5 Things I Swore I Wouldn't Be Able to Live Without

When I was leaving India after a lifetime six months there were certain things I swore I wouldn't be able to live without. 

Photo by Harini Calamur

I recently found a packet of Fatafat (a tangy digestive goli like hajmola) in my drawer and realized I had forgotten of its existence. Yet, when I left India, the biggest question was, how will I live without fatafat? So I looked through my things and made a list of 5 things I swore I wouldn't be able to live without.

1. Rickshaws - Hey, when you can't drive in India, your conveyance is your local auto, and with rickshaws and taxis at every corner it really isn't that big a deal. Driving in Canada seemed like so much bigger of a hassle than stepping out to the rickshawala who knew where my gym was or telling a driver.

Photo by Khuroshvili Ilya

2. Great shopping - Ok maybe I can live without it, but who wants to? It adds so much to an upbeat lifestyle. How would I ever live without shopping amongst the coolest styles and updated fashion? And 100 Rs. chappals (shoes) from fashion street? Yes please!

3. Cheap, delicious, yummy food - Oh how I dearly miss 30 Rs Pav Bhaji that made my mouth burn or bhel puri on the streets of Mumbai. How I live without them I'm not sure but life is definitely better with them. The food is delicious, cheap and all encompassing, so whether I want pizza or chaane bhature on the go, it results in the same amount of effort, cost and tummy happiness. 

Photo by Yogesh Rao

4. The people - You don't realize how many people are involved in your life in India (for better or for worse) until you leave. From your shopkeeper to your aunt, everyone is looking out for you. Especially in smaller cities, living feels like a team effort.

5. The beat - All places and countries have a beat. A rhythm you fall into as soon as you land. Being in sync with India's heartbeat is indescribable. No one can deny the rush of energy you feel when you're walking on a foothpath there or the drain when you leave.

Photo by Khuroshvili Ilya

Now the question is, was deciding to live without Fatafat the best decision I ever made or one worth reconsidering? What are some things you swore you couldn't live without?