Culture with no Borders

It's a strange concept to consider that somehow a small town Wisconsinite would find common ground with small town Indians.  We don't speak the same language, worship the same, eat the same, nor look the same, but time and time again it has proven true that we are all the same.

In the dozen times I have traveled here, I can hardly think of an instance where I have not been treated with lots of respect, consideration, and kindness.  Many people don't necessarily understand me or what my needs and preferences are, but they certainly get an A for effort. 

I spend a lot of time being observed from a distance.  I can't always understand what is being said, but it certainly is being said about me.  It rarely feels critical or mean, but curious and admiring, with kind smiles and open enthusiasm to try and learn more about me.   Even as I am writing this, I am seated in a big room littered with flowers, wrappers, and cups from the impromptu dance party that happened last night, which serves as an overflow room for sleeping, eating, and of course, blog writing. A couple handfuls of the elders didn't choose to join the rest of the family for the ghat tour and boat ride, but instead sip tea and chat in here.  They are sitting all around me, not speaking to me, but at times I come up as a topic.  I offered them my organic cinnamon thins, which are perfect with coffee and tea and insisted everyone try one.

  More than a few asked for seconds, so that will certainly give them something to think about and talk about long after I am gone.  It is these simple moments that I am referring to.  A moment of connection and kindness that they have shown to me so many times, now returned.

The Father of the Groom literally just walked in with a bag (you read that right) of milk and motioned to me to follow. I told him that my coffee was ok without it, but he gave a sad face, so I followed and added some in.  I'm the only coffee drinker here and they seem excited to learn how I like to take it. It is this degree of kindness that is one of the most beautiful parts of India.