What is LIFE like in India?

WHAT is it really like in India??Elephant Riding in Jaipur at the Old Fort- City Palace

Some of the Children of India @ Taj Mahal in Agra Sweet Talkin' Vendor trying to sell me something I probably don't need

June 12, 2011 – Sunday

I’ve seen so many things and experienced so much that it will be difficult for me to describe it. I’m overloaded with all I have seen and yet its breathtaking to me. Three days and I’m sold! I love INDIA.

There’s so much here that I know you won’t experience elsewhere and that is what makes India so beautiful to me. Tell me where else do you fight for road space with not only cars, Motos and autos, but cows, elephants and camels?

The dusty mountains look at us majestically, boasting of a different era and expertly constructed fort or palace.

The children stare and smile at us with only the knowing look that we are different somehow.

It is sad to see some of them living through such hardship with the sparkle of hope still in their eyes as they trek through life’s rough road. Others are so cute you just want to pick them up, take them home and give them everything.

I saw a child today whose mother was begging us for food and money. This child was sleeping but behind its closed eyes I saw the pain of a burnt face and hunger.

Another noticeable thing in India are the vendors. Talk about motivation and dedication- these vendors will stop at nothing to convince you that you need what they are selling. This includes following you several miles to your next destination not even knowing what car you came in, in the first place..crazy! As tempting as it may be, you have to refrain from buying because these guys know that where you are is a tourist hot spot and they will charge you much higher for things you can find in much better quality for much cheaper in a smaller town. Not to mention that half of this stuff is completely useless and you will wake up in five years finding yourself questioning the motive behind buying that huge brass jar with the funny designs on it. But I have gotten a few things from fixed pricing stores. You see in India, there are rarely ever fixed prices, things can be bargained upon so that something that originally cost 500 rupees, costs 250 with a little of your sweet talk.

Till next blog...
Priyanka