When a college friend invited me to visit her family in Madras, India, never could I imagine that such a trip would combine pleasure at meeting her again in her home country with the opportunity to explore a study abroad site for our students at Central. But that was the case this fall when I spent 23 days both visiting with my friend and facing the challenges of traveling alone in India, considering what it would be like for Central students who wish to experience India. My trip took me to multiple cities and locales, including viewing the Taj Mahal. Looking down a dirt street you will see a myriad of colors.
Women adorn themselves in beautifully dyed and hand printed sarees and salvars.
They wear gold and jewels. Merchants sell varied arrays of powerful spices that contribute to exceptional Indian cuisine. And, above all, the people are very hospitable. They are as curious about our culture as we are of theirs. They are as curious about our culture as we are of theirs.