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| Within the Lotus it all comes in focus... |
It was an adventure unlike any other. Now, the images rush my mind. It's been a melange of thoughts, experiences, ideas, understanding, and emotions. I think I've witnessed every aspect of humanity...from the extreme worst and bottom (things I hope someone never has to see) to the very top (and that can be read literally...because I've seen a one billion dollar house)...plus every part of society that fills the void between the two. I saw things that will immediately bring most people to tears, actions that will provide years of joy, and felt the need to reevaluate many of my own (and society/Earth's) notions.
I'm now sitting here, in Delhi, thinking about all I've been through. I could maybe say that "I've seen it all"...but that would probably not work since life will continue to carry on (and hopefully progress). I could say, "you don't know how good you have it", but that is a pretty relative statement. I could get philosophical and mention that you, me, I, him, her, they, us, them, she, he, them, our, yours, or who are all we...merely people...a family, on this path called life, together...chasing the same dreams, breathing the same air, sharing the same blood, living for today, and thinking about tomorrow...but how would that change the paradigm's of the masses. What if we all make a conscious effort to share, give, be more respectful and compassionate, and smile...we could make the world a better place (remember, 99 is not 100).
At this point, there are really no words that can describe or provide a solid summation of all that I've been through, a part of, seen, and lived. You'll have to talk with me to get the real story :)
This journey began in Mumbai where it's very dense and there is a constant assault on your senses (and mind). After that stent, there were 12 more cities (13 ish total on this escapade) that provided 12 separate and unique adventures (read this blog ;). Everything outside of Mumbai seemed (relatively) small. Now, after living the Delhi-life, those other 11 places seem even smaller. Delhi is huge...I think it's more spread-out/less vertical than Mumbai (and maybe a few million or so people less...and we're talking millions here)...but still, it's massive.
Delhi is amazing and I wish I had more time to stay here. Like anywhere else in the world, there is too much "stuff" (think of anything [minus food/water], there's too much...here, there, everywhere). I've really thought about this "stuff" for the last couple of days as I've been walking around. Why is there so much "stuff" and yet, people are starving? Such a complex issue without any obvious tangible solution other than don't have/buy so much "stuff", but how to get that idea to transcend across cultures et cetera beats me. But after spending so much time in India, Delhi feels like everywhere else in India. I still pay 15 rupees for 1 liter of pani...but will pay 2-ish dollars for a liter of water in the U.S...Figure that one out. Becoming roadkill is no longer my biggest concern on the roads...it's making sure I pay no more than 10 INR for an orange. I've become the map...I've walked for miles (tried to count...too many miles to form an estimate).
I recommend that you don't ride the Metro Rails during rush-hour (I think it always might be rush hour)...but that's just a recommendation...so do it ;) Just make sure you're prepared...Delhi Metro is where you truly practice your survival skills (I'm not kidding). There is no personal-space or space (I think I've perfected the art of "getting skinny"). There is no line (there's a queue...but that concept quickly falls apart). If you've ever suffered from claustrophobia, I may have found the cure. I don't have any pictures (mostly because it is difficult to reach into your pocket) so I encourage you to do an image search. Another "ride of a lifetime"...I just keep on having them.
Love Delhi.
Love Delhi.
As the sun sets on this escapade...I have so much to think back on and so much to remember. Sadly, I will be leaving soon, but I am so happy that I jumped on this opportunity.
The sun will rise tomorrow. The day is what you make of it.
Be the author. Write your story.
"India is friend"...I grew a beard and became addicted to masala chai. India will always hold a special place in my heart...and I'm forever thankful.
Thank you Summer and Adina, Sunil and Samvit, Abbas, and all of the other awesome people...yes you too Cooley... for helping make this escapade so memorable and exciting.
धन्यवाद भारत
आप अगली बार देखना
Never say goodbye...we always say hello as we continue to write this life story.
Namaskar
