Kid with a gun

3 Ways That America’s Gun Problem is Like India’s Garbage Problem

Reflections, Safety & HealthLeave a comment

After traveling to twenty countries in the last two years, I can tell you without a doubt that every country has its share of problems. However, it’s America’s gun problem, and India’s garbage problem, that sadden me the most, because I love these two countries the most. What’s even more sad is that just the act of me writing this post will undoubtedly start off a shit storm that will have people unfriending me like a bastard at a family reunion. Still, the comparison of these two problems is real, and the issues must be addressed. Here are three ways that America’s gun problem is like India’s garbage problem.

It’s Tragic

 

These two issues are horrific, astonishing, obvious, and downright tragic. While politicians and corporate leaders try to glaze over the issues, because the mountain just seems too high to climb, the rest of us argue over which trail to take. Who’s to blame? Why is it a problem? It’s always been this way. We have the rights to our guns. We have the right to toss our garbage into the Ganges River. How dare you take away my rights! Meanwhile, children get plowed down at school like a scene in a video game, and our planet chokes on the garbage of over a billion people.

The Ganga River in Rishikesh

Why My Love Affair With Rishikesh India is Over

Culture, Places, Safety & Health2 Comments

All my life, I’ve had a terrible pattern of falling in love with the wrong people who weren’t a good match for me. At the beginning of the relationship, I’m overcome by a sudden burst of intense chemistry, and then I spend years, or even decades, trying to make it work. Now I realize that I did the same thing with Rishikesh, India. At first, I was attracted to her picturesque beauty, exotic charm, clean air, and the mighty Mother Ganga. But like any new relationship, the once rose-colored glasses have turned dark. Now that the new relationship energy is over, I’ve begun seeing obvious red flags that I missed.

I returned to Rishikesh for one main reason: deciding if I wanted to move here. The yoga, spiritual classes, Ayurveda, and recreation are alluring. Plus, it’s cheap here, really affordable! I could probably live in Rishikesh comfortably on $1,000 a month. Unfortunately, I’ve decided that inexpensive living is not enough for me. After a month in Rishikesh, the clear answer was no. I can’t live here. These are the reasons why my love affair with Rishikesh, India, is over.

Constant Air Pollution

Air pollution above Rishikesh
Air pollution above Rishikesh

 

The first time I came to Rishikesh, in early 2016, I cried tears of joy when I saw the brilliant blue sky. Remember that I had just left New Delhi, one of the most polluted cities on the planet. I hadn’t seen a shade of blue in the sky for months. The pollution in Delhi was so harmful that I could stare directly at the sun on most days because it appeared blurry and orange through the dense grey smog. Rishikesh is in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, and she looked shiny and new to me compared to Delhi, a mere seven-hour drive away.