C.L. Stambush

Storyteller. Speaker. Seeker.

The first time I rode Kali. My neighbor and friend advised me to “practice braking.”

New Delhi’s Red Fort, near my home in Nizamuddin.

Old Delhi where I bought my Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle. The streets are so narrow and congested, I was afraid to ride her home.

Me a few days before leaving on my solo journey. I cut all my hair off – something valued on women – and immediately became invisible to men..

I don’t remember the name of this temple, only that it is in central India.

Nanna, master Bullet wallah.

Me learning the art of motorcycle maintenance.

One of Nanna’s mechanics. He didn’t like seeing a woman get greasy.

India’s roads were narrow and dangerous. This was a common site.

Day one of 144 on the road. This was just outside of New Delhi.

Pushkar is the site of the famous Camel Fair.

Mr. Bakshi, the bus driver who kept my camera bag safe when it fell of my motorcycle on the road.

This is not a Kali Temple but one of the uncountable other temples in India.

A boy walking the streets dressed as the Hindu god Hanuman.

This is where I was driving around when I came across the sheephearders.

I came across herdsmen shearing sheep when I got lost in the Rann of Katch.

The Hijras from Chapter 20. They look friendly now that their leader stomped off down the street.

Ahana, Rushil, Honey and Angel.

Shopping for a rakki for Raksha Bandhan – Brother Day.

Street vendor selling sweets and water.

Imagine a motorcycle, a woman, and 15 more passengers in this boat being ferried across the Ganges River. I might been able to dog paddle, but Kali would have sunk if we’d tipped.

After polling me and Kali across the Ganges, they carried her up a steep and sandy bank for me..

Kali decorated for Saraswati Puja

I got stuck in traffic on a bridge into Kolkata going to Kali Puja.

One of India’s Holy Men, a sadhu. They survive through the generosity of others.

India’s architecture is stunning and ancient.

Me and some kids posing on a “fake” motorcycle.

Publishers Weekly Review said…

“Captured in a confident tone and detail-rich language, Stambush’s exploits are moving and memorable. Travel aficionados and those in search of an Eat, Pray, Love–style escape, take note.”

BookLife Prize Critic said…

“The prose brings India to life, evoking the beauty and the harshness of the landscape and its people—a mirror image of the author’s transformative journey. Stambush portrays her metamorphosis in easy tones, and the adventure she includes will keep readers engaged until the very end. There is a strong emphasis on independence running throughout—a theme that is echoed in the vivid descriptions of the many sides of India.”

Buy Now