Getting Ready

'Foreigners were stared at in India. Somewhere in the five or more millennia of its history, the culture had decided to dispense with the casual, nonchalant glance. By the time I came to Bombay, the eye contact ranged from an ogling gaze to a gawping, goggle-eyed glare. There was nothing malicious in it. The staring eyes that found and followed me everywhere I went were innocent, curious, and almost always friendly' (Gregory David Roberts, (2003). Shantaram, p. 549).

No matter how well prepared we think we are for India; we are in for three incredible weeks. For one thing, we are about to become very visible. People will stare at us and take our pictures. We are going to learn what it feels like to be ‘the other’. The lives we lead here in Toronto will be suspended for a while (It’ll all still be here when we get back though). It is my hope that while we’re away, each of us will be open minded and willing to be true members of the team. This trip will open our senses to an amazing array of people, sights, sounds, flavors, rituals, and beliefs. It will make us better and more versatile people for the rest of our lives if we let it. Mr. B