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!