That often excruciatingly long period between being awake and being asleep, when one image on top of another runs like a river through my head, a steady stream of seemingly random sights and sounds. A floating piece of paper, a rapid hand, a bicycle, descending to the subway, the color blue, saxophone sounds, a snatch of conversation, a pat of butter, a hint of skin….
Sometimes there is an obvious connection; other times, it’s simply a gift. A challenge. Why that architecture? Why that food? Why that memory?
This is how I experience India. One incredible sight and sound pile on top of another. It’s a waking dream, containing so much energy that it feels on the constant edge of explosion. This is a good thing, albeit exhausting. The traffic, where human-made machines vie with each other for nature made space, filling every available portal, as if they themselves were liquid, filling in cracks. Until there is no space at all and the mass is moving simultaneously but not together.
Like how I experience Manhattan, only more so.
You are wonderful travelogists (I just created a new word)! Thank you for sharing. Hope Jerri is feeling better.
I think the effect is a mix of what you’re experiencing and who you are–you know that, don’t you? All that beauty and intensity would be wasted on other people, but not you two.
I am enjoying hearing about this magnificent place from both of you (Jerri, I hope you’re better!). Reading you reminds me of how I felt watching Louis Malle’s “Phantom India” in the early 70’s on Channel 11. In other words, I was hooked back then, and I’m hooked again.
Best wishes, Luz
Beautifully expressed. Exactly as I would imagine it.
Alan and Jerri, take loving care.
Linda
POPULATION OF INDIA
1.237 BILLION IN 2012
PLUS YOU TWO
ABOUT 1 BILLION
MORE THE THEN
USA
BE GRATEFUL
PURCHASE
A WATER FILTER FOR YOUR COOK
NAMASTE
CARRY MY LOVE WITH YOU
JEROME