When you travel, not only do you get to know the world - you uncover the core of yourself - especially if traveling, even if partially, alone. I embark on my 18th country today. Arriving on the other side of the world via four flights including one upgrade and the best seat mates Kamlesh and Priya to officially welcome me to India.
This trip I will not “see Mumbai” but the Mumbai I quickly saw included a magnificent airport, kindness and, brace yourself, quiet (mind you it was 2am). Women in saris walking in the middle of the street to some unknown destination, a fancy replica of a palace welcoming weary travelers, and a hole in the ground preparing for new construction - the lip of which butts right up against a tent city/shanti town all decorated with “Christmas lights” celebrating day 6 of Navaratri.
Waiting on my last flight to Udaipur I had time to walk the entire domestic airline terminal. Completely packed but you could hear a pin drop. I am the only “gringo”. I have the luxury, as a white woman in America, to rarely feel like an “outsider” or minority. Even though, technically so and despite warnings from friends, I don’t feel like one here.
Even if I did, I found this guy to remind me of the importance, warmth and care of this fascinating country.
This trip I will not “see Mumbai” but the Mumbai I quickly saw included a magnificent airport, kindness and, brace yourself, quiet (mind you it was 2am). Women in saris walking in the middle of the street to some unknown destination, a fancy replica of a palace welcoming weary travelers, and a hole in the ground preparing for new construction - the lip of which butts right up against a tent city/shanti town all decorated with “Christmas lights” celebrating day 6 of Navaratri.
Waiting on my last flight to Udaipur I had time to walk the entire domestic airline terminal. Completely packed but you could hear a pin drop. I am the only “gringo”. I have the luxury, as a white woman in America, to rarely feel like an “outsider” or minority. Even though, technically so and despite warnings from friends, I don’t feel like one here.
Even if I did, I found this guy to remind me of the importance, warmth and care of this fascinating country.
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