It is hard to believe that more than a month of my internship has gone by. Varanasi’s time vortex ushers in an urgency to live more in the moment. It is easy to become consumed in a routine of to- do lists and forget to ‘be’ in the moment you are living. Lucky India’s constant orchestra of horns, auto rickshaws, flutes, the serenade of a man trying to sell potatoes all rouse me from my mind’s chatter. Another great way of shaking up one's routine is a weekend away! Myself and the three other interns recently returned today from a weekend in Jaipur. Kelly Anne, Andrea and Herleen stayed at a hotel while I stayed with my host family whom I lived with two years ago while studying in Jaipur on a semester abroad.
It was eerily nostalgic to be in the city for the second time as a tourist and not as a student. Memories surfaced from my previous semester as my auto rickshaw soared past the University of Rajasthan on its way to Jahwar Nagar, the neighborhood of my host family. It was so lovely to see them again, sad even. Sitting at the kitchen table eating the familiar flavored chapattis and dal felt like going back in time. My host mother, Auntie G is still hilarious as ever in her incessant monitoring of how much and how often each family member is eating. I found myself forcing down servings of subji if only to see the grin widen on her face. Needless to say this will be a week of lighter eating.
A physical departure from Varanasi was a worthwhile escape in more ways than one. First, to those who have an appreciation for tactile, Rajasthan beauty the shopping was amazing. Having previously completed the shopping circuit in Jaipur a few times already, I felt less justified in filling my bags with pashminas and antique wall hangings but decided to indulge nonetheless. Shopping aside, to witness again the vastness of India and Indian culture was a feast for the eyes. Working and living within one city and neighbourhood it is easy to get caught up in the normalcy of a nine to five routine. Visiting Jaipur reminded me of how diverse and dissimilar places in India are from each other. Seeing Jaipur positions Varanasi in a new perspective. The proverb rings true, distance makes the heart grow founder. My short departure from Varanasi has deepened my appreciation for it. As I sat on the train writing this entry in my recycled paper journal I bought around the corner from our guest- house I was tempted to say I am looking forward to going home. It is strange how quickly certain places adopt the essence of home.
“Sleepy from last nights sleep on the train my fogging eyes awake to the passing hazy brown fields wherein coloured saris, hanging from tree branches blow dry in the dust. As my mind begins cataloging this week’s library duties and work goals I feel as though this weekend has imparted to me a new vigor and resolved attempt to luxuriate fully in each moment”.
