Last Impressions, By Jen
Trip Start
Dec 28, 2006
1
18
24
Trip End
Jun 28, 2007
Penang,
Malaysia
Friday, February 9, 2007
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Last Impressions:
by Jen Thaxton
Boarding the Qatar Airways jet was bittersweet. I had just left my simple, care-free, and adventurous lifestyle to return to various commitments I have back in the US. This, compounded with the fact that Dan and Justin were headed to the beach, made it difficult to accept my departure.
On the other hand, India and, to a lesser extent, Nepal, is extremely difficult. Perhaps a bit cocky from my experience in Latin America, I thought I was fully prepared to face overwhelming poverty and hardships of Southern Asia. The actual conditions, however, are worlds apart from anything I have ever seen.
India is vibrant, loud, and uncensored. The people are bold and unapologetic. Audaciously beaded saris mask the timidity of the Indian women. Men stare intrepidly at passersby. Marigolds and small red roses decorate shrines just steps away from streets that are also stained with human waste.
Maybe it was the language barrier, or the distinct cultural habits, but it was difficult to relate to and understand in any way the intricate Hindi traditions. As a western woman, there were many times when I felt scorned, and was glad for the protection that Dan and Justin afforded. I have never once felt that way, even traveling in other heavily male-dominated cultures.
But India also has a sort of innocence about it. The whole experience seems so incredible now that I have left. Looking at pictures makes me nostalgic for the delicious food, the noisy streets and the cold showers. My best memories are from the most uncomfortable moments when we just had to laugh at the absurdity of the situation: the crowded trains, the smelly markets, and the cheap, fried food and the incessant music.
I'm back in Ann Arbor, finishing up school and hanging out with my friends (and Dan and Justin's friends). The familiarity of home is comforting, but I would be back in Asia in a second if I could be.
