Today we shift gears from India to Nepal, it’s a transit day, so it’s an opportunity to reflect on the last 10 days in India.
The highlights…
There have been many highlights, but a couple stand out. Seeing the Taj Mahal was special, and now we realise that seeing it on a beautiful day was an absolute privilege. It’s a beautiful building and is so loved by all Indians. It’s amazing that it has stood and been maintained for so long, and I hope they can continue to protect this global treasure.
The architecture and detail thoughout the red sandstone palaces and forts is stunning. In some cases, rendered walls have been intricately painted to give a 3D effect, while in others the detail in massive areas of stonework has blown us away. The variety of the stone screens has been beautiful, particularly as the shafts of sunlight stream through.
Christmas Day on the Ganges will be remembered for a long time. The faith of the Indian people is so strong, and you can see how it can enhance a society. It highlights how commercial our religious festivals have become, and how the true meaning has been lost.
Things that have surprised us…
We’ve been surprised to see that everywhere is a step back in time. We haven’t seen any modern areas, and this county is yet to embrace the Westfield style shopping mall. This means that people support the local community and the guy who just wants to make a living day to day to feed his family.
We’ve embraced vegetarian meals easily, and have enjoyed Indian food for all meals. Most food hasn’t been ridiculously spicy, and we’ve even started to use our fingers much more!
The amount of animals of every kind on the streets has been amazing. Dogs, cats, cows, camels, goats, pigs, and people happily co-exist, and don’t seem to end up in conflict!
Things that have shocked us…
The march of progress, destroying everything in its path has probably been the biggest shock. This was mist evident as we arrived in Varanasi and saw houses without their facade. The masses of people on the ground seem so far removed from the politicians and power brokers. There may be a vision for a bigger and better India, but at what price for the guy who is just trying to survive?
The pollution, dust and traffic is like nothing we have ever seen, and makes me realise how much we take clean, well maintained infrastructure for granted. The traffic reminds me of rocks in a stream… all different sizes come together, and sometimes trickles of water make it through, but every so often a dam forms, and no one is going anywhere!
Our final shock is the impact of demonetisation… Here’s a poor cash society that is simultaneously trying to stamp out black money, and shift to a digital economy. Many people here still have passbooks (if they have an account at all) and online banking, eft machines, and ATMs are so foreign and unreliable. Transactions are in 10, 50, and 100 rupee notes, so the sudden proliferation of the 2000 rupee notes has created big problems all round. Yet people stand patiently in the ATM queues. I didn’t realise how much we take access to funds for granted.
Ultimately, this country is dealing with similar issues to Australia, but from such a different starting point and perspective, and with a billion people to consider.
So it’s been quite an adventure, but I feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface. Did it meet my expectations? Yes, and more. This is a country that I want to learn a lot more about, because I think Australia will be hearing a whole lot more from them!
Looking to Nepal, and thinking about my expectations for the next 10 days… I’m expecting mind-blowing scenery, cool fresh air, and immersion in a new faith – Buddhism. I’m looking forward to getting active, and having my fear of heights challenged. Bring on a whole collection of new experiences!
Love theBunch x
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