Traveling in India is an experience that challenges your senses and perspectives. Here are 15 key observations and realizations from my trip:
1. Lack of Personal Space
From the moment I boarded the flight to India, I felt a noticeable reduction in personal space. People bumped into my bag, and the armrest on the plane was a battleground. It wasn't intentional; there just seemed to be no concept of discomfort from such contact. It gave me a sense of why Gandhi in Civilization V has a reduced "unhappiness penalty" for high populations.
2. Smells Everywhere
The smell was the most challenging aspect for me. From the moment I boarded the flight until I returned, the pungent odor, reminiscent of a specific curry spice, was overwhelming. Visual and auditory discomfort is manageable, but dealing with smells proved far harder.
3. Casual Borrowing
On the flight, an Indian gentleman grabbed my pen without hesitation, only asking for permission after holding it. His assertiveness left me momentarily stunned, and I found myself meekly agreeing, despite not having used the pen myself.
4. Implicit Price Collusion
India has two sets of prices—one for locals and one for foreigners. Vendors consistently quoted me higher prices, and even ticket booths had separate, elevated fees for tourists. While the differences were small, the sheer universality of this practice made me grudgingly accept it.
5. Roads of India
Roads are shared spaces—by people, vehicles, and animals alike. Sidewalks and crosswalks are irrelevant. It’s a dance of survival as cars, cows, camels, and pedestrians all navigate the chaos. The drivers’ skill in this organized anarchy was awe-inspiring.
6. Life Before Safety
On my first night, I saw an overturned milk truck on a dark highway. The driver wasn’t concerned about the accident but was busy collecting unbroken milk bottles. It was a humbling reminder of priorities shaped by survival.
7. Bus Acrobatics
Indian buses reminded me of a StarCraft drop ship. Passengers boarded and alighted while buses were still moving, showcasing the agility and coordination of both drivers and passengers.
8. Doors and Signals
Blinkers were non-existent. Instead, drivers used hand signals. Once, a neighboring driver gestured urgently at me, and I thought I was being harassed. Turns out, my car door wasn’t properly closed. His helpfulness left me embarrassed about my assumptions.
9. Fences as Class Dividers
Fences visually encapsulate India’s stark wealth gap. Behind them lie grand, luxurious buildings, while outside is a stark contrast of poverty and chaos. The difference is so stark, it feels like crossing borders between countries.
10. People Everywhere
Everywhere I went, there were people. Guards at gates, attendants for elevators, and even someone whose sole job was to hand out parking tickets. While the jobs often seemed unnecessary, the sheer willingness to work, no matter the role, was admirable.
11. Intense Stares
As a foreigner, I felt like an exotic creature on display. People openly stared at me, not with malice but sheer curiosity. It was a level of attention I’d never experienced before and left me both self-conscious and amused.
12. Moving Meetings
Drivers in India could hold full conversations with people in neighboring vehicles—all while driving. It was a fascinating sight, as they talked, laughed, and gestured without losing control of their vehicles.
13. Crooked Symmetry
Indian structures often lacked precision. Crooked walls, misaligned fences, and uneven roads were the norm. However, this disorder contrasted with the perfectly styled hair of Indian men, which showcased an unexpected sense of symmetry.
14. Countdown Red Lights
Some traffic lights had countdown timers for red lights. While convenient for drivers, it encouraged premature starts, which felt unsafe for pedestrians. The system seemed to prioritize drivers’ efficiency over pedestrians' safety.
15. Model Citizens: Cows and Chickens
The animals in India exhibited extraordinary road etiquette. Unlike humans, cows and chickens waited patiently and crossed the road only when it was safe. A chicken even sprinted across, displaying a level of determination I won’t soon forget. Indian animals set a new standard for road behavior!
Closing Thoughts
India is a place of extremes—chaos and order, poverty and wealth, discomfort and inspiration. It forces you to reevaluate your assumptions, challenges your patience, and ultimately leaves an indelible mark on your soul. While it may take time for its full impact to settle, India is a destination that opens your eyes to the vibrant complexity of life.