Five weeks into living and working in India, I feel like I have truly learned what it means to live life to the fullest. The opportunities that come my way are fleeting, and I’ve realized that I can always sleep later, but these experiences may never come again. Of course, I acknowledge the importance of sleep, but when I travel, my philosophy has always been to make the most of every moment, to not waste precious time staying indoors when there is a whole world to explore.
This mindset has led to some of the most unforgettable experiences on this trip. There have been so many moments where simply being a curious traveller has opened doors to extraordinary adventures. If I were to recount them all, this blog post would go on forever. But one particular story stands out—a night that felt like a fever dream, an experience that would have been impossible if I had chosen sleep over curiosity.
Before arriving in India, I had always dreamed of attending an Indian wedding. I even joked about manifesting an invitation, though I had no idea how that would happen. Fast forward to Jaisalmer, a stunning city in Rajasthan, where my friends and I were winding down after a fun night out. We had just returned from dinner and a city walk, ready to head to bed, when Anna sent a video of a parade happening nearby. The sound of music and fireworks echoed through the town, and from our hotel’s rooftop, we could see the lively procession making its way through the streets.
Something inside me knew that sleep could wait. I messaged Anna and said, “We should go check it out.” Next thing you know, we managed to convince Brooke, Lauryn, Jumana and Dylan to come with us too and we began running towards the celebration, only to find ourselves swept up into an Indian wedding parade. We had unknowingly joined the groom’s side as they made their way to pick up the bride, dancing through the streets with absolute joy and pride.
Words, photos, and videos cannot capture how incredible that night was. We laughed, we danced, and we embraced the sheer magic of the moment. At one point at the end of the parade, there were many people inviting us into the ceremony but we were hesitant as we were not invited and definitely not dressed for the occasion. But then, a kind man approached us and said, “This is our culture and we love to share our culture and food with others, ma’am. Please, come in.”
And just like that, we were ushered into the wedding, where an incredible feast awaited us. Plates piled high with flavourful dishes, endless conversations with kind strangers, and more dancing. It was a night I will definitely never forget.
As I reflect on that experience, I realize that something like this would never happen back home. The warmth and hospitality I have encountered in India are unparalleled. I have travelled to a number of places, but nowhere have I met people as welcoming and generous as here. Whether it’s an impromptu wedding invitation, a kaali peeli driver eager to share a conversation, a family welcoming us into their home for dinner or strangers offering directions with a smile, the people of India have shown me the beauty of genuine hospitality.
This trip has reaffirmed the importance of curiosity and embracing every opportunity that comes my way. If I had chosen to sleep that night, I would have missed out on one of the most incredible experiences of my life. My personal motto for this trip has been, “Stay awake for an adventure!,” and I intend to live by it as I continue to travel and explore the world. Life is short, and the best moments often come when you least expect them. So, for now, sleep can wait—there’s an adventure to be had.