Arriving in Chennai was nothing short of magical. We were welcomed by a cacophony of sounds and smells, a blissful assault on the senses that took over any nerves I felt on the plane. I wrongfully assumed that rain would be a distant memory left behind in New Zealand, but the hot muggy air reminded me that I was far away from home.
Our journey began with 24 strangers, eyes glued to the window of the coach, taking in the sights of a bustling Chennai street. Life in all forms surrounded us – men, women, children, cows, goats, dogs, and if you looked hard enough, the occasional cat. Our first stop in Mahabalipuram for lunch was a feast of flavours from paneer to onion bhaji to fries. It was a welcome change from the airplane food we endured for the past two days.
The rickshaw ride through Mahabalipuram was a wild ride. The colour palette overwhelmed me, which was incredibly red. Streams of women and children in red saris flooded the streets, heading towards destinations unknown. In what felt like a split second, our surroundings shifted dramatically – our first lesson that India doesn’t conform to expectations. As for what I expected from India, the vast greenery and coconut trees genuinely surprised me.
In just a week, all 24 of us have had more surreal experiences than in the whole of 2023. A simple walk on the street to find chocolate feels like an adventure. The unpredictability of India is both exciting and unnerving, but I can’t wait for more. As I navigate this colourful chaos, I’m not just exploring the geographical landscapes of India; I’m also discovering untapped aspects of myself. The disorientation and awe-inspiring moments have pushed me beyond my comfort zone. India is not just a place on the map; it’s an immersive experience, a journey through both the external and internal landscapes.
One thing that has consistently stood out is the friendliness of the people. From the streets of Mahabalipuram to the local markets, every encounter speaks volumes about the warmth ingrained in Indian culture. Strangers become companions, and the initial foreignness gives way to a sense of belonging. Amidst the chaos, human connections transcend boundaries, reminding me that even in a land far from home, I’m not alone. As our journey unfolds, I’m not just adapting to the unpredictable nature of India; I’m also learning profound lessons about resilience. The landscapes might change, but the constant thread is the resilience I’m discovering within myself. So, with each passing day, I eagerly embrace the unknown, ready to unravel more layers of India and, in the process, uncover more layers of myself.