Chronicles of a Traveling Soul

Vaasudev Kutumbakam, a centuries old Sanskrit phrase that sums up the idea of the whole world being one family, or in modern terminology globalization, and that was exactly what i experienced during my winter break this year. Unable to go back home in the vacations was unacceptable and may be that became the reason for me wanting to completely utilizing the 30 days of my free time, exploring the new country i was slowly getting to be a part of.

First the UP (Upper Peninsula and not Uttar Pradesh) and then Chicago to Dallas, my trip across the States was slowly turning into an overwhelming cultural experience; it was as if i was on my way to discover the hospitality and diversity of the American culture, The West.
Having been born and brought up in a family that conformed to modernities of the west and yet believed firmly in the traditional values of the east, i have had a very unbiased upbringing. My parents have taught me to be open and independent yet respect the boundaries of my culture and family; though i was usually allowed to decide for myself where i would like to draw the line there were a few parental influences too.
But what does one do when he suddenly finds himself in a land that is portrayed as entirely opposite and completely different from his roots. Well, i will say, ideally he Explores... because we are one family - the family of Vasudev, the family of Krishna, the family of Christ, the family of God, and so what better way to know your brethren across continents but exploring their culture and their social beliefs and norms.
Being a eastern girl all i knew about the western culture was through the media and through some friends who had been here. I knew west was about money, big cars, busy lifestyles, heavy metal, freedom of expression and thought, and yes cleanliness and good education for us foreign nationals, but i also knew that behind all this advances there was a dissatisfaction, a need for cultural identity, a need for responsible relationships, a less hectic lifestyle and a more quality life.
Was west all about materialist possessions? Was it really the Wild Wild West? Well i was going to soon discover it.