A traveler’s love letter to India
When traveler Amber’s journey to India left her speechless, she put her reflections on paper. Here’s her review of an experience that turned out to be so much more than she imagined.
Traveling opens our eyes to new cultures, experiences, and friendships that stay with us long after an adventure ends. Just ask traveler Amber, who was awestruck when she set off on our India: Delhi, Agra & Jaipur tour and returned home with a whole new worldview. Here’s what she had to say about a journey that truly wowed her.
“My heart was touched in unexpected ways.”
Oh, India, how I miss you and your vibrant colors, sacred animals, and “truck bling” already. Culturally, spiritually, and historically, this country is unforgettable and should be on everyone’s bucket list. My heart was touched in unexpected ways. “Beautiful chaos” is the best description I can provide. You should “expect the unexpected,” as my Tour Director, Rajeev, would say.
I travel for connection, new experiences, and an otherwise impossible understanding of our world. This India tour provided me with all three. My only regret is not doing the Cochin, Kerala Backwaters & Mumbai extension (well, maybe I have two regrets if I include the rushed henna job at the bazaar!). I wanted more. I needed more of this crazy land of contradiction.
The women’s fashion blew my mind. The traffic would have terrified me if not for the care of Mr. Singh and Vijay, our two bus drivers. There is no place like India; I definitely see a round two in my future.
“Happy tears were commonplace.”
Now, we all know that the people you meet and the relationships you build are the determining factors of an enjoyable trip. On this trip, I was certainly the youngest, although I never felt it due to my Tour Director’s attention to detail. He made everything beautifully personal to the point that happy tears were commonplace. I was on tour during my birthday and Raj made everything special with a blessing, birthday cake, and song.
Raj even gave my friend some spices that she fell in love with during our trip. He didn’t have to, but he did. He paid attention and even took our group, many of us educators, to a school where we could meet administrators and youth. His effort was unparalleled to what I’m used to on tour.
“We all need a little India for both perspective and pure joy.”
I went to India for culture and what I got was even more: a connection and family halfway around the world. I can’t wait to bring more people in my life to India to meet these new friends. I’m ready to go back. I know I will forever have family in this faraway land of enchantment because that’s the way that India works, and even more importantly, that’s the way Raj works.
Do this trip. We all need a little India for both perspective and pure joy. We all need Raj, Singh, and Vijay in our lives because I have never met more caring, safety conscious, and attentive listeners in my life. Thank you. Namaste.
It was Jamie’s homestay in Germany that made her fall in love with travel (and her studies in Florence that really sealed the deal). When she’s not writing and sharing the magic of seeing the world with others, she’s usually on the lookout for her new favorite memoir, testing out recipes at home, or visiting her family on Cape Cod.
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