Bucket showers are kind of empowering by: Paige Case

I felt like i was in the way of everybody in Amsterdam. Like the sidewalk is actually a bike lane and so there was lots of hand gestures and furious bell ringing aimed at the jetlagged group of american kids. Amsterdam felt familiar, but it had this rhythm that was just slightly off of everything i’m used to. That’s what I was thinking on the second plane ride, but then there’s New Delhi. The contrast between amsterdam and New Delhi was insane. Amsterdam had this rhythm that was foreign to me, but India’s rhythm is out of this world. It’s complete chaos yet somehow the bus driver was able to seemlessly navigate through it all. We’ll be passing another bus on the wrong side of the road and a motorcycle or a white car or another colorful bus will be heading straight on and the driver will accelerate. It was quite impressive. The driving here would put my dad in a fit of road rage that would last until the end of time and that fact that this craziness all happened on an windy and unpaved cliff would give my mom a panic attack. Hehe but I loved it. Honestly, if I’m ever spaced out and you wanna know what’s going on inside my brain, India’s traffic is the best way to describe it. I was actually more focused on the view outside the window than the fact that we were heading staight into a colorful tata. It was seriously the most beautiful place i’ve seen.

Every single second looking out the window is like a snap shot into a new persons whole life. Their houses or their shops. The woman wearing bright and colorful traditional clothing standing next to her daughter wearing all black leggings and a crop top. The kids or the old man. I’m seeing streets lined with stray dogs and cows and monkeys and cute kids and it’s 109 degrees. The only way to even begin to understand Indias rhythm is from a bumpy 18 hour bus ride. Every time you look out the window you see a brief moment of each of these peoples lives. But even 18 hours isn’t enough. Holy crap, once you get into the schools and it all makes sense.

It’s chaos. You don’t understand one word but the kids are chanting and it sounds pretty, and the little boys are punching eachother and you can’t really stop it but the little girl is holding your hand and won’t let go. There’s honking and insane roads but the mountains and the river are unreal. It’s gorgeous. It’s exactly what I need. I feel better than i’ve felt in forever in India, kinda free ya know. And it all kinda hit me when I was taking a bucket shower.

~indiaaaaaa~

*read that like how Gabby was singing while she was high on melatonin and benadryl after standing out side in the humid delhi airport for like 4 years*

Hi mom hi dad

4 Responses to “Bucket showers are kind of empowering by: Paige Case”

1. Theron, on June 12th, 2019 at 4:57 am Said:

   Hey Paige
   It is great to hear from you. I’m so happy you are living one of your dreams
   Adam once told me you haven’t lived until you’ve had an 8 hour bus ride in Mexico
   I guess you can now tell him you haven’t lived until you experience an 18 hour bus ride in India…. Twice… I’m assuming the return trip will be just as long…

   Love you bunches
   Be safe, have fun, keep smiling

   Dad

2. Leigh Ann Llewellyn, on June 12th, 2019 at 5:08 am Said:

   So cool to hear all about the adventure, you’re a great little writer. We love to see the pictures and get a tiny sense of the things you guys are doing. So far I think I’ve spotted the back of my daughters head, her eye brow in one shot and the tip of her shoe in the picture above, think Mike Wisowski from Monsters Inc. Enough to know she’s still alive and safe, I guess.
   So excited that you’re all finally doing just what you guys have prepared and worked so hard for, enjoy the experience & keep sending pictures so we can enjoy it with you!
   Could not be more proud or excited for all of you.
   ((((((Hugs))))) for my girl Katie,
   <3 Mom

3. Eileeen Case, on June 13th, 2019 at 6:27 pm Said:

   Hi Paige,
   I am so excited for you. Every trip to a foreign place teaches so much about culture, nature, people, countries, or states or cities.
   The little girls look precious.
   As for the bus rides, the cliffs, etc, remember your prayers and you will be well.

   Love You,
   Grandma Backpack

4. Gena Case, on June 15th, 2019 at 4:23 am Said:

   I have read and re-read your post so many times! I’m so happy for you, and proud of all the work you put in to getting to India. After so many years of planning and searching for a group to go with I know you made a great choice! I can’t wait to hear more! Love you-Mom