March 7, 2024

Things I will miss

With the program coming to an end, I’ve been reflecting on a list of things I will miss when I leave India. The 10 weeks here have been quite the journey, and it would be too long of a blog to include everything, so I’ve compiled a shorter list to save myself from excessive writing. Now in no particular order, here are some of the things I will miss:

7 plates: Those on this trip can confirm, this local takeaway restaurant has become a second home to me. You just can’t beat those $2 chicken wraps.

Auto Rickshaws: There’s nothing quite like piling into a little Auto and zipping through traffic. Will we end up in the correct location? Will we make it up this hill? How the hell did we not hit anything? I don’t know, but I’m having a great time.

Rzee Fitness: Between the quotes/photos on the wall and our daily conversations with the workers, what’s not to love. I’ll especially miss the main trainer checking in on us whenever we missed a few days.

The things I see on the road: Whether it be 3-6 people piled onto a motorcycle, people carrying the unimaginable, knock off Ferrari helmets everywhere, stores selling anything and everything, or overall the mass amount of stuff always going on at all times, the drives here never cease to amaze me.

The animals: Cows, dogs, monkeys, and even the birds (thanks to Adam “the bird guy”). You never know where you’ll see them, but they’ll always put a smile on your face.

Being a celebrity on occasion: It’s not always fun being asked to take photos with people, but I’ve had some pretty great conversations and experiences because of it. I’ve been called John Cena and Australian Cricket captain, Pat Cummins. I’ve been asked to hold someone’s baby, and I have been in many photos with curious and friendly people. (I’ll always wonder where those photos end up)

The coffees and tea: The kind offerings of tea or coffee wherever we go always makes me feel so welcomed and is a nice treat during our long days.

Flip-flops everywhere: It’s great to be in a place where you can essentially wear flip-flops all the time. The cold weather and broken glass in Seattle doesn’t exactly provide the most welcoming environment for letting the dogs breathe.

Now lastly, and most importantly…

The People: I have met so many incredibly friendly and unique people during my time here. Whether it was a casual conversation at the gym or waiting for food. Listening to the amazing stories of people working with their respective NGOs. An afternoon of conversation and games with the 18 brothers/cousins I met in Goa. Or even something as simple as sharing a smile and a nod with the people I pass on the streets, I will deeply miss all the experiences I got to share with the people during my time here.

The list goes on and on, and it will continue to grow as I have more time to reflect after the program. I am very grateful for my time here in India and all the little things that will make me miss it.

By Ridgely