When I was younger, I always dreamed of leaving the south,
moving north to NYC and living an adventurous life in an urban metropolis. The height of hustle and bustle, I couldn’t
imagine a bigger, grander place to start, but I now realize that I hadn’t
learned to dream big enough. Fast
forward to my mid 20’s, I found myself walking the streets of New York
City….after about 2 hours I had walked the width of the Island of Manhattan. Instantaneously, disappointment came over me
and I realized that even NYC wasn’t big enough for me. What else could there be? If one of the largest cities in the United
States of America was unsatisfying, what place could captivate me long enough
to make me want to stay? The answer as
of now?…India. 6 months after my
arrival here I feel like it would take another 100 years to get used to this
place. “Hey, why is that man carrying a
basket on his head and being followed by 10 men beating on drums?” Your guess is as good as mine. “What’s that giant thing they are throwing
into the lake?” No clue. “What am I about to eat?” Never mind, I
don’t want to know…..here goes nothing.
“I shouldn’t wear Rainbow flip flops to this event?” Oh, ok…too bad they don’t sell shoes my size
here. Beyond the everyday happenings
that keep life here interesting, I’m continually challenged to learn from the
mentality of another culture. The
latest realization? I, as a typical
individualistic American, had reached new heights of selfishness. I’m continually challenged by the group
mentality of India. Everything is used
for the common good. Nothing is “mine”
and everything is “ours.” Don’t think
about paying your dinner bill separately or buying one person’s dinner and not
every person’s dinner. There are pros
and cons to both cultures, but I hadn’t realized that the mentality that says
I’m responsible for my personal well being and no one else’s breeds a
selfishness that takes root in the most elementary of things. No matter how big or small Bangalore becomes
geographically, the massive difference in culture and everyday life provides a
world of challenges that I’m not sure could ever be conquered.
**Praying for my friends all along the east coast today....including those in NYC. I hope you find yourself safe, sound, with water and electricity**
