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THE DREAM

Do you ever dream about going to a place? 

A country, a city, a beach, a mountain?

I did. About a lot of places, but there was one more persistent than all the others and that had a special place in my heart.

I have dreamed - and daydreamed - for more than 10 years about traveling to India. You might ask why - as a lot of people did - but there is no answer.

A part of my luggage to India


Although the idea was born in my head when I was a teenager – the passing days, months and years gave no rational explanation for my desire.

… Maybe because I’ve found the concepts of Buddhism and Hinduism absolutely fascinating.

… Maybe because I was so many times amazed by the richness of colors I associated with India.

…Maybe because as the time passed I have found out that a lot of people whom I find inspiring also lived here for a while or at least visited this country.


A moment from my 16-hours long journey from Budapest to Chennai


Or I might have wanted to see if I am really capable of turning my desires into reality.

Last year I have felt that it is now or never. So I have made the decision. And as 2017 was approaching, my over-the-seas-and-far-away journey also was.

On the dawn of 20th of January I have arrived after 16 hours of travel to the land of myths. My plane landed in the Southern part of the country, in Chennai – formerly known as Madras. For 200 days with 1 suitcase and 1 backpack. 30 kilos.


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IN THE CAPITAL OF HONKING

One of the best-known stereotypes about India is related to its traffic. And I have to admit that even after more than two months of continuous stay in the country is hard to describe what it is like.  At the beginning whenever my relatives and friends from home asked me about it, I simply said that I don’t have yet the words that can illustrate it. Challenge #1: Crossing the street On my first day I was standing for about 5 minutes on a street corner, looking at the flow of cars, buses, rickshaws, bikes and feeling paralyzed. I was unable to cross despite the fact that I was standing at a passageway. Nobody stopped. Then a local helped me and taught me that: here you just have to be brave enough to raise your hand, start crossing the street and stop the traffic (and maybe pray - if you are religious). Traffic in India is indeed chaotic and hectic. There are just a few general traffic rules - like most vehicles will stop at the signaling lamp
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FIRST TRIP, FIRST LOVE

This post is in praise of spontaneity. I have heard a lot of pros but much more contras against traveling alone. A bunch of people said they could never imagine going on a trip just by themselves. And everybody advised me not to travel alone in India, as it is very dangerous for a woman. "Safety first." But on the second weekend after my arrival to Chennai I had 4 days off. And everybody I met in the first days had plans already. So I had to choose between staying home or traveling alone. I didn't hesitate too much when I decided on the latter. As for me traveling alone is exciting; it is a road for self discovery and a way to become more aware of my thoughts and reactions. Plus I really love that I can do whatever I want with my time and do whatever spontaneous things cross my mind. Thursday morning I started off to the closest bus station without knowing exactly how will I get there. But - maybe because I haven't really thought about the options - everythin
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WHEN HAZARD DOESN'T LET YOU REST

Mid April the Hollywood of India was on our visiting list. We went without concrete plans, just to escape Chennai for a few days. After traveling to Mumbai (or Bombay) I have realized that probably while I am in India I will never have any trip (or day) without unforeseen incidents. My life was filled with random moments even before my arrival, but here everything was multiplied by at least ten. Yes, I had moments of despair, but now I believe ultimately the lesson is about learning how to handle obstacles without becoming desperate. Peaceful moments in Mumbai The challenges started with our departure from Chennai, when Karyati, my friend from Indonesia, caught the flight only by miracle. That was the moment when I've become sure that time can be both expanded and narrowed.  Arrival of a train in Mumbai But after this early-morning stress, the flight itself was a blessing. When we have arrived, around 7 am to Mumbai, the friends whom we were supposed to meet
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