My Heart for Bangalore

 Bangalore is a special city for sure. It is not just a place where my family are located, a place where my Grandfather and Grandmother lived, a place where my father was born BUT it is a city filled with good people. 

 From my Uber rides to the grocery stores to restaurants to Tiffin spot to security to everyone- they just are kind, respectful, and sweet. It has been rare for me to really get  someone with an attitude. It is always, “Hello Maam, how are you? Where are you from? Can I help you?” People would say, “Oh well you are a foreigner so this is the case.” That is not true at all. I am Indian and I identify with Indians and their behaviors whether verbal or nonverbal. 

They are my people and I connect with them on the level of kindness, respect, and making them feel some joy in their day.  Granted the bus conductors can have a bit of a stick up their butt sometimes-they too can come around when I grunt and act like I am just another local- they seem to just let me blend in and still help me find my destination.   

There are so many people in this one neighborhood that I just stop and talk to on a daily basis-it feels like some kind of heaven where there is little rejection and lots of welcoming. Perhaps I am getting a chance at being accepted rather than the feeling of rejection I had been facing for three years.  

I waive at people and they smile back no matter where I go…it just seems so nice to have that feeling of being accepted and respected. Thank you India….It is conflicting having a family who does not understand your lifestyle and may have judgmental feelings towards you YET you are soooooooo loved by others and you love Bangalore so much. It is an internal conflict that makes you feel conflicted and sad and confused....  

But you know what they say friends, “Love conquers All.” 

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