StCirq, we had an exchange the other day in a thread about crazy drives and you mentioned your report. Well, I've been coming back since then, as I can, to read it all and tonight I reached the reply box.

I wanted to say thank you for writing it. You've got quite a way with words. Now more than ever, I am drawn to and repelled by India. I love the idea of chaos. Of dirt. Of history still lived in.

But it is the description at the windows of the car, of the people, that I'm not sure I can turn away from, nor really help. That's my concern for both of us regarding India. The possibility of becoming emotionally mired in what's happening around us. I thought I was good with touts, even with beggars. I care, but could be realistic and know that it was better to provide help in an organized way and all the things you know to be the right way to do things so as to not encourage neglect and using children, and so on. But recent encounters in Bali have me questioning how well I separate from something so intense, close and intimate. India seems like that times 100.

Obviously we have very mixed feelings. Thanks again for including all of yours. A great report.

Missed this the first time around. Many thanks to Clifton for resurrecting it.

I also missed this first time around. Great report, St Cirq. Your writing is fantastic and so evoctive. You really captured all of the contradictions that are India.

Clifton, India is intense, heartbreaking, gut-wrenching and totally captivating and uplifting all at the same time. And the people we met were so warm and open and unforgettable. I think our trip to India (Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, Udaipur, Jodhpur & Varanisi) was the most memorable trip we have ever taken, and we are considering returning to visit Mumbai and South India. From what you have said, I think you will love it.

To help with the feeling of helplessness at seeing so much poverty and need, someone ( I think Lcuy) recommended giving to a charitable organization in India before or during your trip. We contributed to SOS Children's villages in India before our trip(and still do), and visited the children's village in Jaipur to which we contribute. Google them. They are a very worthwhile organization and provide wonderful environments for abandoned or orphaned children throughout the world.

CFW, thanks for the thoughts. So many photographer friends love India more than anyplace else. And I love their shots, for all that you listed. But still, it's a decision we haven't been able to make yet. Probably be a few years still.

That's a good idea, regarding the charitable giving. We've actually worked with small children's homes in Battambang, Cambodia and Denpasar, Bali during trips. And a full week in one, rather unexpectedly, in Nicaragua while on holidays there. It's always been, without fail, a good experience for us.

Whether all of us end up "on board" in order to make it to India, I don't know, but if we do, we'll take that advice.

StCirq,

Thanks for an evocative read. And I'm glad to know that your daughter settled on Berkeley; I remember when you were out here looking at universities.

What an amazing read. Does anyone know how if pictures were posted somewhere else if they can still be accessed?

StCirq--loved this narrative (I found the mother-daughter dynamic heartwarming...prompted me to call my own wonderful mother!). I'm heading to India in April and would love the name of the tour/travel company you used for your drivers/guides; like you, I generally don't do the "tour group" thing as I like to be independent and consider myself quite self-sufficient, but I think for this trip I'll want to at least have a knowledgeable/safe driver and guide. Thank you so much!

Ebonnie - Not sure that you'll get your response. StCirq last reported in March of 2009. This is an old report that's been resurrected. But the info is timeless and greatly appreciated.

St. Cirq,

Are you ever going to finish this report? I thought it was simply marvelous when I read it, but you said you were going to finish it way back in '09, and we have been waiting ------------

You might look for her in the lounge.

Thanks for resurrecting this. I loved reading it and have been hoping that StCirq would find the time to finish it.

wow what a discovery-st cirq in India. I spent months reading her reports about France and researching the area-then never even ended up going there-ran out of time. Just been to India and barely researched this time but Loved it and Love reading her words-brilliant. Thank you St Cirq. Why not get your writings published???

I'm topping this wonderful trip report which I recall reading when it was first posted 6 years ago at a time when I had little intention of travelling to India. I was drawn to it mainly by StCirq's evocative reports from the Dordogne.

I've now just returned from 3 weeks in India (and am still suffering more than a bit of jet lag from a 30-hour trip home) where I experienced many of the same sights, sounds, smells, tastes and experiences that StCirq so brilliantly recounts. I do think that this trip report needs to be brought to the top from time to time so that those who may be contemplating a trip to this fascinating country may enjoy a vicarious experience of visiting. This is travel writing of the first order.

Trip reports like this are one of the reasons that I continue to be a Fodorite.

laverendrye….thanks for topping so I can enjoy all the sights and sounds in prep for my trip next year. And, St.Cirq…thanks for the amazing report! Loved it!

Bookmarking to read again...loved it the first time through!

This was great reading, topping again for others to enjoy. Wish I knew where the photo were posted.

Hi StCirq: I am planning a trip to India for later this year. Is there any chance you will finish this wonderful report before then :)

Also, I would love to see your photos.

Best ... Ger