~by Guest Blogger, Ellen Gruetzmacher

Last week I chronicled my teenage travel experiences and the resulting travel bug bite. I left off at the surprise announcement that I – who had been told that my job with CTP would not involve travel – would be traveling to INDIA!

Read on for more about my amazing journey…

When I was younger I had no desire to see India; it was a dirty, smelly, noisy place full of sad people. Why would I want to spend my hard-earned travel dollars visiting some place so depressing? But as I got older, India developed an allure… a mysterious calling. Perhaps it was because I longed to connect with people seemingly different from myself or experience cultures and religions unlike any I had ever known.

And now I was to be one of three CTP staff to escort a high-end incentive travel program for a group of media executives through the Golden Triangle – Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. I met the NY travelers at JFK and accompanied them through our Abu Dhabi connection to Delhi. At first, I assumed I was the only nervous one – given that this was my first official travel assignment, but I soon realized that there was a palpable energy amongst the group – anxiety, excitement, curiosity, and wonder all rolled into one!

I had read and re-read the printed itinerary that Gabriel, CTP’s VP, and seasoned world traveler had put together and was excited by the adventures in store. And, even though I was privy to the details, what I saw on paper came nowhere near embodying the unbelievable, unimaginable magnificence and awe that was to come!

The contrasts of our experiences caused me a rather large dose of American guilt as we stayed in opulent, palatial hotels and traveled by cushy, air conditioned, luxury motor coaches all while viewing the filthy, crowded streets filled with wandering livestock, sidewalk barbershops, children begging, and people lined up for free lunches.

But within those seemingly sad street scenes were found profound beauty, amazing resourcefulness, and sincere, deep humanity.

I was in absolute awe of the constant parade of women in vibrantly-colored, embellished saris with armfuls of sparkly bangles amidst the dingy browns and grays of the streets and sidewalks. We passed motorcycle after motorcycle with elegant, brightly-adorned women passengers delicately riding sidesaddle behind their men while zipping along at 50 mph.

And the resourcefulness; I could not believe just how many human bodies can pack into a Tuk-Tuk or onto a motorcycle! Fascinated by this mode of transportation (who needs a minivan when you can transport the whole family on two wheels?), I took photo after photo of the various configurations. The one that caused a triple-take was a man driving with an infant (not a toddler, but an infant) laying on the gas tank, held down with dad’s strong hand, with brother sitting behind, and mother on the back holding a large box. As for the “record” of the most passengers on two wheels, I witnessed a pre-teen boy snugged up against the handlebars, followed by dad driving, a teenager wedged in behind him, with mom bringing up the rear, sitting side-saddle in her beautiful sari, holding an infant AND a large piece of luggage! So much for a helmet and a car seat!

I was amazed by the harmonious way that people seemed to interact with one another in such utter chaos. I did not see one example of road rage, yet there were constant reasons for it. I saw people smiling warmly at one another in the market, conducting their business calmly and politely. No one seemed to be bothered by beggars or homeless. And no one seemed exasperated while standing in long lines for temple access. All-in-all, I was impressed by the mutual respect and kindness shown amongst the people – an example I internalized and found deeply calming.

As for the program, the “Aha Moments” came so fast and furious I could barely catch my breath:

• visited an Ashram for boys to serve lunch and hand out school supplies;
• invited to a private residence to enjoy Diwali festivities replete with fire breathers and native dancers;
• experienced the sights, sounds, and smells of Old Delhi on a rickshaw tour;
• attended a special blessing ceremony at a Hindu temple – with chanting, incense, and Bindi (red dot);
• reveled in the splendor of the Taj Mahal at sunset AND sunrise;
• had henna tattoos applied by beautiful, local Indian women;
• attended a mock Indian wedding – where the groom rode in on an elephant!!;
• played camel polo (yes, camel polo!);
• went on an elephant trail ride;
• toured the village of Samode by camel cart with a surprise stop at a family farm;
• attended a gala dinner at the famed City Palace of the Royal Family of Jaipur…

Whew! I’m exhausted just hitting the highlights!

Upon returning from this amazing journey, friends and family have asked how it was and what was my “take away” from it. Honestly, I am still digesting all that I saw and experienced, but, overall, I was completely blown away and I will DEFINITELY be back for more of this amazing country full of contrasts.

Of course, I was saddened by the abject poverty, filth, and hideous air quality, but I was also buoyed by the positive, seemingly indomitable spirit of the Indian people.

When asked by a fellow traveler why the Indian people seem content with their living conditions, our guide replied, “The majority of Indian people believe in consecutive lives. What they don’t acquire or achieve in this lifetime, they believe they will in another. This is why they are so happy and content.”

What a fabulous concept – happiness, contentment, acceptance, and peace with one’s life – principles that stuck with me and made a major impact on my life.

Thank you, India! I fell in love with your people and your essence – can’t wait to see you again!