The arrival

     I spent six months thoroughly planning this trip... and here I am now. I honestly cannot believe it... I'm in India! I've been eagerly waiting fot this moment for quite a long time.I decided to go on a volunteering gap year abroad since I felt like I wasn't really doing anything for my community more than taking my trash out back in Montevideo, and I desperately wanted to contribute, to do something meaningful and life-changing for others while travelling. And India seems like the perfect choice. During the next three weeks I'll visit different communities, mostly rural, of the Rajasthan region and I'll be building new classrooms in order to give children proper educational facilities and resources, and to keep them from having to work. I'll also be working in a clean water project to find a solution to that problem. 

     My heart's pounding hard; I'm nervous but at the same time exhilarated by the prospect of stepping into a new world and a new life... well, at least for three weeks. The moment I exit the Udaipur airport, I'm facing a different reality. It's as if I've entered a parallel universe. Used to the dullness of my city, I'm taken aback by all the bright colours I see. Shades of red, orange, and yellow invade my eyes as I make my way through the crowd. I've never been sweatier in my entire life. Going from Uruguayan winter to summer here is a big difference. Only two days ago I was in the comfort of my home with my family and friends, and here I'm now, all the way across the world. I realise I already miss them. They were extremely supporting with my decision, even though they were somewhat scared by the dangers; India isn't the safest country in the world, but they know I can take care of myself.

     Now I'm sitting in the back of an auto rickshaw in the way to my accommodation, and I'm sort of afraid by the fact that it doesn't have doors. I get caught up watching the people on the streets. They're so different... It's nothing like the Occidental way of living I have. All I can hear is loud incomprehensible conversations, hindu music and car horns. My mum wasn't lying about the traffic here. Despite my eagerness and the rush of adrenaline running through my veins, I'm exhausted from the long journey. The first thing I'll do when I get to my residence is leave my stuff and then sleep for the rest of the day. Tomorrow will be a new day in a new life, full of exciting challenges and things to be learnt. And I can't wait!

An indian auto rickshaw

My view from the rickshaw... Udaipur is amazing!