I is for Indian Bloggers
Mention the word "India" to me, and you'll notice my eyes taking on a dreamy, faraway look. The very thought of the place transports me to a sensory-rich world of imagination. In my mind, I see vivid colors, smell fragrant flowers and spices, and taste savory food prepared to delight the palate.
How and where did I form these notions of a place where I've never been? Brit lit provided my first impressions: E. M. Forster's A Passage to India, Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden, Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. All of these works and more made me wish for my own passage to India. I considered the possibilities. Train to be a nurse, missionary, foreign correspondent...?
Over the years, responsibilities here at home have kept my feet firmly on American soil, but my thoughts still drift to that place I once dreamed of visiting. Movies made of the aforementioned novels only made the longing worse. Then I found an amazing thing. Blogging. I could step aboard a flight to India without having to spend a fortune on airfare or endure the indignities of airport security. There were friendly hosts available 24/7 to take me on a tour of famous ruins, bustling marketplaces, and modern cities. They share their own experiences in these places, illuminating how many gaps there are between what fiction has revealed and what reality exists in India. My initial impressions of their home have been challenged and changed for good.
Here is a list, in no particular order, of some of my Indian blogging friends. I hope you take some time to pay them a visit. Prepare to be delighted and inspired:
Encounter with a Super Star
Vanity Moments
A Corner of My World
In Art Lies My Heart
This 'n That
The Holy Lama
Please see A to Z Blogging Challenge for links to more "I's" from Challenge hosts and other writers.
I immediately thought Indian bloggers and I tell you there are quite a few. They really have opened my eyes to India as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the links. India has always fascinated me as well.
ReplyDeleteHi W2W .. love the post - you certainly draw us in .. and I too have never been - one day.
ReplyDeleteSo I shall enjoy checking these sites out .. brilliant you've allowed us to connect .. cheers Hilary
Hi Walk2write,
ReplyDeleteDidn't I ask you whether you were going to write about India as your 'I' post...?And one step beyond, I thought you were going to write about Indian bloggers..
But I never thought you were actually going to let on your nostalgia regarding India. I am very delighted to know that you have such happy feelings regarding our country and the bloggers here. Happy to mention my blog in your post..
Thank You..
ooo... I watched A Passage to India for the first time a few years back and LOVED it. I have an Indian blogging buddy, and I think we're actually the same person. :D Rayna at "Coffee Rings Everywhere." She's the drabble queen~ <3
ReplyDeleteAh, I see LTM has mentioned Rayna at Coffee Rings Everywhere. She's brilliant! Sue@JumpingAground (Alliteration & drabbles)
ReplyDeleteSue@traverselife(Workplace bullying)
Cool idea to link to fellow bloggers today!
ReplyDeleteLinda Ann
I stopped by via the A to Z Challenge for April, and I invite you to visit my blogs at The Mane Point (Horses), Nickers and Ink (Poetry), Practically at Home (Home and Helpful How-to’s) and the Meme Express (Daily Blog Prompts).
Let me introduce you to a very amazing woman in India. A physician, with a little daughter, and a gorgeous garden! Green Thumb from India Garden!
ReplyDeleteLet's go over for my birthday week...I found a flight with Continental for only 1300 dollars round trip! We could go for a week and have a blast! Here are the details!
Hehehe...or go with your hubby...it would be such a grand week!!!
I have awarded you the Versatile Blogger Award, you will find the details on my blog. http://sivmaria.blogspot.com Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many places I would love to see, but know I'll never get there in my lifetime. Blogging has also given me a chance to do some virtual traveling without emptying my bank account. The best part, though, is getting a glimpse into everyday life in these countries, not just the touristy spots.
ReplyDeleteIt's an honor to see that you've chosen Indian Bloggers for I. Thank you for that and the link.
ReplyDeleteWell, I would say that you're true about the smell of spices and exotic locations, but fauna in every other place is missing - at least in cities/urban areas, which is sad. I hope we realize what we are missing and wake up soon - though some have started realizing it...
Hey thanks for putting me up there. Honoured.
ReplyDeleteIn fact Jungle Book was the first full length cartoon movie that I enjoyed and from there on I never miss any and make it a point to see them all in the theatre.
As an Indian blogger myself, it is such a joy to see this post!
ReplyDeleteI love A-Z challenge, and the many surprises it brings.
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks dear for the love and mention. I was off blogging for long and couldn't comment earlier. And I extend hospitality because blogging opens only the virtual, come and experience real India.
ReplyDelete