As my time in India is nearing the end, I’ve been reflecting on what I want to bring back with me (besides colorful scarves and small trinkets). What lessons have I learned? What stories do I share? What customs do I continue to practice? How do I respectfully and openly share this culture with my […]
Ashes Sprinkling From the Sky
Ashes were sprinkling from the sky and the smoke in the air was billowing around me. I covered my face with my scarf and squinted at the small frail man that was speaking without pausing for a breath. I quickly shuffled my feet to let yet another bamboo stretcher with a dead body covered in […]
Postcard to my August 2015 Self from Banaras
Hey you. It’s been awhile. I know you’re feeling like you might have made a huge mistake. It’s okay – studying abroad on the other side of the world for a semester is a big deal. It’s okay though. I know so many anxieties are running through your mind – what if you don’t bond […]
Blending in by Standing Out: Chennai’s Colors
There is so much to be learned from the world that surrounds us; during my time in India I have constantly been learning new things about this new world, but also about myself. I find myself constantly inspired by all that surrounds me, and lately, I have been really inspired by the colors of Chennai. […]
A Place and Its People
Something that Sunil said while we were back in Delhi has really stuck with me since we’ve been in Chennai. “The people make the place.” I’ve been aware of an air of concern since we’ve been in India, and among other things we’ve been told: it’s dangerous, especially for women, people aren’t nice, they’ll try […]