People say that India will change you. It not only changed me, but it opened my heart and intoxicated me with inconceivable insights and overt observations that have morphed my perspective on many of my stubborn beliefs that have been instilled in me since I was a child. India taught me to let go. To not worry so much. To let things be. Something that I always struggled with. Of course, every country has “the good, the bad and the ugly,” but I refuse to see “the bad and the ugly” part of India, because it all intertwines together to form a magical mind blowing contrast that is unlike anywhere in the world, at least that I’ve been to. I could be seeing India this way because I only spent 31 days there, but just that short amount of time was enough to prove my plethora of provokingly passionate experiences and encounters. Maybe if I spent a little more time here my feelings could change, but that gives me more incentive to go back for a longer period of time to confirm if my feelings were sensible or spurious. In any event, there are no curtains to peek out of, or tinted glass windows in an observatory to view from. You see what you see. You see life. The uncut, unedited version. You take it in your own way and reflect upon it how you want. But it’s more about how you carry it with you that makes it such a potentially powerful and potent place.
From the heart wrenching circumstances of street families and starving children, to the decoratively divine dwellings of majesties, palaces and temples to the luring, lush, landscapes of the South, to the acutely antiqued beauty of the old cities in the North, fused together with the savory, spicy, street snacks and food and radiant, warm, sincere locals, India knocks on the door of your heart, leaving it bountifully beating with beautiful bewilderment and leaves your soul happily humming with wonder and inspiration creating a craving for more. As I found out after returning back to Korea, the craving gets more intense as you part from this land, and the longing for the company of its presence is more even more desired. India didn’t just knock, but intrusively entered through the slightly cracked door of my heart and pushed it open even more. I was not prepared in any way, shape or form, but so thankful and appreciative for the invasive invasion of this incredible place. I look forward to returning soon and until my next adventure, keep dreaming, inspiring, creating and loving.
“You can close your eyes to the things you do not want to see, but, you cannot close your heart to the things you do not want to feel” -Anonymous
Head in the Clouds 
Mar 05, 2012 @ 15:51:37
What a wonderful summary of the effect India has on its visitors. Can’t wait to continue reading your blog!
Mar 05, 2012 @ 16:38:44
Hmmm. Something to think about. Although I’ve been all over, I’ve had mixed feelings about visiting India, fighting through the crowds. I’ll have to read the rest of your posts to maybe get a better impression!
Aug 22, 2012 @ 23:48:05
I totally understand you, but I’m reflecting on the feeling I brought back with me. It wasn’t a bowl of cherries everyday, especially with getting sick, and the dirt and shit that I described. You can’t deny it’s a powerful place, although extremely frusterating and crowded at times, but like I said I chose not to dwell on the ugly part of India 🙂
Apr 03, 2012 @ 23:26:23
Remember i mentioned when you left that a friend of mine had traveled all over and when asked what place he liked the best, he chose India.
I never understood why and now I know… thank you for your beautiful words.
May 23, 2012 @ 23:36:01
I love this bit:
“You take it in your own way and reflect upon it how you want. But it’s more about how you carry it with you that makes it such a potentially powerful and potent place.”
Sometimes that’s all we can hope for- to carry a bit of the place we visited home with us!