It is a feast for the senses.It is such a place of sensory overload.The palette of colours is across the spectrum.Everywhere is a sea of silks and sarees in every vibrant hue imaginable.Everywhere you look the sights are like a carnival of colour.
What always amazes me is that even in a very large group or gathering there is rarely anyone wearing the same shade. Such diversity brings sheer exhilaration and the joy of living is magnified in this setting.
Even the light is different in India.The dawns are luminous and the sunsets can be magnificently breathtaking. The beginnings and endings of days are spectacular.
The cacophony of sounds never completely dies down but it does slow down in the night compared to the daytime.
Early morning brings the normal sounds of heavy traffic, upon waking.
Depending where you are , you will also hear animals bleating, people outside doing their ablutions, washing,cooking, shouting joyfully and preparing for another day.
There is something very comforting and communal in these sounds that are the part and parcel of everyday existence for many.
Of course you will be assaulted by the many scents of India .I love the fragrance of sandalwood and patchouli and the enticing aromas of curries with the wonderful smells of cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom and ginger and garlic and chili.
There is nothing more beautiful than waking to the scent of spices cooking in oil! There are so many regional ways of cooking curry and each province has its own specialty dishes and ingredients.
I love the piquant flavours of curry.That is fortuitous as I was more than happy to eat it three times a day.I love the sambar and idli we had for breakfast.So many new things to taste. There is such a wide range of dishes to be tasted and savoured.
India lends itself towards wanting to try new tasty morsels and experiencing what people there have enjoyed for centuries.I love the way people there call curds or yoghurt "fire insurance". Raita is mixed with the food to tone down the chili effects.
The sense of humour was something that leant itself to bonding and camaraderie and I know I have made some very good friends there.
For me the sense of family and the importance of family was genuine and encompassing.
For me the sense of family and the importance of family was genuine and encompassing.
I enjoyed my stay and felt privileged to experience so many different things and meet so many people from all walks of life.I hold you all in my heart, as I do your nation.
