Incredible India

November 20, 2012

India is a country of contrasts. Contrast the pristine grounds of the Taj Mahal to the gritty, garbage-filled streets of many cities. Education levels offer another stark contrast, with almost 90% literacy level in two Indian states to the grinding poverty and lack of education in many of the villages.

India can also overpower the senses with the constant sounds of horns honking, people yelling, peddlers selling their wares, and the beautiful chants of the priests. Imagine the smells of animal dung and the mixed aromas of spices, along with the sights of the women in colorful saris, the men urinating in the streets, the burning funeral pyres, and the people toiling at their work.

It can be almost overwhelming, the close jostling of people and the bad roads where nothing has the right-of-way. We shared the streets and roads, with cars, vans, trucks, bicycles, parades, dancers, tuk tuks, rickshaws, goats, monkeys, pigeons, oxen, elephants, camels, dogs, pigs, and Brahma cows.

It is a fascinating country with glorious experiences. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!

Barbara H.
South Independence Branch