When I embarked on the journey to plan my inaugural trip to India in April 2019, I envisioned arriving in a country that might bear some resemblance to my homeland. For those acquainted with North Africa, the anticipation was set for encounters with the vibrancy of spicy cuisine, the thrill of adventurous driving, the art of negotiation, and, above all, the warmth of genuine hospitality.
I landed in Bangalore in mid-May 2019, a city renowned for its dense cluster of tech companies, often referred to as the Silicon Valley and IT hub of the country.
As I stepped out of the airport, the initial impression was dominated by the intense heat. That same year, India was in the grip of an unprecedented heatwave, leading to searing temperatures and water shortages—a stark reminder of the challenges posed by global warming.
I stepped into the waiting cab, meant for my team and me, and to my surprise, the taxi driver asked if I hailed from northern India.
That taxi journey epitomized what I can only describe as my initiation into the most chaotic traffic on the planet. The incessant symphony of honking horns remains vivid in my memory. It didn't take long for me to grasp the local driving code: each honk served as a signal, a way for drivers to communicate their presence to others sharing the road.
Upon reaching our hotel, we were welcomed in a distinctly unique manner. In India, the hospitality extended to customers is akin to treating them like royalty, occasionally creating an atmosphere that can be overwhelmingly gracious and, at times, slightly discomforting.
“In India customers are treated like royalty”
The subsequent days fell into a somewhat repetitive rhythm, shuttling back and forth to the office for work and engaging in lengthy meetings with colleagues. However, there were evenings when we would gather with our coworkers after work. The genuine kindness and warmth they exuded were deeply touching, making me feel truly at home.
The ongoing tech boom in India permeated every facet of our daily lives. One notable instance was the pleasant surprise of discovering that I could conveniently book a tuk-tuk ride through Uber!
Moreover, I had the pleasure of meeting resilient and independent women holding significant positions in our office. They generously shared insights into various aspects of Indian culture, including discussions on the Hindu faith, the multitude of languages and dialects spoken across the country, wedding customs, women's rights, and more..
48 hours to travel 5,000 Km
Over the weekend, I made the decision to travel with a couple of colleagues and my boss to Srikakulam, near Visakhapatnam, to partake in a colleague's wedding—a South Indian celebration!
What I enjoyed the most was dressing up and gracefully draping my saree, with the assistance of the girls. It was an experience I cherished more than anything else!
That night, we forfeited sleep as we had an early flight to Delhi.
Upon arriving in the capital and exiting the airport, we chanced upon a taxi driver who agreed to take us to Agra and back to Delhi for 14,000 rupees. We were uncertain if it was a good deal, but were content with the arrangement.
Our night unfolded in Agra, and the following day commenced with an early wake-up to visit the Taj Mahal—a true marvel! There, we encountered a guide who offered to show us around, and it turned out to be a wise decision; his professionalism enriched our experience: Taj Mahal is the jewel of Muslim art in India. It is a spectacular mausoleum built by emperor Shah Jahan for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal in the 17th century.
Departing the Taj Mahal left us flattered. Dozens of locals approached us, eager to take pictures with us. In jest, we remarked that anyone feeling a bit low or struggling with self-esteem should go there: the attention received would undoubtedly lift their spirits !
“We left Taj Mahal amazed and flattered…dozens of locals approached us to take pictures with us”
That same day we drove back to Delhi, and flew to Bangalore to prepare for a second round of office meetings and design sessions that lasted another week.
Bye Bharat!
After nearly two weeks in India, I realized that nearly everything and everyone in this country leaves an indelible mark on your memory — from the distinctive head movements of the people to the aromatic spices in every local dish. Chaos and clarity coexist in a peculiar harmony, and tradition seamlessly rubs shoulders with modernity.
India, you truly amazed me!
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