This story was originally posted on University of Waikato’s Global Experiences blog.
by Jaeden Moore
The wild world of India has already far exceeded all the expectations I could have imagined. From walking through a food forest, and catching rickshaws through the nightlife of Pondicherry, to where I am currently – writing my blog post under a tree in Isha Ashram while watching a peacock walk past.
In all honestly, the adjustment to India has been much smoother than I anticipated. While there have definitely been moments when the change has hit me, I’ve found that the culture, the locals and the amazing PMSA group have made the first 7 days in India amazing!
After 27 or so hours of travel and some issues at customs (note to future self, make sure your visa details match your passport 😅) we made it to India! We met Nick and the Indogenius team outside Chennai airport and we were welcomed with a spectacular drum performance. Immediately the wave of heat was overwhelming and the distinct smell took me right back to my travels to Indonesia.
Over our first week, there have been many moments that have bonded our group of 24 kiwis together. Singing waiata, conversations on NZ sport and education, and swimming in the rooftop pool in Pondicherry among others. As Nick would put it, “You kiwis are crazy for choosing to swim at this time of year” (the water was still warmer than a NZ pool). It’s been these experiences, and being crammed in many small modes of transport 😆, that have brought us together so closely in such little time!!
This first week has been full of laughs, banter, deep conversations, new people, a variety of delicious food and a few tears in the mix too but I wouldn’t change it a bit! Here’s to many more incredible experiences and glasses of mango juice.