It has been about a year since I left India. I never quite found the words for this blog post so it remained unwritten for so long. A year in India left such a profound impact on my life. There are things I deeply miss, things I reflect on, and lessons learned. Above all I really grew as a person which was a direct result from going on this journey that has continued to develop and flourish into this past year.
As I reminisce into memories of a life that seems distant, yet not so far out of reach, I am reminded of the colors. Those colors are attached to distinct etched memories.
Yellow
Going to the farmers market every Thursday became my ritual. I’d have vada pav and do my weekly shopping. Usually I’d make it after work, so all of the mountains of produce had turned into shorter hills. One time though, I went early right when it opened and all my senses were in heaven! If I was supposed to meet someone on a Thursday, I’d take them to the market or schedule the hang out accordingly so I could still go. I slowly started to feel like a local there. Although, I stood out like a complete phirang whenever I would go! The vada pav aunty and uncle became friendly. As I’d approach the stall and was greeted by those yellow vadas, all of the stress from the week would just vanish. It’s not like the color of vada pav is all that attractive, but the taste surely makes up for it!
I was able to bargain my way around the pomegranates and knew the pineapple vendor was not ripping me off. I have never been one for doing my shopping online. I love getting to witness everything in a market or store. Thinking about recipes for the week after what fruits and veggies look good the day is my favorite way of completing the task. It warms my heart just to think back to it.
Purple and Green
One of the first places that made me feel like home was a spot called Independence Brewing Company. The newest location opened up around the corner from my flat and what drew me in was the amazing playlist. I soon befriended the creative genius behind that playlist and that became my place. I felt like I found a slice of familiarity in Pune. Anytime I needed to meet a new face I’d bring them there. It wasn’t far from my house and I always felt very safe. It didn’t hurt that the beers were actually very good as well. One of my favorites was the blueberry pie. Oh, that pinkish purpley I can still imagine that beautiful color and picture my friend in his green shirt. That beer was a sour and hit the spot on a warm summer day. The green shirt was always a favorite and I knew it was going to be a good day if I saw that forest green out to play. Those two color memories really stick out to me.
Rainbow
The array of colors I witnessed when I went to the Kala Ghoda Art Festival brings a smile to my face upon thinking back to it. The use of colorful fabric, the handmade vendors with their displays and all the young kids clicking selfies with the sculptures brings me right back to that lovely weekend I spent in Bombay. It was like rainbow explosions every corner I turned. Seeing all those bright colors in their various forms will surely brighten up any grey mood instantly. I remember experiencing weather in Bombay like I never had before. It was a little chilly and I recall driving down Nariman Point with a cousin and we had the windows down. We didn’t even need the AC.
Black
While I was living in India, I did not get to travel around a lot. I spent a lot of time in between Pune and Bombay which proceeded to let me explore those two cities quite a bit. Towards the end of my time in India, I took a trip to Alibaug. I was planning with a dear friend of mine. I became difficult during planning process so he ended up giving all the responsibility to me. I found us this beautiful place to stay called Sia. The only problem was that it was down this longgggg and narrow road. We were so far from everything else there was to do in Alibaug. We spent a lot of time by the pool, went to the beach, ate some amazing food, and visited Korlai Fort. I can still imagine that pitch black walk back to our room. The quiet darkness that feels all that more still and scary just from the mere color. The slightest sound will run chills up your spine. I am not going to lie it was a little frightening!
Golden
I really loved my flat. I didn’t end up buying a ton of furniture for it, but it really felt like home. Living on the 8th floor I had a nice view looking out into Pune. There were these three blue domes you could see. A friend of mine would always joke around about them when he was out of his senses. He would call them funny hats. I used to wake up really early when I lived in Pune so I often saw the sun rise. That warm golden glow made me so happy. It was stunning each and every day. The bright side of me not purchasing curtains, is that the sunlight graced my flat daily. The sun would take different forms of yellows, amber, pinks, and of course golden as it went up and down. The colors to instantly make you feel energized while simultaneously take a moment to stop and admire the beauty.
Beige
It had gotten to be a little weird that I was living in Pune for a few months and still not been to a Jain temple. It is not like I am so religious, but I enjoy spiritual places especially in India. My friend took me on his motorcycle up to Katrej. First of all that was longest bike ride I had been on. I wasn’t the greatest pillion until he taught me a little bit of how I could position my body better and make it easier for him to ride. Then, the view. Oh! That view was amazing! The cooling marble and all those soothing colors makes me feel at peace even now while thinking back to it. I can remember the soft pinks and beige. Something I have always loved about Jain temples is the simplicity. Since the statues are simple, it leaves room to appreciate the beauty of the materials themselves. We had reached the temple early in the day and were the only ones there. Going through each area and doing our dharasarn brought a sense of stillness within me.
I could go on and on about recalling my time in India. This has been said since I was a young kid: India has always been my biggest inspiration. I actually got to live there this time and it is a part of my life that I will continue to be eternally grateful for. This experience opened me up to a new form of love and allowed me to develop deep relationships like I never had before. Recalling memories through colors has turned into my new form of traveling. Using colors to place memories is how I have been experiencing each trip I have taken since my time in India.
Till next time!
