“You say yes to the sunlight and pure fantasies, so you have to say yes to the filth and the nausea. Everything is within you, gold and mud, happiness and pain, the laughter of childhood and the apprehension of death. Say yes to everything, shirk nothing.” ~ Herman Hesse
On Monday night I was wandering through my photos (actually lamenting at the thought of ever taking the time to organize them all) when I stumbled onto the ones from my last trip to India. Immediately, I could remember the sticky heat of the ashram combined with that fizzy excitement that accompanies any thoughts about the crazy intensity of all that is India.
And then last night I was at a wonderful BC Tourism Event at The Emerald. We were asked to wear or bring something from a trip. I dug out one of my ashram outfits, sifted through my jewelry drawer until I found my charm bracelet from grade eight (some things should never be tossed!) and voila.
I was ready for a party!
It was a stellar event. Great conversations, fun and informed people and super snacks (are there any better ingredients for a good evening?) One conversation still has me thinking…I was talking to someone new and she asked what it was I liked about India.
Oh dear. Poor thing.
I waxed on and on and on and on and on. I partially blame the incredible (and did you say complementary!?) Bramble Cocktail with its effervescent tarty tang.
Finally, the poor woman had a chance to speak. “I just have to go to India,” she said, “every writer I’ve ever asked gets as passionate about it as you do…it must really be something.”
It’s now Wednesday afternoon. I am writing at my little desk tucked in the corner of our bedroom. I haven’t yet had my afternoon coffee, and as there is nary a Bramble Cocktail in sight, it means I have no alcohol or caffeine in my system. I could pee in a cup and pass any test you can name. And yet, I would still talk your face off if you asked me about India.
Given that it is my life’s assignment to BE CURIOUS about my excitement/energy levels on any topic, it is quite apparent that it’s time for another dive into that kaleidoscopic chaos we call India.
2014 is fast approaching. I can almost smell the curry.
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I like the quote of Herman Hesse. After reading many of Hesse’s books, in 1984 we travelled to Lugano and saw many places associated with him, including his house and the churchyard where he is buried. Hesse, although not as popular as he was in the sixties/seventies is still as relevant today.
What a cool focus for a trip.
Lovely photos, Colleen! We’d definitely like to visit India one day!
If you like photography, we’d like to invite you to participate in the next edition of our popular Travel Photography Competition. Here are the details:
http://hitchhikershandbook.com/your-contributions/travel-photography/
Happy travels!
Thanks Ania & Jon. It’s so great to cyber-connect…hopefully one day, it will be face-to-face. Meanwhile, I’m enjoying reading about your travels and will definitely keep my eye on all you lovely photos (and will add to it as well 🙂
Safe Travels!