India says yes in a world of so many no's

Each time I come to India I am in awe, surprised, delighted as a kid (or grown up) at Christmas). Each time I step on the sub-continent I am a virgin. And then slowly I begin remembering..the horns, the stench, the constant waves of color, the cows, incense. Saddhus with their deep knowing stars. Children gazing with kohl lined eyes. The noise. How many different tones can horns have? Does each horn have it's own distinct sound like a snowflake or we humans?

How do I prepare a traveler for ALL THIS? All that is impossible to put into words. Pictures may do a better job, but tucked here in foot hills of the Himalaya, I can not easily download photographs because of their size and words are merely words.
Damp clothes
Electric shortages
Locked internet
Lassi's
Steaming cups of chai
British cabs
Toliet paper that costs as much as a towel or a box of biscuits.
Digestives (a wonderful British cookie that hits the spot on a long train ride)
Wondering if the the auto (rickshaw/tuk tuk...)
A. understands where you want to go
B. Will actually take you there
Sing song conversation
Nonsense conversation
The wobble
Evening aatri by Lake Pushkar
Asking for the sale and then upselling-I could learn a lot from their sells tactics!
Turbans and swirling sarees
Camels beside the vegetable cart
Bicycles that are 50 years old
Tight alleys
Cars that pass within inches if each other
Thali's
Fistfuls of rupees from an exchange of $100

India makes you look in the crack and corners of every day. India is and if you let it, it will seep into the threads of your clothes, pulse through the pores of your skin. India is in it's entirety saying take me or leave me. I am here.

India gives me breath. India makes me laugh at myself (yesterday I managed to use the Gents instead of the Ladies-the entire staff laughing at me when I walked out). She excites me and infuritates me. She reminds me of how very alive I am. India does not give me time to think.

India says yes in a world of so many no's.