INDIA: TAKE FIVE

I can’t help compare my trips to India. It is natural, I think. My first trip to Vellore (second trip to India) I was met at the airport exit by a stranger with my name on a placard. I followed him to his taxi and he took me to my destination where another complete stranger met me and showed me to my accommodations. And then—confused, tired, and VERY alone—I cried (just bein’ honest here). Trips Two and Three to Vellore were different that the first one because there was familiarity with the airport, sights, sounds, and people. Friendly and familiar faces were waiting for me everywhere I went. It was a homecoming of sorts. I was also familiar with the traffic, the crowds, the smells, etc.

This trip has been a conglomeration of all previous trips. For one, nothing was old and familiar upon arrival. My port of entry was Delhi rather than Chennai. My taxi ride was 5 hours rather than 2 and a half from airport to destination. I was still met by a stranger with my name on a placard—this time it read “Dr. EMILY-ANNE-LUNDEN,” (apparently, I have earned a doctorate since arriving in India seven years ago, who knew?) I was also very much at rest and ease with the drive to Chandigarh this year vs. the white-knuckled drive to Vellore seven years ago, even though the driving and traffic seems to be the same everywhere in India. (Full confession: I did get a little concerned when I noticed my driver falling asleep at the wheel about two hours into the five-hour drive. I kept enough noise and squirming around to wake him up enough to drive. Interestingly enough, the only reason I could tell he was tired was that his eyes were closing… the quality of his driving changed not (i.e. still weaving lines and racing in between moving vehicles.)

One distinct difference for me in the lack of anxiety. I know now that things don’t go as planned. It is the way of life here in India, and there is no use getting yourself tied up in knots about it. For instance, the lodging originally secured for me fell through as the establishment did not want to house foreigners (something to do about registering with the local police, which I have had experience with before). I wasn’t concerned about it. I knew something would be arranged and I would be okay. I hadn’t the foggiest idea what would be arranged, but something would and likely it would be at the eleventh hour. Experience has clearly taught me something, as I have lovely accommodations for the duration of my stay. This relaxed and bold, yet vigilant approach to India is much more delightful than the worried and frustrated approach I had during my first solo trip here. I certainly recommend it.