may be perfectly content on that page, I am interested in reading many more pages, even if it takes me a day and a dictionary to comprehend one paragraph.
I don’t know when I will write again… but hopefully, after I get settled, it won’t be long. Wish me luck and pray for me or do whatever you want. Thank you everyone for your help and thoughts along the process.
