Every year the city of Karlstad choose a theme color for the city. All the flowers and decorations are done in that color!! August, 2010.
From June 1 to about mid August every year Karlstad city runs a ‘boat bus’ to honor the lakes of the city. So we take the tour of the city on a boat. Regular bus tickets are allowed, and if you wish you can purchase additional tickets as you board. This is only a few years old, but as is obvious is very popular with both locals and tourists. The entire trip takes about an hour. Considering that Karlstad can easily be labelled as a village in comparison to Delhi, this is a big attraction in the town. I have taken the bus only twice since I have moved here, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
A shot from the boat bus!!
I got back two days ago, and still am in a trance. In the last three years, this was my longest trip to India. I usually go for less than two weeks, but this time my stay was over 3 weeks. It was amazing, awesome, exhilarating, frustrating and thought provoking all at the same time!!
India takes a while to get out of your system. It takes me some time to get into it, but a lot less than it takes to get it out. Even though I crave wider streets and pollution free air, I miss the hugs, the constant phone calls, the ongoing attack on your senses by sounds and sights, the weird combination of spirituality, consumerism, ancient wisdom and teenage-like arrogance that the country embodies.
I have been dreaming of India since I got back, four days ago. My sister told me that my nephew cried buckets after I left. I cried on this side. Twice, I woke up in the middle of the night to emptiness. I am still in a trance, not sure whether I am back or leaving again?
I am slowly waking up---as I see early signs of autumn around me. But the chill in the air, in mornings and evenings ensures that I acclimate.
While in India I was sweating like a pig in cotton outfits, and everything I wore clung to my body due to humidity--here in scandinavia I have started to wear nylons and full sleeved shirts.
Somewhere in between is the reality that deep down, I really either do not belong anywhere, or am a part of the whole universe.
