It seemed like just yesterday we were brainstorming places to go for free travel–the portion of the trip where the leaders step back and the students take charge; we determined where we wanted to go, planned the activities, navigated transportation, sorted out accommodations, and kept track of the budget. In a sense, it is the grand culmination of our adventure. The first stop was Bundi, a small desert town in Rajasthan. The town, nestled in a hillside (on top of which sits a palace) and situated around this gorgeous lake, is picturesque. As soon as we arrived, even in our exhaustion and excitement induced state of delirium, we all were thrilled with our decision to include Bundi in our free travel itinerary. It was the perfect place to recharge and relish in the new independence of free travel. Many of us spent our time relaxing, catching up on our books, savoring one another’s company and going on solo adventures exploring the town’s quaint streets. We also had two group excursions: a day trip to a waterfall outside of town and a morning trip to explore the incredible Bundi palace.
After three days and four nights, we said goodbye to Bundi, packed up our belongings and prepared for what we thought was going to be a long day of traveling–a train from Bundi to Jodhpur and a night train from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer. However, a morning misadventure in which our taxi blows a tire prompts us to arrive minutes after our train left the station. So, in total, three taxis, two rickshaws, and two buses later, we arrive in Jaisalmer.
We came to Jaisalmer with essentially one thing in mind: riding camels. So, on our second day we embarked on a two day, one night camel safari! What an experience. The moments of physical discomfort and the noxious stench of camel farts were totally worth it. There’s nothing quite like feeling the blazing sun on your cheeks, admiring the dunes and desert scenery from atop a camel. That night on the safari, serenity hung in the crisp desert air; we all bundled up and slept beneath the magnificent starry sky. The shooting stars we observed affirmed the magic of the day.
After the camel safari, we had one day in Jaisalmer before we packed up once again and headed on our last Indian night train back to Delhi, where the adventure all began. Here we are having closing ceremonies and are soaking up our last moments in India and with each other. It’s been an incredible journey. No doubt it’ll be hard to leave, but I know we all are looking forward to reunions with loved ones. See you soon, America!!
I will miss our outrageous and constant laughter to the point where we have peed our pants and tears are streaming down our cheeks. India has blessed us with so many hilarious moments. 70% I remember like they happened yesterday, 30% I have no idea. Thank you for lifting me up in more ways than I thought were possible. Thank you for laughing even when I wasn’t funny. Thank you for helping me keep my sense of humor as Mike-ji advised us all to do in the San Francisco airport three very short months ago. Thank you for becoming my family. I love and miss you all… Carpe Diem America nooooo! -Megan
Stuff Shiva Carpe Students Say (typical phrases during our daily lives in India-brought to you by Evangeline)
“This is my eighth chai today, and I got up an hour ago.”
“Excuse me, sir, you’re spilling dal on my bed.”
“Your camel just farted in my face.”
“I’m so stressed; let’s meditate.”
“Is this outfit culturally appropriate?… YOLO!”
“Wait, they sell Appy Fizz here?”
“Is that a plastic water bottle in your hand? No, no it’s fine, but you should hide it immediately.”
“I have officially turned into a ball of rice.”
“And then just as I’m passing, this cow just rams his horns into my butt.”
“This must be just what college is like, except less chanting.”
“Despite the bedbugs, this was really a cool temple!”
“My homestay sister is basically my real sister.”
“Has anyone seen my rice bag?”
“My favorite goat peed on my bed… But it’s cool, I just turned the blanket over.”
“I wonder if anyone actually reads the blog.”
Eight mindful individuals sat peacefully on scattered boulders that nested within the Himalayas, reflecting upon the arrival into ‘Incredible India” and the experiences about to be had. The thick clouds lingered above us where the mountain peaks occasionally revealed themselves. We all rested, in awe, of our breathtaking surroundings. This was the beginning to three months of ah-ha moments, inspiring events, meaningful conversations, and beautiful views. -Payton
India? What’s so great about India? Why’re you going there? That was one of the responses I received after explaining my plans of taking a gap year and going to India instead of going straight to college. India has charmed me, pushed me in cow poo (yes, literally and figuratively), and opened my eyes to more than I ever could have dreamed. This trip has allowed me to experience: the infinite sounds and smells that accost and entice my senses; the privilege of being able to find the beauty in both the chaos and the calm; the special kind of contentment induced from sipping a a cup of excellent chai and simply watching the world; the persistent burning itch of bed bug induced welts; the rush of getting thoroughly lost in the bustling streets; the magic of being on an ashram rooftop all by myself, dancing the night away and feeling so small yet completely content; the warm feelings of togetherness, and so much more. I feel incredibly blessed to have been able to experience it all, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a more loving, hilarious, supportive, inspirational bunch of seven people with whom to share this adventure. -Walker
Matt’s Final Words
Watching the sun set over the desert with my legs hanging out of the door of our final train from Jaisalmer to Delhi, I felt sad knowing I’d be leaving India in a day and a half. Beyond the chaos, frustration, and craziness that one is bound to experience in India, the country offers such a rich culture and history and I’ve learned from all of it. I now feel like I can get around anywhere in the world, and I’ve certainly caught the “travel bug” thanks to this trip. Aside from India itself, I’ll really miss the Carpe Diem family and the close friendships I’ve made. That being said, I look forward to staying in touch and the future reunions/travels together that are to come. As the man next to me on the train just said, “Foreigners always decide to come back to the Incredible India.” I undoubtedly will be part of that trend.