Location: India, England
Summary: This week marked the end of my India adventure. I travelled from Varanasi back to Delhi, continued north to Amritsar, witnessed the unforgettable Wagah border ceremony, and then began the long journey home via Heathrow. It was a week of early mornings, airports, trains, and the slow transition from the colour and chaos of India back to the familiar chill of England.
Monday, 17th February
After the intensity and emotion of Varanasi, today was a travel day. We left the city behind and made our way back to Delhi. The journey felt quieter than usual, as if everyone on the coach was processing the things we had seen along the Ganges. By the time we reached Delhi, the familiar noise and traffic felt almost comforting.
Tuesday, 18th February
This morning, I boarded a train from Delhi to Amritsar. The journey was long but fascinating, passing through towns, fields and villages that gave a glimpse into everyday life in northern India. By the time we arrived in Amritsar, the sun was beginning to set and the city felt alive with colour and movement.
Wednesday, 19th February
Today was one of the highlights of the entire trip. We toured Amritsar in the morning, taking in the sights and sounds of the city, and later travelled to Wagah, the only border crossing between India and Pakistan. As the sun began to set, we watched the famous ceremony where soldiers from both sides perform a dramatic, almost theatrical routine, complete with stamping, shouting and the symbolic banging of the gates. The atmosphere was electric, the crowd loud and excited, and it was unlike anything I had ever seen.
Thursday, 20th February
After breakfast, we left Amritsar and flew back to Delhi. It was another travel day, but by now I was used to the rhythm of airports, security checks and hotel lobbies. I spent the evening quietly, knowing the journey home was approaching.
Friday, 21st February
Today, I said goodbye to India. I left Delhi and boarded my flight back to Heathrow. As the plane lifted off, I thought about everything I had seen over the past couple of weeks, the chaos, the beauty, the noise, the spirituality, the food, the people. India had been overwhelming in the best possible way.
Saturday, 22nd February
I was up at 05:00 in my Heathrow hotel, ready to begin the final leg of the journey home. I had hoped for a cooked breakfast, but the hotel did not serve one until 06:30, which seemed ridiculous for an airport hotel. I settled for coffee and cereal before catching the bus to Terminal 5.
At the airport, I found the Iberia desk and checked in. Assistance had already been arranged, and I was directed to the waiting area where I would be taken through security. Everything ran smoothly, and before long I was heading towards my flight to Madrid.
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