Where Are We?

After many months of not posting anything, yet much happening, I decided that we should at the very least announce that we have made it to India. It is far too much to write about in just one post, or even express in words what it is like. It is probably better and more coherent that we break it up a bit and dissect as we go. So here goes a first crack at our first week in Bombay: it's chaos.

I mean, many roads aren't finished, buildings are left empty (of furniture but not people), people are absolutely everywhere, and there are NO traffic laws. After being here for a week, we attempted to take our first walk outside. We have walked around before, but always with the intent on getting to some destination and always with the guidance of an Indian chaperone. This was our first trip purely for adventure and purely alone. It wasn't raining (much) and we thought we would just step out for a stroll. Difficult to do when you risk life and limb just to walk around a few blocks. Cars weave towards you, floods and puddles are everywhere (hiding uncovered manholes), and who knows what you will step in or on.

India is a complete sensory overload. It is full of contradictions and life doesn't seem to make sense. It is filthy and gray, yet vibrant and full of color all at the same time. People are rude and pushy but also have tolerance and patience for one another. The infrastructure and buildings are falling apart, yet everyone is speaking on their mobile telephones and using wireless technology. It seems a very spiritual and quiet place but birds are squawking, rickshaws are honking, and mosques have loudspeakers! Time to rethink our definition of "harmony."