My grandmother’s brother, Bharat Nanaji gave me a tour of Himachal. His stories of adventures from decades past fascinated me, but even more inspiring was his youthful energy and humor.

Spending time with my grandparents was a highlight of the trip. They taught me so much about respect, helping people, having fun, and lots more. All I was able to do for them was set up a personalized Google page

There is no feeling like the momentary suspension of reality which occurs when you drift through early-morning fog as it evaporates off the surface of a calm river.

I’ve never been so overwhelmed by natural beauty as when I visited the hill station Munnar in Kerala.

You can’t shake it. The feelings of suspense, warmth, anger, sadness, and terror are so strong in Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire that I was on a post-film high for hours after the showing.

What makes Slumdog Millionaire different from other Dickensian “journey” films is that Jamal’s story is presented with such intense sights and sounds that you are transported to India and are therefore witness to a wide array of imagery unseen on this side of the world.

The unfettered positivity expressed by these wise and charming women inspired me to reevaluate my definition of wisdom. I went to India with the belief that wisdom was centered around information. I returned from India confident that wisdom is actually rooted in experience and reflection.

Diwali in India is unlike any holiday or celebration in the western world. An entire country’s population (Unlike Christmas in the States, everyone participates in Diwali.) lights up their houses inside and outside; some use little candles to create bright outlines around their homes. Everyone gives each other gifts; new clothes are worn; fantastic dinners are eaten.
And fireworks. Oh, the fireworks. They go all day – and all night. Don’t even try sleeping. Just join your family on the rooftop and enjoy the show.

Not having kept in touch with my cousins in India after returning to the States.

As much as I enjoyed the company of Swati, Soni, and Sumeet, I would be remiss if I didn’t dedicate an entire entry to this captivating boy of unlimited energy, wisdom, and mischief.

I met a lot of my extended family in India – some for the first time. One person who I had met before and was looking forward to seeing again was Swati – my interesting, wise, and charming cousin.

Watching my cousins just be was one of my favorite activities. It became a challenge to answer them when they would ask what I wanted to do; their day-to-day activities were a source of such fascination.