Please enjoy the following guest post as much as we enjoyed not having to write it.
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Surprise! You are hearing from the one and only Alynn (Ally)Evans who spent the last three weeks in India with the infamous Alexis and Liz.Since you have last heard from the duo, you may be a bit concerned about our wellbeingin the south. Liz was not exaggerating when she described the sweltering heat,but despite all the sweating, we had a wonderful time.
From Cochin, we flew to Goa in search of beaches and(fingers crossed) cooler weather. Arriving in Arambol, the beach town locatedin north Goa, we were greeted by both of these, along with the overarchingvibes of peace and love and an eclectic array of Westerners with dreadlockedheads. We weren't in India anymore –or at least it felt like it. In fact, itfelt as if we had been taken straight back in time to the 1960s. Our thoughtprocess shifted from synthesizing the Indian culture we had been observing tocomprehending the massive amounts of hippies we were suddenly surrounded by. People from all over the world flock to Goafor its ‘chill atmosphere’ and easy going lifestyle. As three tuckered out travelers–we fit right in. Furthermore, we took to lounging quite quickly –spending upwardsof five hours on floor pillows in a beach shack restaurant reading andrelaxing. One morning, in the spirit of Goa, Liz stopped and got two dreadlockson our way to breakfast. How casual, I know. She was quite brave in the processof teasing and wrapping and intertwining a chunk of her beautiful blonde hair. Theyturned out very nicely! As we continued on our search for breakfast, we werestopped by a woman who stared wide-eyed at Alexis. She leaned in close andasked, “Were you that girl I saw dancing in the drumming circle last night?” ClassicGoa.
Two days later, we left Goa for Mumbai, where were thrustback into the hustle and bustle of large Indian city. The break from attention wegot in Goa was over, as we were quickly reminded that our light skin color was wortha stare. Though brief, I really enjoyed my time in Mumbai. Unfortunately, Lizwasn’t feeling well for most of our time in Mumbai, but we were still allvisited some amazing sights like the Gateway of India, the Jain Temple and theGhats. We stayed in an area full of museums, art galleries and impressivearchitecture –a sheer gold mine for an art history major. Alexis and I visitedMumbai’s Modern Art Museum filled with works by one particular artist known asRamkinkar. The food was fabulous as well. I have never imagined one could do somuch with my favorite chocolate bar, the Toblerone, but India has done it. Ihad a delicious Toblerone cake in Mumbai, while Liz and Alexis split a giant rockyroad sundae at a nice restaurant in the area. My last dinner was scrumptious aswell – a paneer dish and just enough parata (delicious dense and flaky bread) toalready make me nostalgic for my time in India. I left early the next morningfor my long travel journey back to Colorado – a nine hour plane ride to London,fifteen hours in the airport, and a ten hour plane ride home, yikes (but I madeit)!
As for the two lovely ladies I have been traveling with,they are doing well. In the eyes of a Westerner –they have looked better; butfor two travelers in India with 4 months under their belt, they’re dashing!Getting to spend three weeks with my dearest friend Alexis (who is known to meas Allie) was the greatest Christmas/New Year present I could ask for (besideshaving the opportunity to be in India, of course). We crossed off some keyfriendship firsts as well –like flying together, being on the beach, and survivingsome straining train and bus travels. Being a spicy food devotee, I owe a lotto her sharing some less intense meals to tend to my weak, bland palate. AndLiz, a girl who I briefly met last spring when I visited Boston, has become agreat friend. It turns out that three weeks of sleeping next to each other andsweating together in the relentless south Indian sun is the perfect grounds fora friendship to start! We made a great trio –walking the streets of Delhi,eating the wonderful food of the south, and lounging in Goa. I was so sad toleave them in Mumbai, but am excited (and jealous) to hear of their futuretravels.
I am still trying to process my time in India, I had anincredible time and was touched by this country. I was constantly in awe at all thebeauty I saw in the many faces, craftsmanship, and simply the living in India. Beyondbeauty, I was surrounded by stories –told and untold – that have seeped into melike tea from a tea bag!
Namaste and much love,
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Isn't she the greatest?
We miss you already, and you are inextricably connected to many things India (like mini autorickshaws and porotta) for us.
Cheers to the best adventures with best friends. And middle-aged versions of ourselves that show us what we have to look forward to.
Lots of love,
Alexis
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