I've heard many people use the word "accosted" to describe how they felt when visiting India for the first time. They feel overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and smells of the country. The sheer number of people can be overwhelming. I've decided that I hate that description of India. I've been here one week now, and I'm starting to get a better feel for the country and the people.
Don't get me wrong, I understand why people can feel overwhelmed. Opulence is neighbored by abject poverty. People crowd the markets and the streets. I have been approached more than once by children that try to rub the white off of my skin. Although Jaipur is a tourist friendly city, I am openly stared at on the streets. However, I have found the people to be extremely kind and generous.
The roads can feel terrifying initially. Stop lights are practically non-existent. The honking is incessant. Where we (in the US) may perceive honking as a rude gesture, here it is more of a courtesy--"heads-up, I'm coming up next to you", "watch out, I'm making a left turn." The lanes are merely suggestions, and scooters and motorcycles weave in and out of traffic. It isn't uncommon to see a family of four riding a single scooter. Having survived multiple car, motorcycle, and autorickshaw rides since my arrival, I can assure you that the roads are not nearly as scary as they were when I arrived. Regardless, I don't know if I'll ever get used to driving on the left side of the road!
I am fed constantly, and have yet to recognize a single food I've eaten. The spices are rich, but the chefs are kind to my American palate. A word to the wise--always leave your fork on your plate. During my first meal here, I set my fork to the side of the plate, which is apparently a sign that it is dirty. By the end of the meal, I had three forks and a very confused server! Tea and coffee service is a constant throughout the day--I often consume chai 5-6 times a day. Being a vegetarian isn't too bad, but I definitely miss bacon and brisket.
Top: namkeen shots (curd, onion, tomato, tamarind, and bundi)
Bottom: bhelpuri (namkeen, onions, cheese, coriander, lemon)
Instead of feeling accosted, I feel that the country is vibrant. It is boisterous and colorful and has some of the kindest people I have ever met.
No comments:
Post a Comment