The Golden Temple in Amritsar was one of the first experiences during this trip where I really understood what people meant when they described India as busy and overwhelming. There were thousands of people around us, and it became very obvious very quickly that we stood out. People stared at us, took pictures, and seemed curious about why we were there. At first, it was uncomfortable to feel so noticeable, but as the day went on, I began to understand that much of the attention came from curiosity rather than negativity. When we actually interacted with people, most were incredibly kind and welcoming.
My last journal entry was a little more negative, so this time I really want to focus on the beauty of the culture I have been experiencing and how fortunate I feel to be able to learn through actually being here. Before coming to India, I think many of us had people share their opinions about what India would be like. Some people questioned why we would want to come, while others shared stereotypes or assumptions that made it seem as though we would not enjoy ourselves. I know I struggled with that when telling people we were coming because I was genuinely excited about the opportunity. I wanted to experience India for myself rather than form an opinion based on what other people had told me.
Being here has changed my perspective significantly. I have realized how limited some of the stereotypes I had heard about India were. Of course, there are challenging aspects to being here, but there is also so much beauty that cannot really be understood without experiencing it. The warm welcomes, hospitality, architecture, temples, music, clothing, dance, family relationships, and interactions with people have all contributed to a much more complex understanding of Indian culture for me.
One of the most meaningful parts of this trip has been being able to experience these things alongside such an amazing family. We have had the opportunity to visit different schools, meet people from different communities, and see small parts of their everyday lives. There is something very different about learning about culture through direct experience. Instead of simply reading about traditions or hearing someone describe them, we have been able to participate in them and observe how they function in people’s everyday lives. I think that has made the learning experience much more meaningful.
The Golden Temple was a particularly interesting example of this. The process of entering the temple itself involved several steps that were unfamiliar to me. We walked across a very busy street, rinsed our feet in the shared water, washed our hands, put our shoes away, and then lined up to enter. Each of these actions had a cultural and religious significance that I was not familiar with, which made the experience feel very different from visiting a religious or cultural site in Canada.
There were also moments when I realized how important it is to approach another culture with humility. At one point, I was posing for a picture and a man carrying a sword made it very clear that posing was not permitted. I definitely should have researched the expectations of the temple more thoroughly beforehand. It was a slightly intimidating learning experience, but it reminded me that when entering a sacred space, it is my responsibility to understand and respect the rules and practices of that community.
The temple itself was beautiful, and I really enjoyed learning about its history and significance. At the same time, I noticed some cultural differences that I am still trying to understand. Some people in our group were asked to leave because they were not dressed appropriately, while there were men in the area who appeared to be basically naked walking around before and after entering the holy water. It made me think about how ideas surrounding clothing, modesty, and gender are so different here in India versus in Canada.
The heat was another significant part of the experience. The weather app said it felt like 44 degrees, and it certainly felt that way. The combination of heat and humidity was intense, and it is something I know would take a long time to become accustomed to.
After leaving the temple, we walked through the market outside, which was probably one of the most overwhelming experiences so far. Vendors were constantly calling out to us, asking us to come into their shops or trying to sell us something. People were also constantly asking to take pictures with us and neither the people nor the vendors were really accepting that no means no. It was difficult to process everything happening around us at once, especially while dealing with the heat and the crowds.
I did manage to buy some souvenirs for my family and friends, which I was excited about. I also probably got completely scammed and overcharged for a sarong. I was cornered by a father and son in one of the stores, and by the time Olivia came to find me, I was already counting out the money. She probably should have rescued me, but at this point I can only hope my Nana loves the sarong.
The constant attention is something else I have been thinking about. We have had our pictures taken so many times throughout the trip. People stare at us, ask to take photos, and a lot of the time it’s without asking. It can definitely feel strange, especially because we are not used to being the people who stand out in a crowd. However, I think it has also made me more aware of what it means to be a visible outsider in another culture. We are experiencing India as visitors, and our presence is noticeable. While it can sometimes feel uncomfortable, it has also encouraged me to think about how culture, appearance, and unfamiliarity influence the way people interact with one another.
Interestingly, one of the most meaningful experiences from our first attempt at going to the Golden Temple happened because our plans had to change. We ended up going to Mrs. Ghuman’s family friend’s house, and that experience showed me another side of Indian hospitality. We got there with essentially no warning, yet they welcomed us into their home immediately. They made us tea, brought us snacks, allowed someone to rest in their bed, and made us feel comfortable without hesitation. It was such a simple experience, but it really stayed with me because of how naturally they welcomed us into their home. There was no hesitation or concern that we had arrived unexpectedly; instead, they immediately focused on making sure we were comfortable and had everything we needed. It made me think about how hospitality can look different across cultures and how, in this case, welcoming someone into your home seemed to be less about whether it was convenient and more about making us all feel comfortable and cared for.
Overall, this experience gave me a better understanding of the culture and the people we have been meeting throughout our trip. Even though some parts of the day were overwhelming, there were also many moments that were meaningful and helped me see things from a different perspective. I am grateful to be able to experience India firsthand and continue learning from the people and places around me.