India is the opposite of subdued and muted. It is vibrant and stimulates every single one of your senses.
In Delhi, it was the sounds. People spoke loudly. Horns honked continuously. And behind those overpowering noises, there was the call to prayer from mosques and the chanting and bells from temples. We joked that we needed to wear noise canceling headphones whenever we went outside.
In Varanasi, it was the smells. Incense wafted out of every shop and temple in the crowded streets. Spices filled the air. Other, unmentionable smells attacked our noses.
In the Punjab, it was the food. The delectable and rich paneer dishes. The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth breads. The cool and refreshing raithas.
Here in Kerala, it is the colors. Houses and walls and mosques and cars come in unexpectedly bright and jewel-toned colors, contrasting sharply with the green of the forest. Even trees are painted!
The key is to not get used to it, to continue to notice and soak it up, relishing and appreciating every sensation in the moment...
Nadia
