India was a random choice. I was volunteering in Cambodia and found myself with a month spare before I was supposed to meet up with a friend in Bangkok. I searched for the cheapest flights out of Bangkok and found an irresistible deal to Calcutta. Knowing nothing about Calcutta, I boarded my flight completely unaware of what I’d find there. As the plane dipped in to land, I saw Calcutta airport and for a moment felt like I’d made a big mistake. I put on MIA – Paper Planes and took the deepest breath as the plane met the runway.
Nothing was easy for me in India. My visa on arrival took so long to process that an attended had to bring me my bag. I’d arrived so ill prepared that I walked out of the airport in short shorts which brought much unwanted attention. Neither of the airport ATMs accepted my card. Apparently the bus that was designated “city centre” didn’t go to the city centre and I was forced to take a cab. The drive into town took over an hour, although it’s only a 16km distance. I found out, only at the check in desk, that the dorm I’d booked was male only. Everything was going wrong.
The following day there was a massive earthquake in my home town. I didn’t find out for hours, I was so disconnected from life back home, that it seemed like an impossible nightmare. Power was out, I couldn’t call anyone to find out anything. I hoped that my family would be okay, but it wasn’t – I lost someone very dear to me. I sat on the side of the road stealing WIFI trying to find out more, while people brought me food, chai and cuddles. Three days after I arrived in India I boarded a flight back home to New Zealand. I want to go back to India, but not for all the reasons I first went for. I want to go back for the people and the love that they radiate.
India is hard and rough, but below all of the discomfort and difficulties, you’re rewarded with a beauty I’ve not yet seen anywhere else.
