The Bay of Bengal

I'm in a different country, but as I stand there in the Bay of Bengal and the waves crash over my feet, I'm taken back to a familiar place. Everything is the same; the sand feels the same under my feet, although with less shells to step on, the waves crash in the same rhythm, maybe a little bigger but with the same beautiful sound; the kids play in the same way, happily, enjoying the water coming to catch them, and apart from the different language that is being spoken all around me and the camel offering rides down the beach, I felt as if I was at home, sitting in the sand, watching the waves hit the shore. It wasn't until the swarms of people coming to ask for a picture with me that I realized I wasn't soaking in the serenity of the Outer Banks or enjoying the busy boardwalk of Virginia Beach. But as the sun went down and the stars came out, I couldn't help to feel as if I was looking at them from the other side of the world, the familiar side. They look the same, only slightly brighter, and shine down as the waves create a harmonious ripple effect that look like someone is playing them like a magical musical instrument. The serene boat ride around the large lake filled with small islands and a short car ride led us to this place. A gem that isn't filled with tourists but flooded with locals who want to enjoy the happiness that comes from a picnic by the glorious crashing waves.

At that moment, I began to reflect on my week and how different it had been from this day. Although it's only been two weeks since I first arrived, it feels like I've been here much longer. I don't notice people staring as much as I walk down the busy city streets or glancing over at me when I'm riding in an auto rickshaw. The food is becoming much more familiar and I have (mostly) learned my way around the city. I now feel a better sense of respect and understanding from the program allowing me to open up to ideas and culture experience. More importantly I'm am taking in the things I can't control and trying to let them go. One step closer to selflessness.At that moment, I began to reflect on my week and how different it had been from this day. Although it's only been two weeks since I first arrived, it feels like I've been here much longer. I don't notice people staring as much as I walk down the busy city streets or glancing over at me when I'm riding in an auto rickshaw. The food is becoming much more familiar and I have (mostly) learned my way around the city. I now feel a better sense of respect and understanding from the program allowing me to open up to ideas and culture experience. More importantly I'm am taking in the things I can't control and trying to let them go. One step closer to selflessness.