Hi there! Finally, back in the United States, USA baby. I have truly never felt so patriotic in my life. To fill everyone in on the past few days. We were supposed to fly out on the 29^th. The whole team was eating dinner at the airport when an hour before we were supposed to board our flight was cancelled. This led to immediate chaos and confusion. Thankfully G, one of our instructors was with us. G was able to get us tickets for another flight two hours later. However, by the time we had gone through customs, reclaimed our baggage and ran to check our luggage we were too late as we did not run fast enough. There was a lot of understandable stress, frustration, and disappointment among the group. We waited at the airport for the next 4 hours trying to find a new way to get home. Our next flight was scheduled for May 31^st. We stayed at a very snazzy hotel and recharged until our next flight. I saw a very raw and personal side from my peers as our situation was so unique. I made deeper connections and memories over this travel fiasco. We enjoyed each other’s company as we ate plate after plate of hotel food and admired the fancy hotel. Nervous, we began our journey again. I was terrified when we went to get our tickets and were first told “we cannot find your tickets.” I almost cried for the 10^th time in two days. However, Lufthansa (our savior and my new favorite airline) figured it out and was able to get us all on the same flight with seats near each other. From Delhi we flew on a 10-hour flight to Munich. I had never been to Germany, so this was somewhat exciting. From Germany we flew 10 hours to Newark and after another layover I am back in Pittsburgh. I am relieved to be home!  

I have learned throughout this trip and from our travel days the importance of staying calm and supporting one another. When our flight was cancelled there was a lot of commotion. While I was stressed, I knew that remaining calm in this instance would best benefit the group. I tried to help my group members by checking in on those stressed by asking if they needed anything and giving them space to talk. Eventually, when things continued to not work out and I became emotional my team supported me. I learned the importance of supportive teammates and being there for each other.  

Before all this commotion we had visited a market in Delhi, the Taj Mahal, and Fort Agra. I really enjoyed the Taj Mahal and Fort Agra. They are both filled with a deep history and beauty. It was interesting to hear their stories and imagine the construction and what life was like all those years ago. The Taj Mahal was gorgeous, a bucket list attraction I am glad I could see. Shopping at the Delhi market was a stressful but enjoyable experience. I really liked the items I bought however, the crowds, heat, and pushy salespeople were very overstimulating. It was very cool to experience a market in Delhi and practice my bargaining skills.  

The month flew by. I cannot believe I am writing this blog from my house in South Oakland, it feels like I never left. Time to sleep off my jet lag, until next time!