A Tribute to My Country, India

     When one speaks of India, they may think of a country far away, both dirty and cluttered. They may think of the busy streets, the terrible humidity, and an intense monsoon season. However, when I think of India, I think family, love, beauty, and closeness to my culture. I've been to India four times in my lifetime, each a different experience.
     The first time was to attend my uncle's wedding. I was six months old at the time, so I don't remember a thing. However, this trip was very important to me. We have a family photo of my mother's family, including us, her mother, all of her brothers and sisters, and their children. This is the only photo existing in which everyone was together in the same place at the same time. Although I am sleeping on my father's shoulder, and I cannot even see my face, this is probably one of my favorite pictures ever.

     My next trip to India was in the second grade in 2002. The main aspect I remember about this trip was visiting Agra and Dehli, two great cities in India. One of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, is located in Agra, Utter Pradesh. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal, is widely considered as one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and stands as a symbol of eternal love. I remember a photographer who made me stand on a bench and stretch my arm out, as if I were touching the tip of the enormous structure. When I looked at the picture, it seemed as if I were taller than the Taj Mahal!

     I went to India again in the fifth grade in 2005  to celebrate my grandparents' (who currently reside in Vadodara, Gujarat) 50th wedding anniversary.We visited the state of Rajasthan in Northwest India. I visited great forts and had the chance to ride an elephant in the city of Jaipur. We also visited Udaipur.
     My most recent trip to India was in the eighth grade in 2008. I remember this trip the most because it was only three years ago. On this trip, my family and I visited the state Kerala in South India. We traveled from rice paddys on the tops of high hills to beautiful crystal clear beaches. My absolute favorite beach was in Kerala. The water was the cleanest I have ever seen and shimmered in the sun. The beach was very quiet and relaxing, and I found myself wanted to sit there forever. I also had the chance to stay on a houseboat overnight. This was an interesting experience. The boat was very small, and we had our own personal chefs on it. Because the journey was long, my family and I ended up playing a lot of Bukharo games.
     I'm not sure when I'll be going next, but hopefully some new adventures are coming my way! I love my Indian culture, and I hope to be connected with it for the rest of my life.