Today, while sorting through and packing things up I came across a brass bell. This is a bell that came from my parent's arts and crafts store from when I was a kid. I seem to recall that it was made in India. I remember when I was a child I thought of India as a very far away and exotic country. Another world from the California suburban neighborhood that I grew up in. I can recall looking at Time-Life picture books that featured images of "native" people from all over the world. I poured over these pictures as a child growing up. Fascinated with the colors of traditional costumes and the wide variety of facial characteristics... human beings were so different the world over! But it was the India books that really grabbed me. There was a richness and beauty there that was captivating.
I know, I am using a lot of flowery language here, but you are going to have to forgive me. For this week is a major one for me and I am grasping at my words, trying to explain how I am feeling. You see, in one week I will leave the place that has become my home over the last 3 1/2 years. My dear crazy India. I may have been captivated with the pictures as a child, but I have fallen in love with the place as an adult and to say I am going to miss it... words can't explain.
The people, its culture, the noise, the cows, the traffic, the autos (rickshaws)... all weave together to create a country that really is like no other. Some don't like it, but I have grown to consider it a part of my daily life. I now get nervous when it is too quiet and the chaos that greets me as I walk out the door soothes me truly.
So, before I wax on to the point of using every literary catchphrase that exists to mankind, I will sign off and simply share some of the faces and places of my dear India. Enjoy.
Oh, and next stop on our life journey? Manila (in The Philippines).
6 comments:
Have a happy stay in Manila. Lovely pictures all, how do you manage to get people pose for you so easily?
What a huge move. I know you will keep an open heart for your new location, but do understand it will be an enormous adjustment and a piece of you will stay behind.
I also remember as a small child pouring over my grandfather's National Geographic collection and being so drawn to the colors and faces that existed elsewhere. Wonder if that is what made me such a globe-trotter. Only one in my family who had the bug.
Best of luck in Manila. Waiting for a report.
I'm so glad you came to love India. I miss it in many ways, but not in others. I remember when you had just arrived, it seems like time flew by
We visited Manila last year and I really liked it. There is a great little market on Saturday mornings w lots of interesting food.
@Mridula - Thanks! As for the posing, I don't know, I think I just try to connect with people and somehow people in India are very open to that!
@Angeluna - I'll definitely be reporting from Manila, though am trying to decide if I will move to another blog (that would be connected with my photo website). I'll figure that out when I get there I guess! Heart is always open :)
@Debbie Ann - We think we have found a place to stay and it is walking distance from a weekend organic market. THAT part I am looking forward to!
Love this post, Cindy ... beautiful photos, beautiful sentiments.
Yes, very nice and natural photograph done by author. Indian photos are unique as their cultures.
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