As a traveler, whenever you meet an Indian, no matter who they may be, a hairdresser computer engineer, bus driver, anthropologist, or chai-stand owner, they will always ask “Is this your 1st time in India?” And with the response, “Yes,” it immediately seems to follow that they disqualify any other experiences in life you may have had. Suddenly you are perceived as a child, seeing the world properly for the first time. It’s not as though they are passing judgment, as much as they are simply very excited for you (and full of advice).
This is the first country I’ve been to where I don’t say “you’re country is very beautiful” and receive a modest “thank you.” Instead the reply “yes, it is,” is more common. Everyone is highly aware of the problems of the country, but also of the experience offered by the society and culture for travelers (both Indian and foreign).
The lesson: If you haven’t experienced India you are not fully qualified to remark on life. But it’s "o.k.", because you are here now, in Bharat, and soon you will know.
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