Yes, I realise that title is harsh, but this week India really is just making me feel sick. Today I read this article about a woman who is 7 months pregnant, and when her in-laws “accidentally” found out she was carrying
Indian Culture, Apologies and Blame
For a long time now I have had this niggling observation about Indian culture, but wasn’t sure if it was just me, isolated incidents or something I was imagining. I now think it is a cultural thing, Indians don’t seem
The Magic of Rural Rajasthan: Homestay Experience
When I was invited to visit a homestay in rural Rajasthan I just could not say yes quick enough. It had been almost a year since I was last in Rajasthan and since my visit to Kutch, I had found
Mumbai Film Festival
I love a good film festival. In Melbourne I would always go to the International Film Festival that came to town each year. For someone who is not so creative, I seem to have a lot of friends who are
Sometimes A Girl Just Need Some Girlfriends
Last week I made 5 new friends. I can’t remember the last time I made that many new friends in a week. As I have got older, meeting new people that I click with has become harder, and to be
Decoding the Indian Man Part 2: Infidelity and Apologies
Is infidelity a part of Indian culture? Is it one that is accepted? Is it something that women just turn a blind eye to because of economic dependence, desperation and / or lack of self-esteem? Are Indian men capable of
Is it time for the Girl in India?: Satya Mev Jayate
A few weeks ago I wrote about how India had turned me into a feminist after seeing and learning about the treatment of women here. Many people have spoken to me about this post since in person, via Twitter and
How India Turned Me Into a Feminist
I have a confession to make, I am a feminist. Nine months travelling through India has turned me into a feminist and this is me coming out of the closet. I have always considered myself to be egalitarian, striving for
Puri, Konark and 64 Yoginis
Puri is a small seaside town in Odisha that is a popular holiday retreat for local Indian tourists. A stroll along the beach on a Sunday afternoon had a great carnival feel lots of bathing in the sea (fully clothed
The Differences Between North and South India
I have only been in South India for a couple of weeks, but I immediately felt that there was a huge cultural shift between North and South. It’s not just the food and climate though that makes South India like