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I should have started my blog a long time ago. I traveled to Delhi India in August of 2013 by myself to meet two friends that were getting married. After the wedding I traveled to Punjab with some of Ginders family. This trip was the most unbelievable adventure I have ever been on. Take what you know here in the states and completely leave it behind. The second I had arrived in the Delhi airport the smells and the people consumed the airport. My senses exploded as I reached the exit gates of the airport. I remember seeing a crowd of people huddled and yelling names of different travelers. I was totally overwhelmed and then I noticed my friends father coming towards me pretty quickly, I then felt a sense of calmness hit me. Leaving the airport was an adventure on its own, looking out of the window at what I believe was around 3:00am in the morning, I spotted a camel and an elephant walking up the road! I couldn’t believe my eyes, I wanted them to stop the car and turn around so I could embrace the whole situation at once. We continued to drive and then I realized that obviously wouldn’t be the last time I would see something like that again. Arriving at my friends apartment we were greeted by a bhangra band going full swing with drums, firecrackers, singing and dancing- I remember running to my friends and hugging them, it just didn’t feel like reality… (pinch me, are we really in India). Days went by, I went to hindu and sikh temples throughout Delhi. At the temples you are not allowed to wear shoes inside so we had to walk through some streets barefoot! Can you believe that? Let me reiterate YOU HAVE TO LEAVE EVERYTHING YOU KNOW HERE IN THE US BEHIND- ITS ANOTHER WORLD IN INDIA. – (Dramatic)

The wedding itself was magnificent, everyone was dressed so beautiful even the men. The food practically wrapped itself around the whole building. I would have to say there were about 600 people in this massive resort hall. ( I was the tallest so I stuck out like a sore thumb). We danced into the night 🙂 (turing the light bulb) Then the wedding came to an end. We packed up the family in the car and started our journey to Punjab. I didn’t know how long the drive to Punjab would be so I decided not to change out of my 17b lengah (Bad Idea) about 8 hours later we arrived in Haryana India at another familys village. This day was probably the worst day of my life. I remember drinking chai and then running for the bathroom. I don’t think I need to go into detail, but keep in mind they don’t use toilet paper- so the plumbing system didn’t accept my scott tissue :/. Let me just say, I was going from bathroom to bathroom throughout the village and resting in random peoples homes. I eventually was handed 5 pills … and yes I took them and no.. I didn’t know what they were, I didn’t care. Finally a couple hours later I was as good as new and we hit the road.

When we arrived to Ginders village I filled with emotion, I started to cry as I entered his home and saw his mom and dad. I couldn’t believe I was actually in his house. It was beautiful and big and his mom and dad were so happy to see me 🙂 So traditionally you’re supposed to get down and touch their feet to show respect and as I was getting down they lifted me up and hugged me. I felt accepted and that is something to fear when meeting family in a different culture. They took me in as if I was their own. Finally after settling in we had so many activities planned in such a short amount of time. We visited Shimla and rode horses on the side of a mountain.. and it was literally on the side of a mountain. We went shopping in Jalandhar india for my new punjabi suits. We also took a trip to the golden temple one afternoon. Ginder family had somehow begged the guards to let me in the temple through the exit line… we passed almost 800 people waiting patiently in line. I felt horrible doing this, but when I got inside the golden temple and sat down it was so peaceful.

India will forever have its place in my heart. Its something I think everyone should get the chance to see and experience. I can’t wait to go back, and for such a short trip I truly got to see a large chunk of India. I’m so lucky to have been able to go, and I have to give all the credit to Ginder for making it possible.

Haryana

Goldent Temple

Chipati

Bangarah Band

Haryana Sikh Temple

The morning of my sickness

Inside Ginders Home

Praha with a stick of butter

Ginder Father

Ginders Father