A Flummoxed Bird

I’ve been slacking on updating my Tumblr because....Life. Forgive me. Things have eased up a bit so I plan on sharing, over the next few days, my most recent travels.

First up, India.

Where do I start? It’s hard to know. I’m still processing the entire experience even though I traveled there over 3 months ago. I visited Delhi, Varanasi, Agra and Jaipur and each place left a distinct and indelible print on my spirit. I can still recall the sounds, smells and sights like I was just there yesterday.  

My most memorable moment in India - a day I’ll never forget - led me to the Ganga (Ganges) River around 5am where I watched the sunrise as pilgrims made their way to the Ghats. I witnessed tightly bound bodies being cremated - because many believe that dying and having their ashes spread along the river breaks the cycle of samsara (reincarnation). I saw people bathing in the river - believing they’d be cleansed of all sins. I saw priests who’d given up all worldly possessions and embarked on a journey to reach true enlightenment in their lifetime. I saw women on pilgrimage who, upon reaching the Ganga, sat at its edge and shaved off their lush and prized hair as a sacrifice. I saw so many things that will forever live with me. The depth of devotion and sacrifice I saw while in Varanasi was deeply humbling. To put it simply - it changed my life.

Dear India, I’ll be back to see you soon.