:mattLandia:

Dear reader, I am ashamed to admit that after a whole week here, I have failed to point out two hallmarks of utopian society that are found here in Bangalore. 1) Mangos are everywhere, and as everyone knows, mangos sit on the peak of mattlandia's fruit hierarchy. 2) At any given time of day or night one can look in any direction and see at least a dozen well groomed mustaches. These two points alone make it sad for me to leave.

While seven days in a country hardly makes me an expert, I have been here long enough to get a sense of this place, and in being here, I have unexpectedly found a better sense of myself.

A few personal observations on India: One doesn't know the meaning of traffic until traveling rally car style in a mad crush of two and four wheeled vehicles. I want an Ambassador car, badly. Crossing the street is a bit like walking across an ice rink mid hockey game sans skates -- you take your life in your own hands. Indian poverty is achingly real and tangible on most every corner. Indian wealth and industry is real and tangible on most every corner (at least in Bangalore). My palate loves the rich tastes of Indian food; my gut decidedly does NOT. Occasionally, you will run across monkeys. Indian women are draped in elegance regardless of class. India has instilled in me a desire to own a silk on silk, 934 knot, Persian rug. The Indian people smile easily and when then do; you sense warmth of soul. Sure, life is tough, but there is no shortage of happiness it seems.

A few observations on myself, after having spent time in India: In observing my Indian colleagues, those around me at the hotel, and the pedestrian population swarming by me, I am reminded of those things in life that lead to happiness: a devotion to family, work, and spirituality. These devotions are most easily seen when poverty and a lower standard of living strips away the excess of modern society, leaving with one with no choice but to cling to those things that don't cost a penny. I learned this lesson once, having spent many years in some of the poorer areas of South America, but are having lived back home in the US for over a decade now, I lost memory of said lesson.

Being here has given me perspective and I am also reminded that western society as a whole is devoted to money. Money establishes class, loyalty, and the purchase of 'happiness'. Not to say that wealth is inherently evil, but the pursuit thereof is a slippery slope which can easily replace the energy that should be dedicated to true self, one's family, and an ongoing sense of spirituality. These are devotions that transcend place, money, and social stature. The irony of it all is that I had to fly half way around the world to be reminded that things I really need to nourish self are right beneath my nose.

On that note, I'm ready to fly home.