Incredible India - my first thoughts

You may have heard the phrase ‘Incredible India’ used in advertising to promote business and tourism to the country. Well, I can’t think of a better word to describe India.

Webster's Dictionary defines incredible as: too extraordinary and improbable to be believed

Note: incredible is not necessarily a positive or negative word

Prior to my trip, I talked to people that had lived in India and others that had travelled to India. Some of the things they told me to be prepared for were the noise, the crowds, the chaos, the begging and the amount of extremely poor people. I tried to imagine these things, so I could mentally be prepared to accept them.

I guess I was prepared for the worst, because there is nothing yet that has scared or shocked me. It certainly is a different world than I am used to, but it still functions and I find it all extremely interesting. To put it simply…I like it here.

I do believe that my experience of previously moving to a foreign country has helped me. I've had the experience of learning a new culture, not knowing where to go to buy things, etc.  It gives me the courage to ask questions and explore the unfamiliar. I am not afraid of looking like I don’t know what I am doing. I am not afraid of what people think of me. I am certain that part of this is due to the incredible (there is that word again) friendly Indian people. They appear not to judge and their smile makes you comfortable.

The use of the English language in India helps…and so does Dominique, our driver. Dominique is somewhat of a concierge/tour guide for us. Yesterday, I hopped in the car and told him I need to buy a pair of shoes for Benjamin…and off we went to a baby store. Grant it, he tends to take me to the western influenced (aka expensive) shops, but that is fine for getting us started here. I believe this would be a whole other experience if we didn’t have Dominique.

So far, the biggest India challenge seems to be the food. Benjamin is not too fond of the milk here. While most items in the grocery store have their English name on them - it is nonetheless stuff I have never heard of. I am trying to find some non-spicy options for Benjamin (and me), as well as trying to figure out what I can cook at home.  I have never seen such a large selection of the equivalent to Ramen Noodles in my life – is this a college town?!?!

Please be patient when it comes to pictures. I know understand what Rene was saying about it being hard to capture India on film. I will do my best. It is certainly easier when someone is with me that can make sure that Benjamin doesn’t run out in front of an elephant while I am busy snapping photos.