Why India?

When we tell our friends, family and co-workers about our plans for our upcoming trip, the first question we are asked is always, "Why India?" J and I are both obviously very Caucasian, and neither one of us look like the type to run off to an ashram for a mid-life crisis a la Elizabeth Gilbert. 

Not me.

So I decided that answering this question here would be a good way to start things off. I have wanted to go to India for a very long time. First, I am a big fan of a lot of literature and movies set in India (but not Eat, Pray, Love). Think The Jungle Book, A Little Princess, A Suitable Boy, The Namesake, etc. All great stories with amazing scenery, and amazing characters. 

Shere Khan lives in India.

But mostly, I want to go to India because it's exotic. It's out of my comfort zone. When I go to new places, I'm much more interested in seeing a different culture, a different way of life, a different history. If I went to Europe (not that there is anything wrong with Europe), it would be a shared ancestry up until 275 years ago. But India? That's a different, older, and more exciting story. Binary numbers were invented in India. Tremendous works of art were created there. Some of the world's greatest monuments to major religions are there. On one of the most important shipping routes in history, India has been touched by, and has touched so many cultures. In one day, you can see a Victorian-inspired government building, an Islamic mosque, a Baha'i temple, and a militarized fort. This is not a homogenous society. We're going to have the opportunity to see the Taj Mahal, huge Mughal forts, rolling desert hills, and huge cosmopolitan cities. 

Lotus Temple, in Delhi

People ask us, "Aren't you worried about terrorism? Crime? Catching some terrible disease?" And the answer to those questions is, "No more than I am in any other part of the world." I think that the recent events in the world demonstrate that terrorism can strike anywhere--from San Bernadino, CA, to a hotel in Mumbai. I lived in Israel for several years during the Second Intifada, so the idea of terrorism being in my face on a daily basis is nothing new for me. Regular old crime? Sure. I'm sure I'll be a target there just based on my physical appearance. I'm also a target for carjackings and thievery when I go to some of the less-than-ideal places in Jacksonville to visit clients. Just like I am here at home, I can be a smart traveller, and reduce the risk. 

And as for the disease? Let's just say I lived through Montezuma's revenge when J and I went to the Riviera de Maya and stayed at a luxurious resort for our honeymoon. If that's not a good bonding experience for newlyweds, I am sure whatever I contract in India will help keep our marriage going for at least another five years. Plus, I'm smart, and I've made appointments for us with our primary care physician to make sure our immunizations are up to date and perhaps coax him into giving me prophylactic prescriptions for antibiotics and the like. I also have started buying the tiny little bottles of hand sanitizer whenever they go on sale at the dollar store. 

Do I really need to tell you what this is? 

J and I decided we wanted to take a trip that would give us the opportunity to try a ton of new things. So, we're going to be backpacking, we're going to be staying primarily in travel hostels, and traveling by train to all of our destinations. Our itinerary will be a separate post, but suffice it to say we're going to some diverse places...mostly the big hits because we're only taking two weeks, but I am trying to make sure we have a good, "off-the-beaten path" authenticity to some of the activities we plan.

So off we go in about two months!!! We're starting to buy some of our gear and read up on India's history, politics, art, and of course, sample lots of Indian food to prepare ourselves for the trip. I cannot wait!