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India: The Last Stand…

November 5th, 2006

Epilogue – completed on the 15th of June, 2006.

Some of you thought with all of the goings-on in Scotland that I would never get to wrap up the India trip. You were almost right! But here I am again…

Thoughts on India after a week back in a world I understand:

I know I’ve had a lot to say about India over the past days that may have seemed less than complimentary when you read it. Keep in mind that the lifestyles and cultures are poles apart when one compares India to the U.S., and most of what I’ve communicated is simply observation from my biased perspective.

While in Bangalore I was constantly excited by the societal contrasts, yet was often taken aback as well. The dissimilarity between the US culture and that of the Bangalorians (?) is striking. It’s evident in the way people don’t queue up to board planes or get in a line to pay at registers, but rather just storm the plane and register. It’s obvious in the way people drive, the way they sell & service, the way they act as pedestrians.
There’s a different code of conduct in general and it’s definitely startling at first. But I must admit – once I respected how things were done, I didn’t have trouble making my way. I still found certain things quite amusing or strange, but there’s a kind of freedom to be had by giving into a culture and accepting it for what it is.

What I first saw as utter chaos in the Indian culture, began to make some sense, oddly enough. I can’t explain this, but after being in Bangalore for a few days, I realized there was a kind of rhyme and a reason to it all. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying I suddenly understand Indian culture. I’m far from ‘understanding’ it. But I do have an appreciation for what I observed.

I wonder what it must be like for someone coming from a place like India to NYC. Standing in another’s “personal space” is quite common in Bangalore, but the same action would cause a fight (or at least a hostile exchange of choice words in NYC). If one was to use Indian driving rules in NYC, or basic Indian rules of ‘getting around,” that person would find NYC a very hostile, angry & scary place.

I received a lot of email while in Bangalore saying: “Be careful!”

Even though I may have appeared flip about the happenings around me, don’t ever think I wasn’t aware of the inherent dangers. When I went out of the hotel, I was always accompanied by a driver & often by other crew members on show site. I was as safe as I possibly could be.

When I went out on the streets or shopping, Cheryl & I only went out together and we were very aware of our surroundings. We watched the traffic patterns and never took any stupid risks in the middle of unpredictable traffic. Cheryl had more time off than I did in the beginning, but she chose to read her book rather than tour any sites or shop alone. It was a cautious but wise decision. I thought if I’d had time & Cheryl didn’t I’d have shopped alone, but really, I know I wouldn’t have. I’m a New Yorker and I’m pretty used to anything happening, but I’m not stupid.

Time to tie this all up…

My trip to India was spectacular. It’s a trip I can’t ever replicate, so I wouldn’t ever try. I do want to go back and explore more someday. I want to see the Taj Mahal and Katmandu and the many other amazing places there are to see in India.

Since I’ve been away for a few days now, I’ve been thinking about how out of my element I was. How uncomfortable it was at times. How amazing it was at other times.
For Cheryl, the food was TOTALLY not in her normal palate. The atmosphere was even more outside of her realm. But she was a great travel companion was up for anything and everything. We both regretted that we didn’t stay a few extra days and travel a bit. Maybe we’ll do it the next time we get a trip to India? Or there’s always a chance when we get on “The Amazing Race!”

So here’s my final conclusion…

If you ever have the opportunity to go to India, take it. It’s the craziest place I’ve ever been, with some of the nicest people I’ve ever met, and it’s a world that’s sure to win your heart, as it did mine.

Happy Travels to all!

Farewell Bangalore

Entry Filed under: India