How an Unexpected 'I Do' Turned into an 'Oh Wow': Our Indian Adventure


Before March 2017, if you'd asked me about my travel bucket list, India would not have been high up there. Yet, as fate would have it, when a close friend extended an invite to his Sikh wedding in India, both Britt and I found ourselves unable to resist the allure. What followed was a whirlwind of experiences, from the skyscrapers of Dubai to the bustling streets of New Delhi.

Our journey began with a 15-hour flight from Houston, straight to Dubai, our first pit stop. Though a marathon of a journey, we were still buzzing with anticipation on arrival. Our prudent decision to book a hotel room within the airport worked wonders, giving us a safe place to stow our luggage and catch our breath before diving into the wonders of Dubai.

Dubai unfolded before us like a futuristic utopia. Its modern, streamlined infrastructure made navigating the city a breeze. The train service promptly whisked us away to the heart of the city, where the towering Burj Khalifa awaited. Known to me as the tallest building in the world, seeing it firsthand was awe-inspiring, to say the least. Now, I’m no fan of heights, but Britt, the daredevil that she is, insisted we brave the elevator ride to the top. My stomach may have been doing flips, but the view was utterly spectacular, a memory etched into our minds forever.

After our lofty adventure, we meandered around the city's famous mall, grabbed a quick bite, and returned to the airport via train, ready for the next leg of our journey - New Delhi.

We landed in New Delhi amidst the night, feeling the toll of the journey and the onslaught of jet lag. We were greeted by a tumultuous welcome at the airport, a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and people that took us by surprise. After a comical mix-up with our driver's sign (apparently, I had morphed into 'MR. BRIT LANY'), we made it to our friend's aunt's house, ready to rest.

Rest, however, was short-lived. The next morning, despite our fatigue, we hopped aboard a train to Agra to visit the legendary Taj Mahal. Again, we were thrown into the frenzy of a bustling Indian train station. As we disembarked, throngs of tour guides vied for our attention, pushing us to make an impromptu choice. Luckily, we struck gold, finding an exceptional guide who remained with us throughout the day, taking us to various historical sites in Agra. His genuine nature earned our trust to the point where we left our backpacks in his car while exploring - a risky decision, perhaps, but one that paid off.

Our day trip to Agra was a prelude to the main event – the wedding. If you're imagining an Indian wedding as a slow, relaxed affair, think again! From the get-go, it was a high-octane celebration of love, filled with captivating rituals, exotic foods and drinks, and non-stop dancing. Celebrating Yudi and Uppi's union was an unforgettable experience, an exhilarating spectacle that kept us entertained and on our toes.

Post-wedding, we embarked on an exploration spree, unraveling the secrets of New Delhi. From the grandeur of the India Gate and the tranquil gardens to the lively Old Delhi, we got to experience the city in all its glory. On our final day, we had the privilege to participate in a Holi Day festival, a delightful tradition filled with vibrant colored powders and joyous celebration. Despite not fully understanding the significance behind the holiday, the communal spirit and sense of unity we witnessed was a wonderful closing chapter to our Indian adventure.

In retrospect, that unassuming wedding invitation led us to a series of unforgettable experiences, from standing atop the world's tallest building to dancing in a rainbow of colors at Holi. India, with its kaleidoscopic culture and vibrant energy, touched our hearts in a way we hadn't anticipated. It's an adventure we'll always look back on with a smile, a testament to the surprising turns life can take, and the beautiful memories that result from saying 'yes' to the unexpected.

Will SkilesComment