India is like no other country. It is a place of fine balances – between great and ghastly, fabulous and filthy, inspiring and infuriating, cheap and cheating. We have met fascinating people (including some new friends for home) and fought with aggravating others (including one who was arrested). And it is always amazing how those balances can shift in point-five.
We often say that India is a place where everything is negotiable (price, time, space, ethics...), and often wonder why. It is place full of very proud (and sexually repressed) people, which means you can get as many answers to a question as people of whom you ask it. (It also means the onus is on you to move your vehicle out of the way when I drive into your lane honking like a mad-man.) We have tried to immerse ourselves in Indian life (e.g., local busses, post office, and markets), and honestly have no idea how they do it.
Finally, while Westerners are always treated with an air of godliness in Asia, it is often done with a subtle feeling of spite here. Foreigners pay more: tuk-tuks, food, and an average ten times as much to visit sites. Foreigners are hassled way more too: “Excuse me ma’am, hello, excuse me friend... (hi)... where are you from?... (Canada)... Oh Canada! Great country... (thanks)... Yes sir, you look in my shop...(no thanks)... very good prices... (it’s okay, thanks)... why not, I not make any sales today... (sorry, no)... promise come back later?... (no)...why not later?” Being a foreigner takes real getting used to here, and we are glad that we did India in the order we did (easiest to hardest), so that we built up a tolerance.
And yet, in the end, perhaps the oddest balance we manage is the overwhelming excitement to leave India with one of knowing we will miss it terribly. It has changed us in ways we are unsure of, brought us closer together, and humbled us just a little bit.
Now, off to Malaysia.
P.S. Agra photos coming in next few days.
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Hello there to you both. What wonderful postings you both made at the conclusion of your trip to India. I am sure Rohan Mistry would be proud of your analysis Matt. I am sure it will mean that you understand more the main character (hero is not the right word) in "White Tiger" and what leads him to do what he does. Vee your piece about the Taj and the wife with 14 children had us rolling with laughter. So now we await your assessment of Malaysia.
ReplyDeleteI am starting a drawing class this morning and I had to purchase a kneadable eraser which was made in Malaysia. Big rubber plantations there I believe. My painting of the waterfall is almost finished and I am pleased with how it is turning out. I had many compliments yesterday at my painting group so that helps me feel better about the piece. We are hoping to golf tomorrow if it is sunny as promised. We have had so many gloomy days lately. It was the worst January we remember for weather. The pool heater broke too which curtailed some of my activities for exercise. Still the treadmill was available.
Talked to Mike on Sunday and he was doing well and working hard.
Worked on an e-mail for a lot of the weekend to be submitted to a review for Sandra which took place yesterday. Luckily they left everything in place as I asked. Whew!
Anyway I am away to draw! Lots of love from us. Have fun.
Anita/Mom
Hi Anita!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that golfing may be in the works! So horrible to hear that the weather is not cooperating, but you seem to be keeping yourself busy with your drawing! I can't wait to see some of your work!
We are loving Malaysia although I am sure this weather would not do well for your feet! It is VERY hot! I am of course in heaven!
Hope you and Edward are both well - we are now off to get some dinner!
Lots of love,
Matt and Vee
xxoo