One of our volunteers, Marta Troc, writes about her experience in India:

What can I say about India after being here almost three months? I didn’t expect that it’ll happen so soon, but I already found MY OWN India and I must admit – it is incredible. Five paragraphs to prove it:

Intercultural experience

I think everybody would agree – this is one of a kind intercultural experience. Starting from the Orientation Week, when I met volunteers from all over Europe, to all the Indian people who came my way here, ending with my friends from Health on Stage work camp – it’s a mixture of cultures, lifestyles and individuals.  I always enjoy talking to people from different places, spending time with them and sharing opinions and experiences. The famous quote “travel is the only thing you buy, that makes you richer” is true not only because of the places you visit, but mostly thanks to the people you meet and their different cultures.

Namaskara

This was the first word that I heard when I entered Sparsha Trust Centre – the orphanage for street children – in other words, my project. Almost 30 boys, altogether said ‘Namaskara’ to me. In the beginning I was a bit scared – I didn’t understand the local language, children were everywhere, screaming and jumping, teachers were a bit distant. Luckily, 10 minutes in, I discovered an easy way to feel more comfortable – I taught the children an easy Polish song-game and started to play with them. After singing the same song the whole day, I hate it now, but the goal was reached and the beast, tamed. With time everything started to seem more familiar. Working in Sparsha Trust is one of the best projects I can imagine. Of course, sometimes it’s hard and really challenging, but for sure it’s worth the effort.

Differences

In India almost everything is different. Each day there is something new which surprises me – traffic in the streets, a policeman’s hat, the way of jewelry is sold, specific family life or the amount of rice eaten every day. These are only some examples. Adapting to a different lifestyle is not always easy. It needs time, openness and curiosity, but if you dare to cross your own prejudices and barriers, you’ll see that ‘different’ is just ‘different’. It doesn’t have to be better or worse. And differences are only the top of a metaphorical culture-iceberg. Below you find a lot of similarities – at the end of the day we are all humans! J

Inside the crowd

As I live in Bangalore – on of the biggest cities in India – I know what traffic and crowd is. And I know it well! Noise, chaotic driving in the streets, dust and never-ending horn sounds make me like this city a little less than I would prefer to. Nevertheless, it is inside the crowd, that will give you a deep insight into the city, its people and their culture. A crowded bus was a perfect place to exchange a few nice words with an old Indian lady. A long queue at a temple taught me more about Hindu gods. A street market full of people – to learn new way of bargaining.

Adventure

Although I have still to stay in India 4 months more, I can already say – this is the most amazing adventure that I’ve been living so far. Full of surprises, challenges and funny stories. Adventure which gives me satisfaction and makes me discover the surrounding world step by step. Adventure that will never be forgotten. An adventure called India!

By Marta Troc