Rad是上篇Harry的女友,所謂的情人互補在他們身上可以明顯看到,坐在不擅社交的Harry旁邊,Rad顯得能言善道,什麼話題都會想加入閒聊,有著黝黑皮膚的她是南非印度混血,媽媽是印度人在英國認識了南非出生的爸爸。兩年前她來過印度,到當地中學教英文,因為當時住在同間hostel的很多外國青年都是來做當地NGO教英文的,所以她只好在我耳邊輕聲說兩年前的她,在印度是有領薪水的。 完全不會講印度話在印度也完全沒親人在印度的她,一直很想好好回來看看這存在血液裡一部份基因的土地,因為在英國為唯一讓她有連結的就是印度食物,所以這次回來印度,她也不斷嘗試學著做道正宗的家鄉味。
她在我的筆記本上寫到
Despite being over-populated, smelly and full of cows and car horns, I love this place! It’s a country like no other. India has allowed me to meet some of the most amazing people from friendly and curious locals to fellow backpackers, it’s helped me learn where some of my roots lie and has given me the best food in the world! Of course it’s a challenging country to travel but I’ve learnt that you have to treat India like a mirror: visit with an open mind and you’ll be greeted with open arms! Encourage everyone who hasn’t been to travel here. It’ll certainly change their perspective of life.
Rad/UK 24.7.17 Mumbai