The Golden Triangle

Two slices of orange. In the Sparkling wine. Just for you. Dejavu. He puts the drink in front of me. Like the week before. Only this time it’s different. Different place, different time, different people. It’s my last day in Georgia before going to the far east. One of the extremely fun nights that I won’t forget easily as it served me for all that was denied to me the days before. My needs on mental, emotional, spiritual, fun and physical level fulfilled until the next morning. Starting with day drinking with a friend ending in a grateful hangover ready to leave behind what needs to be left, taking with me what fulfills me. Happily satisfied with all that has been given to me throughout the time in my home of choice especially these intense last days and weeks that have once again opened my eyes as to whom I appreciate in my life and who’s better left behind.

Only a few hours later I find myself standing way too early in a different world where Leen is already waiting for me. A new friend, my travel companion and sister in space for this experience. Our feminine energy directly synchronizing for our cycle of traveling.

My friend inviting us into his home, providing us the most comfortable arrival into his country, connecting the two worlds of Georgia and India. Making sure we’re eating, organizing all our trip details, running through the crowdy, dirty, noisy city with us, not avoiding any inconvenience to make sure we’re all set and enjoy being around him. I feel again like I’ve underestimated a person who has offered me his friendship before when I have overlooked him, too involved into my own stories.

Coming into this country the second time with a changed mindset, I see people smiling at me, helping politely and considerate. Being with friends new and old, connecting the experiences, yet making it a completely new one, I’m looking forward to create a change in my view on this country and the way I feel about people and culture. 

Said and done by the time we have arrived in Agra. Getting out of the crowdy railway station, it’s no less crowdy in front at the parking lot in the middle of Tuktuks, cars, busses, taxis, still away from the street, trying to find a ride to the hostel. The first driver selling us his Tuktuk we naturally turn him down, assuming he wants to screw us over. He doesn’t. He wants to make it easier for us. I try to consciously absorb the situation and make a mental note to take with me into the journey. As I do so, more of these encounters happen throughout the next day when people on the streets want to give us advice and directions for where we need to go, also accepting rejection when we don’t accept their offer. 

I’m once again trying to anchor my perspective on the experiences I have now from the ones I’ve had a year ago that are so far off. 

In doing so Leen and me move smoothly through the days, admiring the world wonder Taj Mahal, enjoying the Indian curries I missed so much, doing yoga together and laugh our asses off about the absurdities of the country we’re in while we’re snacking our way through the days stuck in the sweet and salty cycle. The noises, smells and reactions of the people to us, starring at us, waving us, yelling at us that they love us but most of all making sure we get where we need to go, arrive safely, offering us their services, making sure we feel happy. A very welcome change in my perception of the people and country especially getting to know different places now, moving down south. Together. In our differences and similarities, confusing the locals. Leena traveling the Golden triangle, looking for more in this country that’s so confusing, yet so rich and fueling in who we are and who we want to become. 

Landscapes passing by us on our second train ride from Agra to Jaipur. Different landscapes, hills of trash, cows, pigs and goats are passing by. Every now and then someone smiling or waving at us from the platform. As I make my way to the toilet I see an open door and can’t help but let the air brush over my face, hanging out my head, enjoying the train ride since an attentive Indian man had just opened another door for me. I soak in the surrounding and the place I’m in. As the train ride continues there are no two minutes passing by without being offered chai, pani, sandwiches or snacks. The train is spacious and cool. Comfortable. Unexpected. Our journey a smooth beginning into a new adventure that I wish to face with an open mind, ready to find new perspectives of who I am and what I want.