From Sweat Beads to Nylon-Velvet Shirts

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.