India - The Whole world in one country.

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I expect that most people who grew up in Canada (or the USA) would find India overwhelming.

The noise. The Crowds. The chaos of the traffic with no discernible rules. Even the intensity of the spices can be a challenge, at least for me.

But there is incredible beauty, too. The Taj Mahal.. Historical architecture and art, influenced by and influencing in turn cultures around the world. Unbelievable Wealth.

Of course, there is also poverty and disease beyond the comprehension of the average Westerner. 

Natural wonders on the one hand. Overpopulation and pollution on the other. Protection and respect for wild places and wild creatures. Incredide ingenvity on the one hand. Corruption on the other.

In short, India is the whole wide world in one country. All that is good and (almost) all that is bad. I am so glad I got to visit.