INDIA: Lark & Linen


Before leaving for India, 
I asked a few of my friends in the interwebs
one question about my trip to India:

What is the biggest surprise waiting for me in India?

The reaction I got from EACH contributor was a shock in itself.

The responses were all really long, heart felt answers that were really personal.

I'm so honored to have their advice for our trip to India...

Speaking of which-
we are in Goa today
staying at this gorgeous house, Noi Varo.

More details to come, but first, 
beautiful & cool Jacquelyn of Lark&Linen shares her thoughts (& images!)
on the biggest surprise waiting for me in India.





The biggest surprise waiting for you in India 
is the beauty and kindness that you probably aren't expecting. 

I know that everything that I had anticipated about India 
went out the window as soon as my plane landed. 

You will leave changed. 

Humbled even.


You will try to wrap your mind around the fact
  such a huge, densely populated country can function, 
and function well, 
with what seems to be limited structure and virtually no organization.

You will experience kindness from people who have nothing, 
but are willing to help you any way that they can
 (and no, they aren't always trying to make a rupee or two). 

You will talk to people who are so inherently proud of their country 
that you can feel their excitement when you share an experience you've had. 



You'll see places that are dripping with stories; riddled in history. 

India is a land filled with dire contrasts; 
from extreme wealth to poverty beyond your wildest dreams. 

From a historic building carved out of marble, millions of intricate precious stones 
inlaid into each surface, 
to piles of litter next door. 


From chatting with a family who hasn't eaten in days, 
to heaping portions of the most intensely delicious food you've ever had the pleasure of tasting, 
and it will cost you a mere three dollars.

 You'll learn what's really important, 
and what you need to just let go.

 You learn to let loose as you may have to spend the night 
at a train station because your train is delayed 
for thirteen hours without warning. 


And it's okay. 

India will, without a doubt, change you.

 It will change the way you think. 

It will change the way you look at life. 

It's a wonderful place
 and I'm convinced 
that everyone needs to experience it in their lifetime. 

***

...speechless...
The words, the pictures.
India, I'm ready for you!

Jacquelyn... you are the coolest.
Thanks for sharing your trip, your gorgeous pictures, 
and a slice of your time from being awesome to blog here at Aspiring Kennedy!

16 comments:

  1. Such a wonderful and touching post. Have a wonderful time in India, Lauren. You will come back a changed woman.

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  2. My sister-in-law has traveled and loved India, she keeps the photos on her camer and her computer and is always looking at them.....it was over 6 years ago that she traveled there.
    pve

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  3. Wow, gorgeous photos and brilliantly written. How great of her to share. I think it will be a life changing experience for you. Can't wait to be part of your adventures! xo

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  4. oh so jealous- would love to get to India in my lifetime! beautiful pics.

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  5. Wow, that just overwhelmed my heart a lot. what an honest account & it does look so amazing in such a different way. i can't wait to hear about your own experience!! i've always wanted to go to Thailand & the wanderlust has increased lately...but India is definitely inching it's way up there too.

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  6. Lauren! Thank you so much for posting this. I love sharing little bits of India with everyone!

    And thank you all for the kind words.

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  7. Great pictures! I hope to go to India one day :)

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  8. Hope you have a fabulous time! I've heard so many wonderful things about India. Can't wait to hear and see all about it :) xoxo

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  9. Wonderful! Everyone I know who has gone has found it a moving experience. But be careful with the food and drink - several I know have also gotten sick. I know you'll have a fabulous time!!

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  10. wow, you have inspired me to go to india! what a life changing trip!!

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  11. What beautiful words and images from Jacquelyn (as always). She brings up an interesting point that "they aren't always trying to make a rupee or two." It's so easy to become guarded in such a foreign country. Being too distrustful can hinder your ability to really immerse yourself completely in the experience. India is a truly wonderful, beautiful, intense and moving country. It remains my favourite holiday to date. So be street start, but be open and most importantly, enjoy!

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  12. very well said.

    i'm four months into my indian adventure - i'll be living here for a year - and pretty much everything Jacquelyn has said I've found to be true...and I suspect the things I have yet to experience I will before I leave.

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  13. you are such an amazing writer and these pictures are faint worthy. thanks for another wonderful post.New outfit post. Lunch in Beverly Hills. Would love if you'd check it out. Thanks love. xoxo

    www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com

    If you're not already, don't forget to follow on twitter for all the latest celebrity fashion news from an LA stylist.

    http://twitter.com/#!/fashboulevard

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  14. Gorgeous! India is definitely a country I don't know a lot about but want to visit. I'm really looking forward to all these blog posts!

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  15. BEEEautiful. You girls are giving me some serious travel bug!

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  16. This is one of the most beautiful description I have read about my country and it is 100% true! :) Hope you have a wonderful trip!

    ♡ from © tanvii.com

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