|
First Impressions of India
By
Brandon Hawke
Hello I am a 20-year-old Canadian, born and raised in the quiet city of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The population of Halifax Regional Municipality is proximately 370 thousand.
Coming from a mild June and July in Nova Scotia where temperatures ranged between 10 to 20 degrees with lots of rain and breeze, my first week was a struggle to beat the heat during mid day as well as at bedtime. With sweat I’ve not known possible; I was left weak and exhausted. Overcoming it with lots of water and eating well, I’m now more comfortable.
The transition of culture hasn’t been entirely easy for me. Trying new foods, meeting many new people, language and dialect barriers have taken me out of my comfort zone. Seeing so many different walks of life and standards of living conditions is a new experience for me. It was mentally exhausting. I was thankful at the end of the evening to see my bed.
Regardless of my minor troubles I have now been able to enjoy myself, due in a large part to the hospitably I have received from family and friends I have met so far. Everyone has greeted me with respect, always looking to give a helpful hand. They have given me useful advice on what to eat, where to visit, how to properly spend my money and who to trust. All this has helped me move along during this adjustment period and made me feel at home.
Since my arrival on the 3rd of August I have visited The Lotus Temple in Delhi, the fortress and village of Jasailmer in the State of Rajasthan, and the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. I’ve also been to Old Delhi – Jama Majid and Red Fort. Compared to most tourists I’ve still seen very little of what India has to offer.
I’m staying in Greater Noida and spending most of my days between home and the L.B. Associates office. Despite my schedule you would be surprised how much I’ve truly seen. This being my first time outside of North America very little falls short of sparking my curiosity.
My city back home having minimal traffic, taking a drive from Greater Noida to Noida is so busy for me; it’s mind blowing. I find it very exciting, the streets are filled with thousands of people traveling in every direction using rickshaws, bikes, tractors and donkey pulled wagons. Driving at a cautious speed and no hesitation seem to be the only true laws of the road.
I enjoy the roaming cattle co-existing seemingly unbothered with the hustle and bustle. In Canada one would have to travel a good distance to see just a few cows eating grass in a fenced in field. I see children begging or getting a bath by their mother. I see shops selling snacks, or tobacco; ten people piled into one rickshaw. With so many sights my head spins undecided where to look first.
I’m now becoming ever more comfortable of my surroundings; every time I walk out the door it’s an adventure. Looking both ways while I dodge and hurry across traffic to the market for cigarettes, keeping my head straight ignoring a shop owner giving me a sales pitch from a distance or if I decide to travel a little further I can have my fun bargaining with a rickshaw driver, on a price to Dominos or to Delhi.
My first impression is a positive one. If the present foretells the future I think I’m going to enjoy the rest of my stay here, and acquire some life long friendships and gain memories that will be dear to my heart.
Indian has a lot of beauty unique to Canada; Charming wildlife and a wide range of interesting characters in all shapes and sizes. I’m looking forward to traveling and taking in all I can. Perhaps in some unlikely places.
Sincerely
Soaring Hawk
|
