Day 1 in India Vibes

11:42 AM

You guys - IM IN INDIA. DAY 1 IN INDIA.

OMFG. This is actually happening. I can’t believe this! I’m sitting in a restaurant called “Nalvelyan” and just ordered some sampler plate. HOLY FUCK. I stick out like a SORE THUMB. But I’m not a sore thumb. Maybe I'm just a really bright star in the sky. I feel like I can’t even write because my mind is processing everything. I feel intimated. There's some nerves. I'm overly aware. The place I'm eating at is stunning. Floral benches. Glass tables with black and gold crowning. Black and gold wood matching chairs. Black engraved ceilings with white lanterns. Theres Buddhistic murals all over the walls and when you walk in there's incense burning. It can't get more Indian than this. It’s a darker restaurant but by now, my eyes have adjusted. Maybe it’s because I’m a bit hot but after downing that sampler plate, im definitely sweating. That spice is gonna get to me. Other white people just walked in…Nice. I'm also having my first masala chai tea IN INDIA. I added a little sugar and it’s just oh so divine. I literally cant believe I’m really here. I woke up in the middle of the night…a bit angsty…how could I not be? I'm literally in fucking India. My mind, body, soul, feels blown away. I literally can’t believe this. I CANNOT believe this! Im writing this at the restaurant. I dont want to leave the restaurant yet…I’m almost nervous/scared to start this journey. But realistically, the journey started when I was born. But DAMN does this feel crazy. I sorta want to jump, scream, cry, laugh, and hide in a dark room all at the same time. Maybe I’ll do all 5 today. I want to find a tuk tuk guy who will drive me everywhere and show my their city. The music that is playing in this restaurant is further transcending me. It’s pure Indian grooves. The Indian detail is all I've ever dream of. Once again, chels, it’s okay to feel and experience all the emotions. This is a rich country. Pause, ponder, and don't be afraid to ask for help. This is your place. This is your home. Welcome home chels.

17:34 pm

Back home, showered, writing, hiiiii. Wow I feel there’s dust in my nose and throat…I ended up having an amazing meal and visited the Delhi Gates. From there, I found a tuktuk driver who took me to four different spots around the city. Exactly what I ask for earlier. He would take me to a new place, give me a little backstory, and would be in the same spot when I walked out the exit. I can’t help but feel like everyone is out to scam me. I know I felt this way when I was traveling in South America too. This journey is about trusting yourself, the people, the land, and especially the food. I’m glad I’m recognizing my nerves from a place of protection and peace rather than just fear. It’s really easy to be in fear but it takes a strong person to recognize the fear, not let it distort reality, and let it go. It’s not that I won't have vigilance, it’s that I use my intuion over fear. I see discomfort and choose that versus a route of pure suffering. Discomfort leads to growth. Fear and suffering lead to victimization. Tonight I'm gonna hit the town with my new friends! My friend from college got us backstage to one of my favorite DJ’s….stay tuned!!!!!!!

00:38 (march 30th)

If I made it this far, I can do absolutely anything in this life. There is no religion like truth. My life is my message. Shoutout ghandi.

:) Chels