Namaste, India

Off to Southeast Asia now, but already looking forward to my next visit with India. Funny enough, the most civilized environment I experienced in India was the international departures terminal in Delhi, stocked with a multitude of complimentary amenities including RO drinking water, wi-fi, and foot massagers. The last familiar face I saw in India was that of Rajaji, which was fitting, and who played the role of our driver for several days in Delhi with distinction. Rajaji was an impressive man, the first ‘Sikh peoples’ (as he’d say it) that I’ve gotten to know in India, and possessing a great deal of conviction regarding his life and faith considering his tender age of 26. We spoke at length of his religion, particularly during his impassioned response to my self-proclaimed agnosticism. Perhaps the highlight of our interaction with Rajaji was the chaperoned visit to an evening prayer at his Sikh temple in Delhi, where we were well received as foreign visitors, in contrast to an earlier experience at the Jama Masjid mosque (although I’m trying my best to reserve judgment)…