Elephant blessing in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu, India, 2006
Travelling to India in 2005 saved my life
I recently realized that my story doesn’t actually appear anywhere on my blog. By that I mean, a concise telling of why I blog about India. And it’s not like I just started this. I’ve been traveling in India, and blogging about it, for six years. But it feels like it’s time, especially since Sir Ken Robinson helped provide me with some new insight.
In early December of 2011, I marked the six-year anniversary of landing in India for the first time by publishing Six years of travel writing and blogging. A while later, I was on Twitter and saw a Tweet from @SirKenRobinson, which said he was writing about passion. You have probably seen Sir Ken’s video — the most famous TED video ever, about how school kills creativity in kids.
I tweeted my six year blog to Sir Ken, he read it and retweeted it, and the next day his co-author Lou Aronica contacted me and interviewed me for their new book, Finding Your Element — which is a follow-up to their bestseller about passion called The Element. The interview with Lou was cathartic and made me realize why I do a lot of the things I do: it’s because I am a deeply creative person who has never had my creativity supported. Well, certainly not in school.
Alice in Wonderland
Creativity: The missing link
So now I see more clearly a thread running through my life, which goes like this. I taught myself to read before starting school. I had a sensitive nervous system and was absent one-third of each school year, but was always at the top of my class. By the age of 10 I was reading Dickens. In short, I was bright, creative and “precocious” (the word my mom used to describe me, along with pensive and sensitive – she often compared me to Alice in Wonderland, and we even looked alike with long blonde hair held back by a hairband.).
But I experienced childhood trauma (too personal to discuss here) and my school didn’t know what to do with me so they had me skip two grades. I was too young when I entered high school, and quit the day I turned 16. It didn’t help that my family felt apart at about that time, and for a while I had no place to live. I was born sensitive, so add childhood trauma, a botched education and sudden lack of family support when I was about 17, and you get a mega-dose of teenage angst. My teenage years were filled with emotional problems. I was even hospitalized for three weeks for depression.
By the time I reached adulthood, I didn’t know who I was, and I was operating in a kind of survival mode.
When I was young, before everything fell apart, I wanted to study comparative religion, English and mythology at university. But instead, I went to college for journalism because it was more practical. My dreams were so deeply buried, I didn’t know they existed. I worked in communications for many years, drifting from one job to another. (And from one boyfriend to another.) Rootless. Passionless.
There were a few highpoints and I did have some fun, though. In my 20s, I was part of the alternative music demi monde scene in Toronto and partied “like it was 1999″ in the early 1980s, with bands like Duran Duran, The The and The Psychedelic Furs. After graduating with a BA in journalism I worked at a leading fashion magazine. Then, I worked in the film industry and attended several films festivals, including Cannes, and met loads of movie stars. (Big deal. Anthony Hopkins stands out, very gentlemanly.) I traveled a lot, through France, to central America, many times to London, New York and once to Paris. When I was about 30, I moved to Tokyo, Japan with my film executive boyfriend, and traveled from there to Australia, Hong Kong and Thailand.
My mom, me and my sister Victoria during my groovy years, circe 1983
There were some low points, too: my best friend killed herself. I had ongoing issues with anxiety and depression and became addicted to anti-anxiety pills. Financial troubles dogged me as I tried to pursue a writing career, and once found myself on welfare, and visiting a food bank.
In my 30s I experienced a crisis and started therapy, and realized I was deeply affected by childhood abuse. I dedicated many years to healing from it, and even gained a certificate in Gestalt Therapy, practising part-time for seven years.
Loss, trauma and my bleakest hour
In my late 30s I was hit by a series of traumas. In a few short years my father declared bankruptcy and we lost our family cottage (which was like losing a family member); my mother died suddenly and unexpectedly and I found her body; my fiance left me, with an expensive wedding dress in the closet; I had a bicycle accident and broke my elbow; and my father died of cancer.
During yoga teacher training. Photo courtesy Christine Lynes.
By the end of it, I was flattened. I was in my 40s, unmarried, no kids, no career, no parents, no money. I was in a deep depression, filled with feelings of grief and irreconcilable loss. None of my early potential had manifested, my dreams were long-lost. It was my bleakest hour.
Slowly, like the ice thaw in early spring. I came out of the depression by doing yoga, and by deciding to go after a dream: to become a yoga teacher. Though I was the oldest and least flexible person in my class, I threw myself into the training program and midway through, had a strange, kundalini-like experience.
A teacher who had lately returned from training in India really impacted me, and somehow I started releasing energy, or channeling energy, and went into a kind of altered state. It happened at the same time as the tsunami in southeast Asia; and for me, it was like a personal tsunami. In three weeks, I lost 15 pounds. And I was gripped with a compulsion to go to India. I had never felt anything like it before, and I had to obey.
I started planning and saving and about 11 months later left for India on December 5, 2005, for a six-month odyssey. I have written probably a half-million words about the affect that trip had on me. How it gave me back my dreams, recharged my life, made me feel I was finally home and provided me with the inspiration to finally start my writing career. I had wanted to be a writer since childhood, but I didn’t have my subject matter until I went to India.
1,001 Tales of the Arabian Nights
When I was a child I was obsessed with the 1,001 Tales of the Arabian Nights and painted huge murals on my walls, of genies coming out of bottles and maharaja palaces. In India, I found the real-life version of my childhood walls; and the inspirational spark to ignite my imagination. India is my soul’s home and my muse.
I’ve found my dreams, and they are traveling (especially in India and Asia), writing and yoga. And I have followed them whole-heartedly for the last few years, because they were buried for so long. Followed them irrationally and without thought to where they would lead. Followed them without knowing how I would support myself financially. I’ve been to India on five lengthy trips and published loads of blogs, articles, a book. I’ve been asked to speak, I’ve been interviewed and I’ve had some fantastic adventures like attending the Kumbh Mela and dancing with Shahrukh Khan. It’s been a magic carpet ride. But I’ve done it with almost no real support, or financial return.
My interview for Lou Aronica and Sir Ken Robinson’s book seemed to bring things full circle for me; it provided a big puzzle piece. I am the same pensive girl, lost in my imagination, dreaming of the “exotic” Orient, making up stories, wishing I could live in my imaginary world, that I was in childhood. A grown-up cross between Alice in Wonderland, having adventures, and Scheherazade, spinning tales. But now I’m trying to make a livelihood from it as a travel writer and blogger who specializes in writing about Asia and meaningful travel.
So, that’s my story. I am now trying to figure out how to bring the “real world” and the world of my imagination together, so I can live a sustainable, creative life. And I’m trying to break the pattern of not having enough support in my life. It’s hard.
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Welcome to Breathedreamgo, the India-inspired, meaningful adventure travel blog. I traveled to India for 6 months in 2005 on a trip that changed my life, and I've been back again and again. Now, I'm passionate about the power of travel to transform, and I write travel stories, guide tours and speak at conferences. To find out Why India? read 
Wow. I love hearing peoples stories – especially when they turn out so well and are so inspirational. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve always felt some sense of kismet with you and your blog, and now I know why. Thank you for sharing your story so bravely, and for pursuing your passion so boldly. You will serve as an inspiration to anyone who has suffered through hardships, but refused to be defeated by them. Great, great post!
Wow, thanks Bret! I feel the same way about you. I hope we get to meet one of these days. It’s so great what you’re doing with Green Global Travel!
I’d like to add one word to how you describe yourself, my friend: Brave.
Thank you for sharing your brave story.
For years now (and “this” came to me in India as well) I’ve believed in the adage: it’s not what happens to you that’s important, it’s what you do about it . . . and you have responded wisely, intuitively and strongly.
I can only quote (and in place of “Grand Canyon” sub India) my favorite author – Barry Lopez: “The living of life, any life, involves great and private pain, much of which we share with no one. In such places as the (inner gorge) of the Grand Canyon, the pain trails away from us. It is not so quiet there or so removed that we can hear ourselves think – that comes later. We can hear out heartbeat. That comes first.”
Peace to you on your journey. Keep sharing
Hi Gillian, thanks for your comment. I like people’s stories too. We are all thick books, with complex plot lines, a cast of thousands and, perhaps, a twist at the end …
Hello OneWeirdWord, I am at an advantage because I know who you are! That is a nice thing to say. Sometimes, you just have to put it out there. We are all struggling, and you just never know how exposing your struggle can help someone else. Especially since I have this new passion to join people like Ken Robinson and support creativity.
Nice quote, Scott! I don’t know Barry Lopez or his work, but I think I have to find out!
Hi Mariellen
You write beautifully
Like you I have a dream, but still need a couple more pieces of the jig-saw to fall in place and they will do so – very soon.
I too have been inspired by Sir Ken and bought and read his book The Element.
Your story reminds me of this lady
http://youtu.be/kUtH0DDJorM
Ste
Such a moving post, Mariellen. Thank you for sharing it. You are strong, brave, and an inspiration to travellers, dreamers and anyone who has ever struggled with sadness, pain and loss.
Hello Ste, thanks so much for your comment, and for sharing the video. I have posted it to the Breathedreamgo Facebook page — it’s stunning. Very beautiful, calming and inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing it.
Hi Tammy! It’s great to see your comment and I really appreciate your words. We dreamers have to stick together!
First time on your Blog, got its link from your twitter Bio.
Your story is amazing.
Throughout your life you have suffered a lot and it makes my happy when you say India had helped you in coming out from your sorrows.
Best Wishes : )
Thanks so much Abishek, that’s such a nice thing to say. India has its challenges, but it is a very special place.
Proud and honoured to have shared a lot of your story. I appreciate you!
Mariellen,
Much Thanks for sharing your history so openly. The importance of being creative ohhhh yes. I too teach yoga and it as transformative and healing in a special way – I offer my own story (www) and maybe you’ll get a similar inspiration reading it, that you provided us with yours.
I’m heading to India at the end of this month (Chennai 4wks, then Rishikesh
) and I must admit just now I’m beginning to get nervous about travelling alone after reading more online. I will definitely be keeping in mind your own recommendations about keeping a positive attitude and such.
Happy Travels
This very nice blog good writing scripting. good story
Hello Jeffrey, Nervous is okay
I will be looking forward to hearing about your journeys. Are you doing the one-month intensive at Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram? I did that program, it;s excellent. Say hello to Kausthub Desikachar for me!
Hi Mariellen
Yes, the ‘Heart of Yoga’ just like the amazing book of the same name.
REALLY looking forward to the whole experience.
Will relay greetings
Jeffrey
In many ways, your story is my story…the aimlessness, the chasing adrenaline parties w/superstars (even some of the same bands!), the depression/anxiety…the sense of loss & disconnectedness…
I ended up in India much more by mistake…and my India is a very different India. I stay in the north & work with the Tibetan refugee communities, mainly.
Still, it’s always a blessing to find kindred souls.
You are an inspiration!
Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much Tammy. Your comment is very moving, and the reason I took a risk and wrote my story. We have to remember that we are all in this together. So great to connect with you online.
How many of us can come out of such sorrows and make a life? You have been fabulous(both in dealing with your sorrows and writing your story so beautifully). Wish you lots of Luck for your writing career
Thanks so much Shreepal. We really do need each other, and the encouragement we can supply to each other. I appreciate your words.
I have read your blog and your piece in Canadian Living Magazine but I never read this. What an inspirational story, and so sad too. I am sorry for all the pain you went through, but you are truly and inspiration. Keep writing, dreaming and most of all taking deep, deep breaths.
Thanks Suzanne, I appreciate the very compassionate response. I suppose if each of us tells our story, and lays bare the truth, it is bound to be quite raw in places. But what matters is the triumph of the human spirit.
Wow…..thats some story…am going through your blog and finding it more interesting by the minute. Keep blogging.
Thanks Janit, so glad you visited. Sometimes, it helps to know more about the person whose words you are reading; and this is one of the key characteristics of blogging — that it is personal and subjective. I’m a trained journalist, but objectivity doesn’t interest me. (And, frankly, I don’t believe in it either.)
I must say you have had a fantastic journey till now. Your passion for India and writing is commendable and you have done 2 “big thing” in India: Attended Kumbh Mela and danced with Shahrukh Khan
Simran Joshi recently posted..Top 5 Honeymoon Destinations for this Summer in India
Wow Mariellen, you have had so many upheavals to deal with in life. I have had my fair share over the years, however you have climbed your way back up to the top.
I look forward to following your blog.
Nicky Singh.
Hi Mariellen,
A friend forwarded me your information. First off, great job turning hardship into something positive! I have had a similar life shift, where I lost my job and house, and am now living out of my backpack touring around South America and loving every minute of it! I am a writer as well, trying to get established.
My friend indicated that you may be looking for bloggers in the Southern hemisphere to write about sustainable travel. If this is true and you have any information such as writers guidelines, I would love to see if I may contribute.
Thanks in advance, I hope life keeps leading you in positive directions!
Stephanie
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for commenting, I appreciate it. And it sounds like you can really empathize, from your own experience. Everything happens for a reason, though sometimes it takes awhile before we can see it that why, and understand.
I will email you about the writing opportunity with Travel+Escape. Cheers.
Mariellen
Hi Nicky, Thank you for reading and commenting, especially so quickly after discovering my blog. I appreciate it!!
Bouncing back from setbacks is what’s really important, and why we have to cultivate a positive attitude. I hope you are doing well with your challenges, too. Glad we have connected.
Hi.. I just read ur blog.. Amazing……. Keep Blogging… BTW U look so beautiful in Indian Saree
Hi, I’m writing from Hay House Publishers(India). Would you get in touch with me at the above email address, please? We could talk about a possible book! Thanks
Thanks Rukmini, for contacting me! I have sent you an email.
Extraordinary, Mariellen! Thank you for sharing. And the money will follow, I have no doubt.
Alison Garwood-Jones recently posted..In conversation with Google’s Robert Wong
Wow, Mariellen. Thanks so much for sharing your story. I have known you for a few years and knew parts of the trauma you have lived thru, but not the whole of it. I truly admire your courage and determination to stay focused and follow your dream. There is no doubt … your time is coming. I salute you, and thank you for the inspiration.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted..Pisco and chocolate? You bet!
Mariellen,
I read your blog and I was truly inspired. You have without a doubt found your true calling. Continue to follow this path of self realization and you will reach Moksha (salvation). I am so impressed and next time God willing that we cross paths again I will embrace you and congratulate you for conquering your fears and making your dreams a reality.
Loads of love and respect!
Mala
xoxox
Thanks for the comments, Alison, Doreen and Mala. I appreciate your support. We tend to think we are going through all these things alone, but there are so many people around us who can relate, and who understand — if only we reach out! I am very bad at that, I tend to suffer in silence. But everyone has a story, everyone has been through so many things — if only we took the time to find out about each other!
m – i love this story – and the honesty in telling it. these transformations are the things that make our lives full of joy.
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Thanks W andering Educators, transformation is what makes life worth living! So glad you agree with me
Another beautiful and inspiring story by Mariellen. Your writing is captivating and leaves us wanting more. Thank you for sharing this story in particular.
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Wow! Your writing is like food for the soul…honestly. Just beautiful. You are one brave lady, and although life has its ups and downs, it’s only up from here on for you. I just know it. I love how much you love India because I can relate so well. India is such a special place. It’s like any other part of this world, and the only way you can truly understand is if you go for yourself, although your writing makes me feel like I am right there with you. Thank you for sharing!
Kristen J. – Hopscotch the Globe recently posted..Re: Round-The-World Ticket VS One-Ways
You look beautiful in that black n white photo
Saravan recently posted..Chennai
One thing that made me feel good while i read this was your positive attitude.. good post
Hi Marie,
I am speechless after reading your story. Your writing is very beautiful. Just stumbled via Zite. I hope your story will help me overcome my own trouma. I am happy to read that my country helped you making your life beautiful.
Love & peace
Aziz
As a non-resident Indian, I have traveled most of the world and worked in 4 continents. But at the end of the day, my soul yearns for that Indian touch that I so much miss at times. Your story is most inspirational and so much better than the Eat, Pray, Love version. I cannot imagine what I would have done had I faced such hardships. Keep blogging and all the best for many more adventures
Soren Kierkegaard, the famous existentialist philosopher, says, “Man is a synergy of Duality.
Within us exists both the Finite and Infinite and many other dualities.
Embrace your dark side. All duality is united by Divine Love.”
Yoga is controlling our basic instincts and allowing the Divine Light to shine through our chaos and darkness into the world around us.
Osho says ‘The lotus is found in dirty water’. Through our pain & sorrow, we reach out to the Infinite.”Like the Moon showing its darkness & negativity to the Sun, we reflect the Divine Light to the world & those around us. Thanks for your encouraging message.
Hi Mariellen,
I don’t have anything intelligent to contribute in response to this very powerful post. Although you described a personal journey, I found lots of takeaways for inspiration from this article. Thankyou!
Priyank
Priyank recently posted..How to cross the international border at Niagara Falls on a bicycle
wow..awesome..I 100% agree!!!..traveling can change one’s life…but it change differently to different people. Just follow your heart:)
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आपने थोडी बहुत हिंदी सीखी ?
Perfect. (Thanks to Bret for reminding me of word: KISMET) I found this blog/ website today. Initially, I copied this story and highlighted sections that mirrored my own experiences… intending to send as a personal message to Mariellen. I gave up after highlighting most of it! One difference: I believed I was Pippi Longstockings, slept upside-down in bed with feet on the pillow (like she did) and begged my parents to get me a pet monkey! Now, I am a 45 year old woman with no children, career, money or family nearby and am the happiest I have ever been. I am saving to visit India next year and similarly, have always dreamed of travelling there. (My parents travelled via India with me as a toddler and until recently, I believed that brief visit was the source of my yearning.) Ironically, after 20 years of travelling and living overseas, I still haven’t been to the place I wanted to go to most or first! What I do have – the most precious and exquisite thing – is the (re)discovery of yoga in my life. I have faith, a guru, a tradition to follow and most importantly, trust that I can stand on my own two feet. While I know it isn’t necessary to ‘actually go to India and meet my guru’, I feel compelled to attend the worldwide yoga convention in Bihar next October. Thank you for sharing your blogs and generating such beautiful discussions for those of us that know India to be a beautiful guardian and source of spiritual truth.
Thanks so much for the comments everyone! Sorry for delay in responding. I really do appreciate the warmth and positivity. You are right Kristen, India is a magical place. Aziz, I agree that we can help each other by sharing our stories of overcoming trauma and difficulties. Thanks for lovely message and words of wisdom Deenis.
So great to see you on my site Priyank!
Thanks for your message Claire. I feel we must be kindred spirits! Love the Pippi Longstocking imagery, it made me smile
I hope you have a wonderful time in India. You will love it.
Mariellen Ward recently posted..Photos of India: Mystic vision
hi,You have struggled a lot in your life and finally identified your true self,I applaud your strength to share your inspiring story.You and your words are beautiful.
Thanks for sharing your story.
That’s great, I have read your post and I thought you are so strong. Your post are inspiring me.
Marry recently posted..Amazing traveling place in India. India has many beautiful…
Thank you for such a nice post, you are so brave, again tnx for sharing this to us
it always pains to hear of pain… don’t we all, all our lives keep collecting, giving and sharing pain. Nevertheless i loved your pain…!keep faith.
Thanks for comments. It is very interesting to hear the comment, “I loved your pain.” This is why we share — so we can relate to each other, learn from each other, and grow.
Mariellen Ward recently posted..Hotels in India: 24 hours in hotel heaven
Hey Mariellen, your sharing your story here has dreamers united. With a world that’s becoming increasingly cycnical, it’s great to see someone who isn’t afraid to dream. Hats off! The simplicity of your write-ups has me hooked. Thanks for sharing.
As for travel, I share the passion.
Shikha Gautam recently posted..RIP, Hearts
Hello Shikha, Thank you so much for your comment. I love that you support dreams and dreamers! And that you think my writing has simplicity. That is about the greatest compliment you can give a writer!!
Mariellen Ward recently posted..Professional travellers love Emirates
Love your story and the way you narrated…very moving…I’m glad you were able to face all these difficulties with such a profoundly brave attitude
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Thanks so much Baron’s. I think life hands us as much as we can handle. It’s up to us what we do with it. And sometimes, bravery feels like the only choice.
Mariellen Ward recently posted..Professional travellers love Emirates
Mariellen,
I know how difficult it can be a youngster to face child abuse. I am a male, my emotional quotient is very high. when I was a teen my friends use to tease me. They used to tease me to the cheapest possible level. I was unable to concentrate on my studies, neither I was able to focus on anything better. It was a tough life. My father used to scold me, hit me if I demanded anything as a child. It was difficult growing up. I know there were many drawbacks in me but my brain always leaned towards negative aspects of life, I am a born revolutionary. If I don’t like something nobody can force me to do it. To add to my problems I had a stepmother which complicated most of the things. In Indian culture having a stepmom is a big deal
. Believe me I became like a dried flower who lost its fragrance, charm, beauty due to the all these childhood problems. I became totally impatient, had anxiety attacks, depression. Till date I had switched 18 jobs in a short span of 6 years because of my restlessness. Fortunately I completed my Bachelors in Computer Science in 2004 when I was 22. When I was 23 my father took me to a psychologist. He gave me Prodep 20 (anti depression/ anxiety pill) and believe me within a month the world around me changed. Now I am 30, Everything seems so fantastic and positive. I am working with a US based Software company for last 2 and half years.
One thing I would like to mention here, although western people are attracted towards Yoga but sometimes I feel Yoga is over-hyped. Though Yoga does not have any side effects on body but I have also not benefited while I was practicing Yoga. Correct me if I am wrong? I feel everything lies into your brain, how much positive attitude one has towards life, how much he enjoys every single moment, staying away from bad habits like smoking, drugs, alcohol. If we follow this lifestyle I am sure any guy can be happy.
I hope I have not bored you with my story
? BTW I love your interest towards Indian places. Hope to meet you in India soon.
Take care and waiting for your reply!
Regards
Ashish
Hello Ashish, SOrry for the late reply, I was travelling in India and I am just now catching up on emails and comments. I really appreciate that you shared your story. I think we need to give ourselves credit for what we’ve overcome and accomplished. You should be proud of yourself!
With regards to yoga, the more you learn and study it, the more benefit you will get, no doubt. Yoga addresses mind control and lifestyle choices and everything else, too. In fact I think it is deeply underrated. Westerners especially have no real idea of how powerful it is.
Mariellen Ward recently posted..A woman’s voice
This is such an incredible article. I haven’t been through half the hardship you have, but spending four months in India really made me readdress some of the biggest events that have happened in my life, as well as suddenly discovering my connection to the earth and to the ways in which the world works; to fate, to coincidence, and to destiny. I know what you mean when you say you were pulled to the place. I think many people feel the same compulsion.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, and inspiring others to travel with confidence and without fear in the same way you have.
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Hello Flora, Thanks for commenting on my site, I know you have a story too, and that we share some profound similarities. I always feel a kinship for anyone who travels to India and opens up to the magic and healing possibilities there. I truly hope we meet one day!
Mariellen Ward recently posted..A woman’s voice
I’m always amazed by stories like this. I had something similar but I wasn’t able to put myself through school. That’s the part that perhaps amazes me the most. Without family support how does one do that? Thank you for sharing. Perhaps I will get up the nerve to tell more of my story one day.
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I’m in awe of the powerful experiences you’ve accumulated in your persistent search for creative meaning and expression in your life – and of your resilience. Your stories remind me that, despite hurdles and traumas, we are never handed more than we can handle in life – I try to believe the same about myself. Like you, I’m born in Canada, have loved traveling in Asia (though not yet to India, I fell in love the Nepal) and now live in Bali; I came here to help heal my body from a near-death accident; and in the process, I fell in love with Iyengar, (more) writing and trying to live a more creative life…
How sweet it would be if we could, one day, meet…
Wishing you continued success, passion, heartful connections in your travels. Namaste,
aj
AJ recently posted..Holey Silence
AJ, Thanks for finding me and for commenting — we seem to be be soul sisters. There are so many similarities in our stories. I would love to visit Nepal and Bali … perhaps our paths will cross in real life. I hope so. Blessings on your journey, too, I hope you continue to believe in yourself.
Mariellen Ward recently posted..Professional travellers love Emirates
Life is harder without family support, methinks. I was lucky I had a partner who helped, but I feel like I’ve struggled alone a lot in my life. Of course, there are probably more invisible hands helping me than I realize. I hope you get the help and support you need.
Mariellen Ward recently posted..A woman’s voice
What an incredible story! It touched me on a very personal level because I really love India. With all the challenges India is facing, everyone easily misses out the soul of India, which is so calm, even in midst of all the chaos!
I can’t wait to get back there!
Thank you for the blogging! It brought back so many memories.
Keep blogging!
India! Country in list “must see”
Wow! Your story is incredible and so is the fact that you found yourself in my country.
I cannot explain how touching it is and how good I feel about this. 
Really nice; Superb writing;
Wow!………………..Words fail at such moments. Maybe just one would too BRAVE. Actually such stories inspire us to come out of rut. keep it up.
sudhir recently posted..Namma Bengaluru Aralithu
best wishes from Tripura, NEast India …. LOVED YOUR STORY !!