Re-Assimilation

Airline food never held such significance.  The vegetarian thali with aloo paratha or the grilled chicken breast with a side of roasted potatoes and steamed broccoli? A head bobble would have affirmed my food preference with Miss Indigo, but only confused Frau Lufthansa.  The robust Aryan flight attendant smiled patiently at me… just another reassimilating traveler on the way home. 

I savored the saran-wrapped microwavable dish.  Each spork enabled bite tasted disturbingly deeeelish. Yet, I already missed a few details from India.  The soothing taste of ginger mulled in masala chai. The explosive colors on small temples lining dirt roads. The dogged determination of a country with so much promise. The infinite generosity of Indian friends, particularly Shvet Jain, Bouchan Roa, Sid Joshi, Akshay Oleti and Viren Shetty. Overcoming challenges big and small with Sasha, Nikki and Katie.

Western life feels preciously light and effortless. Waiting in line without having to physically block out the person behind me like an offensive lineman. Showering without sealing my lips and eyes tight like a ziplock bag.  Knowing that the maid, who cleans my hotel room, earns a living wage. Previously mundane details remind me to be grateful for simple privileges and peace of mind.

Over the last 28 days, I did not write as much as I had hoped. Pausing at the end of the day and thinking about small differences in Indian life greatly enriched my experience.  Your encouragement and feedback with my first blogging foray kept me motivated along the way.  Thank you, so much for participating. 

I’m closing my 28 days with one last request. Please pick up where I left off.  India’s richness and complexity leaves many topics outstanding.  I want to offer up this blog as a means for others to share experiences and not have to commit to a full blog of their own, which can seem intimidating or arduous.  If my experience serves as an example, your friends and family love sharing the journey with you. I know I will.