Being back in New Zealand has been a strangely emotional experience over the last two weeks. While it’s undeniably comforting to be home and surrounded by the familiarity of family and friends, I find myself unexpectedly missing the life I built in India. There’s something about the rhythm of the bustling streets, the warmth of my coworkers’ kind smiles in the morning, and the camaraderie of evenings spent with my cohort that I can’t quite shake off.
It’s hard to believe that in just six short weeks I was able to become so attached to a place. Our accommodation became my home, and the cohort became my second family. The friendships, the shared experiences, and even the daily routines all wove together to create a sense of belonging that I hadn’t anticipated.
Readjusting to my life in New Zealand has been a bigger challenge than anticipated. The hardest thing? Probably not having swiggy delivery accessible to me at all hours of the day and night. No late night craving went ignored in India – from midnight snacks to impromptu 3pm orders. The same cannot be said for New Zealand where everything is unfortunagely shut by 6pm at the latest.
In all honesty, I find myself missing various aspects of my life in India every single day. It’s true what they say: absence really does make the heart grow fonder. I miss the chaotic honking of horns, the energy of crowded markets, and the intense haggling with vendors. It’s funny how something you initially find overwhelming can soon become something you crave.
The quiet and serene lifestyle here in New Zealand feels like a stark contrast. I’m now falling asleep to silence, rather than the relentless hum of traffic. I’m waiting at traffic lights without dodging the oncoming rush of scooters, cars, and pedestrians. While the peaceful pace of life in New Zealand is refreshing, I can’t help but long for the vibrant, albeit chaotic, energy of India that filled my days with unpredictability and excitement.
Looking back, I will forever be grateful for my time in India — not just for the lessons it taught me, but for how it changed me as a person. The people I met, the experiences I shared, and the culture I immersed myself in have left an undeniable mark on me. I can happily say that I’m leaving India with lifelong friendships and a transformed perspective on life. I came back a different person than when I first arrived, and for that, I will always cherish the memories and the growth that this chapter has brought me.