First Hours in India
How do I describe our first Indian impressions? After flying on the world’s most divine airline, Air Emirates, landing in Dubai Airport, which as my friend Susan says is like Las Vegas on steroids, and after 30 hours of travel, we landed in Kolkata Airport.
Kolkata Airport has the human touch down to a science. Dirty, beat, confusing and befuddling, our first impressions of Kolkata were, shall I say, impressive. Yet, it was only a foretaste of what was to come.
The ability to find pleasure in the smallest of incidents is a unique Indian personality trait. The genuine smiles, the lilted demeanor, the kind and unaffected ways. Not at all childlike or naïve. In fact, a kind of wisdom that comes from knowing what’s important in life is etched on the faces of the Indian people.
If it’s in the food, I’m already hungering for it.
Here is how we were greeted. Hundreds of faces staring at us in unison.
Just outside this area, old women in sarees placed their hands together in the Indian greeting and murmured “Namaste.” Then, gently pressed against me with their hands outstretched for money.
I gave them money.
They were old women, gentle and, in their Indian way, very beautiful in their sarees.
I asked our driver if I had done the right thing, and he smiled, “She’s a professional.”
“A professional what?” I asked.
“A professional beggar.”
Uh oh. I think I'm in trouble. I already can't resist these people!
I can’t wait to hear more! What is the protocol you are learning? I can’t wait!
I’m so glad you made it safely! I can’t wait to hear about your experiences there. You’re in my prayers for a visit that brings more than you could hope for! It’s all so exciting!
Oh how lovely Joette! The people of India – and your kind heart! 🙂
Tell us more, tell us more!!!
I am from Kolkata, India. I lived there till 1971. Now I am in the USA for more than 40 yrs.Kolkata is not the same when I left but I still enjoy it, I go there every few years. I hope you will have good time there. People are friendly. Food is great. Drink only bottled water. Eat mostly in big hotels or restaurants.There are some very good Homeopaths in Kolkata and there is a school for Homeopathy.Ride the Metro in Non peak time.
Keep us posted. Thanks for your blog
Everybody seems to be traveling to places these days, thanks for this.
Joette rocks!
like reading the journal and recognize that the travelling you are on wish create a real serious journey toward the health of others. Thank!