Susan Narjala

Keeping it Real

Five reasons why India rocks

October 11th, 2014 Fun
Everyone knows India is mystical and spiritual and beautiful. At least everyone that has not stepped foot in the country. Once you’ve visited you know that India is controlled chaos spinning in kaleidoscopic frenzy. Everything has been distilled so you’re left with the best, the worst, the most vibrant, the craziest. There’s just nothing vanilla about it. And I love it. Here are some reasons why. Photos were taken from my trip to Bangalore a few months ago.
 
1. There’s an entrepreneur at every street corner. 
She sells flowers or mangoes on the sidewalk. He owns a small tire repair shop or a pharmacy that’s barely bigger than a closet. They set their own hours, they are their own bosses. They take long afternoon breaks. That spirit of venturing out on your own, mainly out of necessity, is unparalleled.
Flower vendor who stands outside a Catholic church before mass every Tuesday
Flower vendor who stands outside a Catholic church before mass every Tuesday
Traveling Tailor: Sewing machine and foldable table packed onto his motorbike, he alters clothes right in your apartment or backyard.
Traveling Tailor: Sewing machine and foldable table packed onto his motorbike, he alters clothes right in your apartment or backyard.
2. The Food. 
What’s not to love about the blend of salty, spicy, sweet, and sour. Where else can you get a thali of biriyani, naan, aplam, chicken fry, dals, mint chutney, dahi and payasam, all for $1.25? And this was at a food court at a mall. 
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3. The street signs. 
You’re stuck in traffic anyways. Might as well have fun reading the incredulous, misspelled, downright strange posters around town.
Like this one. Colonel Sanders never saw this coming. 100% veg food at KFC!
Like this one. Colonel Sanders never saw this coming. 100% veg food at KFC!
4. This guy. The beard, the look in his eyes, his gigantic stature made him pure villain material. But he wore an apron, cooked incredibly yummy food and smiled. India, the land of the unexpected.
The angle of the photo clues you in on how much BIGGER he was than me. But there's a smile on that face - if you look close enough.
The angle of the photo clues you in on how much BIGGER he was than me. But there’s a smile on that face – if you look close enough.
Let’s not forget these chaps. I clicked and they commented, “Now, she’s going to put that picture up on Facebook.” India, expect the unexpected.
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And, then there’s this him. Browsing on his smart phone while cruising with furniture in the back of an open truck.

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5. The colors.

It’s like colors have come alive. Like pastels woke up from a long, dreary winter.

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India... where even the cows have a colorful closet
India… where even the cows have a colorful closet
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MEET SUSAN

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