Why India?

I am a twenty something white girl who is independent and a little head strong. A lot of people told me India would be dangerous for someone “like me.” But yet here I am on transit to India. A) because you have to make your own choices and be smart, safe, but adventurous, too. B) you have to chase your dreams, and India has been a dream travel destination of mine for a while. C) you have to be curious and question everything. While many of these people meant well, they have never been to India or their image of India is so skewed that they can’t understand why I would want to go to any country outside of the US. Do I resent their ignorance? No. Because I want to be open minded, and that means taking these comments in stride. I’m not trying to defend India and say it’s 100% safe, what I think is there are precautions I can be proactive about to make it safe.

So now that I’ve cleared that up anyone who asks why I blame my dad for. When I was little my dad went to India to help family friends with their children’s  homes. Through my childhood I began to develop a strong crush on India. I loved the silky feeling of the clothes my dad brought back for me. I loved when our family friend would cook us Indian food, and with the masalas, basmati rice, and scent that lingered–no wonder it quickly became my favorite cuisine.

I forgot for a few years why I started crushing on this country I had never met, but soon I met an Indian student on my dorm floor, and another Indian through a class who suggested I join an on campus cultural organization. So I did because I wanted to risk it. I wanted to challenge myself that I would be able to learn and love and maybe even go to the country we celebrated Diwali and Holi for.

I didn’t expect the trip to come so soon, but my friend invited us in the organization to his wedding and when I blurted out I was coming I think every one thought it was a joke. But it worked out. I didn’t get accepted to the study abroad program I wanted to last summer and realized India was calling my name.

Things happen for a reason. Most of the things for this trip fell into place. I didn’t have to force things, and this gives me peace to know this is where I am supposed to be doing what I’m supposed to be doing at this time.

I want to invite you to follow this journey with me. I will try to blog whenever I get a chance, and the main premise of my blog will be my yoga, meditation, and workout practice while touring this beautiful, vast country.

This idea started on a run around the rim of the Grand Canyon this summer and for those who know me even briefly know how integral working out is to my well being and happiness.

So excited to share these experiences with you.

Xoxo With Shanti,

Mel