For as long as I can remember, I have always been intrigued by Indian culture and design.

This may be due to the fact that as a 90’s kid, my favorite movie growing up was, A Little Princess. Which completely romanticized the idea of India to me as a child. (And if you don’t know what that movie is, then I highly suggest you look it up because it’s a classic!)

Throughout college, I even had a tapestry of Lord Ganesha hanging in my room, along with Indian-inspired pillows, elephants, and many other decors. So it should really be no surprise that one day I’d make the journey across the world to visit this incredible place.

“One’s destination is never a place, but always a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

Being immersed in such a rich culture and traditions different from my own, opened my mind in so many new ways. Despite my time there being considerably short but sweet, I returned back home with a whole new perspective on life and an even stronger obsession for this vivid country.

1. There’s Beauty in the Chaos

If I had to describe India in one word it would be chaotic. All of the traffic, smells, sounds, millions of people and farm animals running freely everywhere will put you into some serious sensory overload. But looking beyond all of that, I saw a magical place full of beautiful culture, intricate architecture and delightful people.

This not only goes for traveling through India but everywhere else in the world – as well as situations were faced with in life. No matter how terrible a situation may be, always look for the positives that may result from it.

2. Compassion

Indian hospitality is second to none. The people there are some of the kindest I’ve ever met. From the moment we were picked up at the airport and up until we were dropped off to return back home, we were always treated with so much generosity and respect everywhere we went.

The locals were always willing to go out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed and more, without expecting anything in return. Seriously, our driver would’ve driven us anywhere we wanted, whenever we wanted – without hesitation.

Their compassion for others is apparent and contagious. Inspired by this, I’ve become more involved in volunteer opportunities within my community in San Francisco. Though, one day I do plan to return to support humanitarian efforts there and in other parts of the world.

3. Material Things Aren’t Important

Traveling through India isn’t for the fainthearted. The amount of poverty I witnessed during my time there was incredibly heartbreaking and had me on the verge of tears so many times. While talking to locals, I learned about the simplicity of their values. A common theme among those conversations involved family, health and a good education for their children.

In western culture, we get so caught up in our first world problems. Worried about the latest fashion trends or new gadgets we supposedly, have-to-have.

By visiting a developing country like India, I realized how insignificant our problems really are. I saw children begging in the streets, infants laying on the ground starving, and people bathing in buckets on the side of the road.

Seeing first hand so many people without access to simple resources that we take for granted daily, left such a huge impact on what I value now. Having these images forever ingrained in my mind consciously reminds me to be grateful for the many small blessings in my life.

From this experience, my boyfriend Manuel and I have started adopting a more minimalist lifestyle. Trying to only consume things we need and being happier with less materialistic things.

4. Patience

I have to admit, I am not a patient person – at all. But in cities as heavily populated as they are in India, you really have no choice but to be patient. From the sounds, traffic, cultural barriers and having to haggle everywhere we went – I found my patience being tested often.

Being from the Bay Area, I thought I knew bad traffic. Boy, was I wrong. India is on a whole ‘nother level, especially in the bigger cities like Delhi and Jaipur. Being there aren’t really any traffic regulations in India, it’s literally a free-for-all. Talk about anxiety, every time I sat in a car.

I also learned, honking your horn here is a way to let other drivers know you are nearby, to avoid hitting each other. Being that way, you can imagine the sounds of honking are never-ending. Though I’m by no means a patient person now, I’ve learned the importance of patience while traveling among other cultures and places different from my own.

5. Expect & Enjoy the Unexpected

In travel and in life, I’ve learned things do not always go as planned. Coming to a country like India, I really didn’t know what to expect. Being the natural planner that I am, I did extensive research before our trip. But no amount of planning or research can prevent things from unfolding the way they do.

Some of the best moments I had in India were really the least expected. I mean, what fun would life be if everything we expect to happen, happens? My biggest advice is to let go of all expectations, go with the flow and embrace the endless possibilities. Come with an open heart and an open mind.

♥ Lo

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