Thank you, India, for letting me squeeze into your overcrowded population for the past 3 months. You have taught me more than I dreamed possible when I landed in Delhi. You have opened my eyes to new cultures, new beliefs, and new perspectives. Thank you for teaching me that life never goes as planned and that an open mind and flexible attitude can get one through almost anything. You taught me so much about myself and opened my eyes to the world. Thank you for sharing your delicious food with me and also for teaching me to be mindful of everything I put in my mouth. Thank you for your overnight trains and crowded bus rides that have pushed me to become more comfortable with a complete absence of personal space. You have showed me that my body can handle so much more than I thought possible. Thank you for bartering, which has taught me to speak with more confidence and authority. Thank you, India, for your vibrant color and incredible attention to celebration in every way. Thank you for the intense spirituality that fills your air and the willingness of your people to share their beliefs with me. From that I have come to understand both new religions and my own religion to a much deeper extent. India, you will be missed. I have learned more from you these past three months than I have from years of schooling.
Thank you, Carpe Diem, for presenting and organizing this incredible opportunity. I am so grateful for all of the experiences you have created that I could have never found on my own. Thank you for planning an incredible itinerary that allowed for both chaos and rest, and that exposed me to so much of India. Thank you, Ben and Carly, for being the best leaders I could have ever asked for. You showed me how to adapt to new environments and to soak up as much as possible while navigating around this crazy country. Thank you for always making me feel valued and cared for. You have truly taught me how to travel. Thank you to my six other Shanti adventurers who provided amazing companionship. I feel lucky to have spent the past three months with all of you.
Thank you, Mom and Dad, for having the courage to send me off to an unknown place for three months and for trusting in me. I appreciate your willingness to let me stray from the norm and explore my own interests. Thank you for sparking my love for travel and exploration of other cultures. I am also grateful for your creating a home environment that I am excited to return to.
