Last weekend, our group took a trip to Jaisalmer. I had high expectations, as many of my coworkers had said it was the most beautiful place in India. It exceeded my expectations and I have to write everything down so I never forget. We started off on Saturday, all on the same flight to Jaisalmer…Continue Reading Snippets from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
In New Zealand, I often feel the weight of my identity pressing upon those around me. I am seen as radical, too progressive and always asking for too much. The contributions I offer are often overshadowed by stereotypes that breathe life into narratives society continues to write about people like me and who we are…Continue Reading “If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you’ll learn things you never knew you never knew.”
Every day, I find myself saying, “India is so colossal!” And it truly is. In just five weeks, I feel like I’ve done it all—marvelling at the terrifically towering Taj Mahal in Agra, celebrating the once-every-144-years Maha Kumbh Mela festival amongst the countless pilgrims pouring into Varanasi, paragliding over the mesmerising mountains in Lonavala, and…Continue Reading A Colossal World
As a Pasifika woman, through a series of fortunate events, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to multiple countries and experience different cultures. However, none of these trips could ever match up to living in India. The hospitality, the food, the colour, history and culture – to experience this first hand while living here has…Continue Reading Yeh Hai Bombay Meri Jaan: Until we meet again
As we finish up our fifth week here in India, I’m struggling to come to terms with the fact that we have to come home next week. The last few weeks have gone by especially fast, and I don’t even know where to begin! My last blog post two weeks ago left off just before…Continue Reading Work, the desert, Taj Mahal and more!
After five weeks in Mumbai and three blog posts, I’ve realised that I have yet to share any details about the exciting work I’ve been doing here. My time in this city has been shaped not only by its vibrant culture and buzzing streets but also by my internship at Urja Trust—a remarkable organisation dedicated…Continue Reading Finding Home at Urja Trust
As I sat in a taxi last night, I realized this once strange city now feels like home. Landmarks like the clock tower, cricket oval, university, high court, skyscrapers, and even smaller aspects like the shoe-shining vendors, sugarcane stalls, and stray dogs have become a normal part of my daily experience. The trains, roads, haggling,…Continue Reading Truth is stranger than fiction
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…Continue Reading Awake for Adventure! – Embracing Every Moment in India
It’s hard to believe that our time and internships in Mumbai have almost ended. With less than two weeks left in the busy, bustling country of India, it’s safe to say that I have gained experience and opportunities that will last forever. As my internship ends, I reflect on my first week arriving in the…Continue Reading Wrapping up the Internship (& a weekend away)
Embracing the Unexpected in India As my time in Mumbai draws to a close, I can’t help but reflect on how much has changed simply because I chose to say yes – to new people, new experiences, and even moments of discomfort. When I first arrived, Mumbai felt unfamiliar, overwhelming, and fast-paced. Now, it feels…Continue Reading The Power of Saying Yes