Experiencing The Real India – Our Amazing Trip This Spring

This spring we decided to take a long break and visit India. The vacation was all about journeying to 4-5 different cities in the nation and getting to know the culture, the religions, and locals. Instead of sightseeing, our focus was more on roaming places and gaining a better understanding of the country. Here are some of the experiences we went through and our opinion of it.

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     There are people everywhere. We were amazed to see that so many of them could live in relative harmony. No site or place you visit will be ever empty. This is especially true for Mumbai. From Haji Ali, the famous place of worship, to Dhobi Ghat, the popular clothes washing area, people jam pack everything.

·        Food is a big part of the culture. From the smallest home you visit the most lavish hotel you can stay in, food is offered constantly. It is a means of showing love, caring, and respect. Also, the taste, the style, and the flavors change from almost mile to mile. Each region of the nation has their own way of cooking and each dish is better than the first. They have equally amazing names.

·        The younger generation is highly talented and intelligent. Furthermore, Indian parents really invest in the future of their children. You cannot walk a few paces without missing signs and hoarding of an All India Civil Services Coaching center like https://www.chinmayaias.com/. These institutes prepare kids from a very young age to become public officers of the highest cadre. To be a civil servant is one of the most respected career options one can choose in India.

·     Driving is a nightmare and it is fun. Rarely do drivers follow rules? Cutting through while constantly honking the horn is almost a norm. Driving in the allotted lane seems more like a suggestion than a rule. Even though the driving is shocking, the numbers of accidents that do take place are very low.  Also, if you see a dog or cow rambling along the middle of the road, don’t panic. It is a standard sight in India. Our advice is to just enjoy the experience.

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Haggling is the true way to do roadside or flea market shopping. You can always bargain and bring the price down of almost anything. But this rule is applicable only for shops you see on footpaths (yes,  it is a common sight) or stalls. Proper shops do not bargain. But be aware of salesmen, they can become really aggressive if they think you are almost going to make a purchase.

All in all, India is a blast to the senses. From the smell to the sights to even touch, everything you experience will leave an indelible mark on you.  The people, the food, and even the young children are extremely friendly and ready to help you at a drop of a hat.  To anyone who has not visited India or is thinking of it, we highly recommend it.