This year we had to renew our ten year visas and, like most things Indian, dealing with the Embassy’s service bureau ‘Cocks and Kings’, was not straight forward. Discussing the frustrating process of completing the online application with a friend who will join us this year, she said, “If you can’t navigate Cocks and Kings’ lack of a straight line from A to B, then it’s better that you don’t go at all.”
Just before we left, a friend from Boston attended her daughter’s wedding in India. On her return, she asked us how we could tolerate all the dirt, crowds and noise. Gerard gave an answer but didn’t give it a lot of thought. On our flight over, he tried to go into it more deeply, asking my thoughts. We agreed: the country is overcrowded, the air can be terribly polluted and trash is a constant problem, but still we’re drawn here.
A couple of days later in India, we passed a woman sitting on her bed looking out of the doorway from her very basic adobe, tiled-roof house. She gave us a warm smile as we passed. Not knowing what was behind the smile, we felt her readiness to greet strangers so warmly was due to a lack of fear. The less one has that can be stolen, the less there is to fear? Her smiling face brought into focus some of the less obvious reasons why we are still coming back to India.
Gerard commented, even though the subcontinent is racing headlong toward modernity, the old ways can still be seen and inspire, if one looks for them.”
Do we want to change places with the woman? Not really. Yet, her smile helps to explain what has been lost in our modern society and makes us want to reach back and catch hold of what might be worth saving of those old ways. Certainly, the big cities of India have become not so different from their western counterparts. But out in the country, along our way, we can still see the old ways intact. And this is one of the reasons why we return: to witness our lost history still alive to be seen, here and there, in India.
I asked Gerard for an example of these ‘old ways’? He replied, “Certainly one is, human contact. There’s a constant interplay with people even if it’s as simple as buying a cup of chai, soap to wash clothes, or negotiating with the rickshaw driver. Whole Foods decision to install self check-out, further emphasizes the depersonalization of our Western society. With most of India carrying smartphones, means it is happening here as well. Still, there is plenty of social activity on the street, in the market and in the chai shop.”
On the plane over, I saw a short video advertising ‘Exotic India’. And of course it is — the Rajput palaces, the camel fair in Pushkar, the Taj Mahal–but for me it’s more about Endearing than Exotic.
A Small Case Across India 
ha ha! i’m glad you’re back! my armchair travels can recommence! F
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Thanks for chasing away my winter blues. Cannot imagine a January without stories and pictures from you both in India.
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Thanks, I was just thinking about you this morning
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Lovely picture of Leslie. Hope you didn’t mind us posting it!
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Do you follow Indialostandfound on Instagram? I would love to visit some of these places. Please find some for me to see!!
Sent from my iPhone
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I just checked out the site and yes, it looks interesting. Will check out some places. It would be so nice to bump into you in India again!
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I love reading about your observations! Keep writing !!!!
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Beautiful words and wonderful awareness allow me to see into this journey of yours. Thank you so much for writing!!
Bravo, reaching back into humanity 😊🙏❤️
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Hi Roberta- I was wondering if you’re off to India again this year and I’m happy to see that you are. These first photos are amazing and I can’t wait to see more over the next months. Enjoy and be safe. Didi
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Thanks Didi! I’m glad you’ve found us. Hope you’re still enjoying your work and life in Boston!
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What a lovely post Roberta! I look forward for many more.
Namaste
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thank you Amiko. I took me awhile to figure out who you were! So glad you’re reading the blog. Miss you and our yoga classes. Stay well. Namaste.
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I love the photos and your insights. Thank you for bringing us along!
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So appreciate your ability to capture your thoughts and experiences with clarity and directness that makes taking the journey with you in our imagination such a delight. Illustrated by Gerard’s photos, an extra richness is added. Thank you for this, and am glad your feet are on the ground there now…
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Hey Bobby and Gerard ,
I’m thinking about both of you and sending you my sincere love and inspiration hoping to hear from ya soon 👌🏼🙏🥰😘😘🎶
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Hi Roberta, Thanks for sharing your travel experiences! I consider myself also one of those “inexplicably drawn” to India so you know that I am thoroughly enjoying reliving it through your excellent prose. I also greatly appreciated your stories about your friends in Morocco and Prague. Much to chat about when you’re home in Boston! Have a wonderful adventure & be well 🌏🧘🏻♀️😊
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Hey, I know this is a shock but I’m actually commenting on your blog. Hold on to your chai. First of all, young Mayo-Smith looks so incredibly like Janet, that it’s spooky. Second, I can hear Janet’s voice complaining about India. Third those “Incredible India” commercials have been filing the air waves. You maybe facing a lot more tourist from the USA. Forth, Trump’s love fest in India “Namaste Trump” ! My God! Ravana and the other demons are feeling pretty good!
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