The phrase–“I am here to be here”–instantly struck me, and I kept repeating it once I reached Mumbai. “I am here in Bombay to be here” became my excuse not to follow a checklist of sights, but simply to be in the city, whatever that might mean.
![Mission [im]possible: 24 hours in Goa.](https://www.candaceroserardon.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IMG_8883.jpg "Mission [im]possible: 24 hours in Goa.")
Have you royally messed up your Indian travel plans and given yourself an impossible 24 hours to experience Goa–arguably one of the country’s most popular states? Not to fear–yours truly did just the same and has lived to tell about her race through the state.
To say I was a little nervous before launching out on a houseboat in the backwaters of Kerala would be an understatement. Everyone says it’s The Thing To Do in this southern Indian state, so I couldn’t help asking a familiar, apprehensive question: Will this be worth it?
“Wherever you are, be all there.” — Jim Elliot A few weeks ago, I had the chance to team up with UK-based charity Jeevika Trust on their team visit to Tamil Nadu. Part of the visit was connecting with one of their local partners, Social Change and Development (SCAD), to explore new opportunities for the … Read More
“The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you.” — John E. Southard When I think about the fact that this is the fourth year in a row that I’m missing Thanksgiving at home, it’s almost enough to make me throw in the [travel] towel and get … Read More
“Voyage upon life’s sea, To yourself be true, And, whatever your lot may be, Paddle your own canoe.” — Sarah Bolton When you think about the fact that from tip to tip, India and Sri Lanka are only twenty miles apart, and that a direct flight from Trivandrum to Colombo would have taken merely an … Read More
“Blow, blow, ye spicy breezes — O’er Ceylon blow your breath, Where every prospect pleases, Save only that of death.” — Ambrose Bierce It was the kind of place that has two names—Sonali, India, or Belahiya, Nepal—depending on which side of the border you happened to be standing. At the end of September, I found … Read More
“I am as curious about color as one would be visiting a new country, because I have never concentrated so closely on color expression. Up to now I have waited at the gates of the temple.” — Henri Matisse All I needed was a quote about color. Doesn’t sound too ambitious, does it? It’s a … Read More
“A kind of India happens everywhere, that’s the truth too; everywhere is terrible and wonder-filled and overwhelming if you open your sense to the actual pulsating beat.” — Salmon Rushdie “So what do you think of India so far?” It’s a question I’m starting to get a lot lately–from family, friends, even people I meet … Read More
“Boy, those French. They have a different word for everything.” — Steve Martin Dear Pondy, I know we’ve only known each other a couple of days so far, and I always hate to rush into these kinds of things, but I’ve got to be honest here: Whenever I’m with you, I feel like I’m cheating … Read More