Comments on: Divine Inspiration: How Travel Teaches Us To Appreciate Humanity

By: Nitin

Nitin — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 07:31:54 +0000

Well thats a very nice photo !

By: Nitin

Nitin — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 07:31:14 +0000

Hey Emily,

A very nice divine presentation i must say, well that reminds me of my aunt said oncee ” Nitin there is nothing which goes wrong in switzerland” i belive that is true the chances of something going wrong in the west are minimized by carefull but responsible community efforts but the fences always put communities in a divide.

In Asia there are type A’s who really dont share any part of there lives even with the close friends and family but the community really is warm to live in, well not that in the west we don’t find warm communities the Italians, Spanish and of course the Jew’s are the warmest of the lot i have ever come across.

The purpose of communities i believe is more to have a approach to have humankind reach “evolution” or else we would be in the caves still hunting on other tribes, then to have a combined approach so we can unleash the universe for the future generations, what we have now is all gifted by the human socities of World, insecurity and fear are drawbacks to any individual / communtiy, we have alot to learn from each other.

Althou as a specie we need to be sharing and caring if not to other species then to our own atleast.

An impeccable collection of experience’s jotted to words, keep up the good work, i alway’s like to read your articles.

keep writing,

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By: Kango Suz

Kango Suz — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 05:47:46 +0000

Emily,
Thanks so much for the lovely and oh-so-true reflections on why things always go wrong on the road. It’s like, at home, we have all the stability to deal with them in stride, but abroad even the smallest thing requires negotiating not only logistics but also the socio/cultural divide.

Enjoy India, your pictures are making me envious!

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By: Emily Hansen

Emily Hansen — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 20:03:22 +0000

Thanks so much everyone for all your fabulous comments. In any case Ravinder, I am indeed a recovering Type A….but I don’t know how fast I am recovering, and my Indian boyfriend can attest to that, but, I try! And now that I am on hiatus in Istanbul, I’m the most calm and patient girl on the block right now…and whoever thought that would happen? India has been good training, and while Istanbul is my “divine” city paradise, nothing beats Shimla for “getting real”…to recall a memory…mountains, no friends, and a bucket shower in the middle of winter with monkeys dancing outside…cheers all. It’s great chatting on this site.

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By: Audrey

Audrey — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:49:30 +0000

Emily, thanks for a great piece. I am about to travel to India next month, but have spent the last year traveling in Asia and what you write about community and relationships resonates. Another thing that we’ve learned this last year is true generosity and hospitality. We have been repeatedly moved by people who have very little, but have have opened their homes and shared their food with us, refusing payment at the end. It’s humbling and a lesson that will remain with us long after this journey of ours is over.

Physical journeys and personal journeys are connected.

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By: Ravinder Makhaik

Ravinder Makhaik — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 07:17:16 +0000

Emily,

You have traveled a long distance and drunk deep of the knowledge gained on the road.

Eastern and western values differ on varied issues, some prefer it quiet, giving precedence to the individual over the mass, others make bridges to be part of a vibrant community.

Its nice to learn that you are in Shimla, for I too am based in the same city.

And as hill folks who are on the lookout for a warn sunny day to warm bones that have chilled out in the recent cold conditions, life here moves with the pace of the seasons.

Many writers who run away from crowded urban areas, often find the cool Himalayan climes very suitable to nourish the creative streak in them.

Wish you a nice stay and if there is anything I can do for you, please do let me know.

(Not the intruding kinds, which you mention in your article, where are you going, whom are you dating, what are you doing, why are you here or what are you upto — etc etc.)

Do enjoy the freedom you have come seeking.

In the meantime I do look forward to more of your writings and the impressions you gain from your stay in Shimla and India.

And if you indeed are –
“As a recovering Type A personality and privacy-obsessed Westerner, for whom everything must be done with great efficiency and individual discretion, this is a difficult situation to accept.
– then Shimla and India may be very appear frustrating but the experience should do you good.

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By: Emily Hansen

Emily Hansen — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:09:00 +0000

Hey thanks guys! Yes, and it would be a pleasure to meet either of you one day. Amal, I’ll be back in September…email me up one day, and until then, enjoy the palm trees.

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By: Amal Rakeshi

Amal Rakeshi — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 17:05:10 +0000

Emily, I chanced upon your blog by accident….but I got hooked. I’m also from Shimla working in Mauritius now and find life here like a similar “gurgling coffee machine.

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By: Daniel Harbecke

Daniel Harbecke — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:47:51 +0000

Sweet. Emily, your brain has just made it onto my list of favorite things. =)

To get an idea of how disconnected people are to a deeper sense of meaning, look no further than the local bookstore. The books plot the course:
“Driving Yourself to Success”;
“How to Sacrifice Everything to Get on Top”;
“Picking up the Pieces after You Burn Out”;
“The Sure-Fire Burn-Out Recovery Plan”; and
“Driving Back into the Fast Lane after Your Recovery from Burn Out.”

It’s so good to read work from someone who really sees what’s going on. A pleasure as always, Emily.

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