India revealed itself to me in snapshots. I think about it more in pictures frozen in time rather than as one continuous experience.
I arrived in Kerala, a state in the southwest region of India, at 3am to a massive thunder and lightning storm. My incredibly competent and kind driver, Jose, and guide, Rex, made their way to us (welcome garlands of gardenias intact!) and perfectly navigated the rain and windy roads that define this region. The storm was raging outside, lighting up the entire landscape down below.
“This is one wild storm,” I said sleepily.
“Look, Miss Rose, God is taking your picture,” said Jose.We all laughed.
(Everyone in India referred to me by my middle name as they often refer to one another that way by custom. Plus, my last name is a real bear!)
And that was my first insight into Jose and an indicator of all of the insights and perspectives that I would receive from him in the following days as we wound our way through Kerala. In India, no matter how grim the situation, there is always an upside.
Christa Avampato 