srettig24 One of the oldest trees in the world, this Silk Cotton Tree which resides in Lalbagh Park in Bangalore is believed to be Two Centuries-old
This is really where my story begins! It is a bit ambitious that I choose India to be the first country I went to! Needless to say, it was very different from the United States. Although of course there were many moments of discomfort that are a natural part of traveling and experiencing something new for the first time. India was loud, chaotic, and full of life and full of flavors. India country is full of contrasts and diverse paths and ways of life. The differences in wealth was staggering to my youthful eye. The monuments and buildings were the size where beyond real comprehension. While I personally liked the food and flavors more from Southern India the food was delicious. The flavors were intense and very diverse each meal was a discovery. I will never forget the tea and how addicting and delicious it was- along with the bodega snacks so many small colorful bags containing bursts of salty, sweet, spicy or sour. Perhaps the best part of my experience was the people that I was able to meet. Indians are very giving and friendly and most of all welcoming. Some people I met I am still in contact with. India was my first exposure to a world and ways of life that are different than the one that I was used to. I am itching to return to India as I know I only scratched the surface on the sights, food and experiences that it has to offer. I hope that I can return to India with a more mature and conscious perspective of cultural sensitivity and respect for others cultures and traditions. I did not take very many (good) photos of my experience; as a young’n the concept of documentation and quality were very much lost on me. I hope you enjoy the few diamonds I found amongst the rough. India opened my heart and eyes to traveling, and inspired me to joining the Peace Corps about a year later.
