TRAVERSE Issue 18 - June 2020 | Page 55

racy in the world, I realised I’d made it to India,” Michael recounts with an air of nostalgia, explaining that at first he was treated with a level of content as he had come from the political enemy, it was quickly replaced with smiles as the border officials realised there was no threat, Michael was a traveller. “Welcome to India.” He was greeted. The welcoming nature of the Indian people quickly became evident to Michael as he was invited to stay in a university dormitory being used as a ‘hostel’ during the school break. It was a shock as he learnt of tradition, religion, culture. “The behaviour would be interpreted as gross or intrusive,” Michael laughs as he describes local people coming from nowhere to stand around him in masses for nothing more than to watch him work on the BMW, shake his hand and ask where he’s from. Of course, this is a joy 28