July 30, 2026
I have only been in India for less than 72 hours at the time of writing this, and the first word that comes to mind is wow. At one point, it crossed my mind that I was living my own version of Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Unlike John Candy’s adventure, though, my story wasn’t about frustration or bad luck. It was about stepping outside my comfort zone, meeting incredible people and experiencing the culture, and discovering the beauty of this remarkable country.
Wow – I am honored to be here!
Wow – am I dreaming?
Wow – how fortunate I am and how much I have to be thankful for.
And there are so many more…
Delhi was a bustling city at all hours of the day. The drivers seemed to have one hand on the horn and one hand on the wheel. They might honk at a tuk-tuk, a dog, a horse, a cow, a pedestrian, or someone on a motorcycle carrying who knows what.
At first, I thought all the honking meant people were impatient or angry. I quickly learned it wasn’t an aggressive honk at all. It was more like saying, “Hey, I see you. You see me. Let’s not collide.” The horn isn’t an expression of frustration like in the States; it’s a form of communication.
In a city this large, everything must keep moving. By perspective, New York City is home to about 8.5 million people across roughly 300 square miles. Delhi, by comparison, has about 35 million across its metropolitan area, spread over roughly 575 square miles. Suddenly, the constant chorus of horns made perfect sense.
From Delhi, I boarded the high-speed train, the Gatimaan Express, to Agra, often called the City of Love and home to the Taj Mahal. Before arriving, I knew it was one of the Seven Wonders of the World, but I didn’t fully appreciate the story behind it.
After the death of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, in 1631, the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal as her final resting place. It took more than 20 years to complete, with an estimated 20,000 artisans and craftsmen working on the project. Long before modern construction equipment, the white marble was transported nearly 250 miles from Rajasthan using elephants, oxen, and boats.
Standing before it, my tour guide asked, “Can you imagine loving someone so deeply that you’d spend more than two decades building them something so magnificent, knowing they would never see it completed?”
That question stayed with me. Suddenly, the Taj Mahal became more than a breathtaking monument. It became a timeless reminder of love, devotion, and the extraordinary things we are capable of creating for those we cherish.
As unforgettable as the Taj Mahal was, it wasn’t the only thing Agra had to offer. It may have been the reason for my little side quest, but the city itself deserved its own moment. From seeing the impressive Agra Fort to sharing a delicious lunch, wandering through the local markets, learning the difference between pashmina and cashmere, and discovering zardozi, the centuries-old art of handcrafting intricate gold and silver embroidery, I quickly realized Agra is much more than a stop for a single monument. It’s a city rich in history, craftsmanship, and culture, and I’m glad I took the time to experience it.
Yesterday, I flew from Delhi in northern India to Kerala, nestled along the country’s southwestern coast. It is completely different from Delhi.
It was hard not to smile waking up to the sound of the Arabian Sea, less than 100 steps from my window. The waves, birds chirping, and the occasional horn in the distance all invited me to slow down, take a deep breath, and simply be present. As an extra treat, I was greeted by a family of peacocks wandering by, making an already peaceful morning feel even more magical.
Over the next three weeks, I’ll be studying Ayurveda, immersing myself in one of the world’s oldest systems of holistic medicine and learning traditions that have been practiced for thousands of years. The specific course I’m enrolled in focuses on Massage & Herbology.
Here is to the next chapter!!
XOXO much love and light fam
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