A Journey Through Contrasts: India, December 2023 - January 2024

My trip to India with Surya, from December 2023 to January 2024, was an experience that truly put life into perspective. The journey began on December 26th, leaving Ireland at 6:45 AM, with a brief stop in Birmingham before heading to Dubai, then finally Delhi. The dense fog upon arrival in Delhi, thick like snow, was an immediate introduction to the unique atmosphere of the country, as we slowly drove the four hours to Agra.

The daily drives in India were an adventure in themselves, a chaotic ballet of vehicles weaving in every conceivable direction. It's a stark contrast to European driving, with cars, motorbikes, and "autos" (which we call tuk-tuks) darting between lanes and even driving diagonally. I quickly learned that the constant honking wasn't an expression of anger, but a warning – a constant communication of presence on the road. Despite the seemingly unorganized traffic, the road infrastructure itself was surprisingly good, even making me contemplate renting a motorbike.

What truly struck me, however, was the palpable poverty and the stark social gaps, or castes, that are so evident. It's a humbling reality when 100 rupees, which wouldn't even buy you a cup of coffee or bread in Ireland or France, could feed a family for an entire day. This highlighted the sheer luxury we live in the West, though we face our own "survival pressures" at a different level. In Europe, the pressure to own the latest branded mobile phone can make you feel poor, while in India, any phone is a treasure, and a brand is a true luxury. This immense disparity offered a profound moment of reflection on different types of survival and societal pressures.

The highlight of the trip, a dream since I was an 8-year-old learning about the Seven Wonders of the World, was finally seeing the Taj Mahal. The fog on that particular day made it even more mystical, almost ethereal. Hundreds of people gathered within its marble structure, a monument built by a king in honor of his deceased wife after she bore their fourteenth child. It resonated with me, bringing to mind the love story of Glenveagh Abbey in Connemara, Ireland, a reminder that profound love transcends cultures and centuries. The spiritual atmosphere of the Taj Mahal is something you have to experience to truly understand.

Another unforgettable moment was visiting Akshardham Temple. It was beyond imagination, truly unreal. Stepping inside felt like being transported back to the time of kings and queens, infused with a sense of magic and myth. The sheer scale of it is incomprehensible; Galway Cathedral would seem like just one small dome in comparison. Built between 2000 and 2005, it meticulously preserves ancient arts, with every inch, even the ceilings, intricately sculpted. It was so incredibly impressive that I literally had to sit down to try and comprehend its grandeur – and it takes a lot to impress me.

This journey through India was a profound experience, a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and stark realities that offered a unique lens through which to view the world, my own life, and the varying pressures that define human existence.