10 & 11 February 2025
What a spectacularly beautiful two days!
Arriving at my hostel yesterday, I knew instantly that I had made the right decision to leave my previous accommodation. It simply wasn’t the right place for me, and the universe clearly had better plans in store.
The moment I chose to seek a new opportunity, things started falling into place. I connected with a kind American woman currently volunteering at an ashram outside Jodhpur. While scrolling through a Facebook group for volunteer opportunities, her profile appeared “out of the blue” as a friend suggestion—coincidentally, she was at the very ashram I had been researching. It’s funny how the universe always guides us when we trust the unfolding process. Within a day, I had not only discovered this new opportunity but had also been invited to travel from Jodhpur to Shri Jasnath Asan with the guru. For the first time in two days, my soul felt at peace.
After packing my bags and catching a tuk-tuk to my new hostel on the other side of Jaipur, I immediately fell in love with the place and its vibrant energy. The young and lively staff eagerly shared recommendations, and soon I found myself exploring the Pink City. Before I knew it, I was standing before the magnificent Hawa Mahal.
India has a way of sweeping you into spontaneous adventures. Within moments, I was whisked onto a small balcony, a steaming chai in hand, as a friendly stranger entertained me with amusing stories. I nearly spilled my tea from laughing when he dryly commented, “Oh my god, this chai is hot like you!” Smooth, sir—very, very smooth! (Still chuckling as I write this!)
Returning to the dorm, a sweet couple invited me to Nahargarh Fort for the evening. What an adventure! We trekked up the mountain and were rewarded with breathtaking views of Jaipur glowing under the night sky. Then, just as unexpectedly, I was swept away once more—this time to a beautiful restaurant, where my new friends treated me to the most incredible Indian feast.
A Day of Magic and Connection
Today was pure magic. I woke up to the cheerful buzz of my dormmates planning their day. There’s rarely an early start in India unless a train or bus demands it, so by noon, I had joined a new companion, Ronak, for a scooter ride to Panna Meena, Amer Fort, and Galta Ji.
Panna Meena’s ancient stepwell was a vision of symmetry and color, with bright saris and umbrellas creating a dazzling spectacle. The energy of this place was serene yet vibrant, a perfect reflection of Jaipur’s spirit.
At Amer Fort, I had to pause—take a deep breath—and freeze this moment in my mind forever. This architectural marvel, more mesmerizing than even the Taj Mahal, took my breath away. Ronak and I ran through the labyrinthine corridors, laughing and imagining what life must have been like in such a grand palace.
After parting ways, I joined a group from the hostel to visit Galta Ji, the Monkey Temple. We hiked up the steep hill just in time for a mesmerizing sunset. The golden sun bathed everything in a warm glow, and as I turned, my gaze locked onto the kindest, deepest brown eyes I had ever seen. A temple priest stood nearby, silently observing. When I greeted him, I learned he practiced ‘sun healing’—a fellow Lumerian healer, a kindred spirit. We exchanged Instagram details, and I left hoping our paths would cross again.
As I sat in the car, heading back through the vibrant night markets of Jaipur, I breathed in the moment—my Indian companions singing at the top of their lungs, the dazzling chaos of scooters and tuk-tuks navigating the unspoken rules of the road.
Happiness is simple. It lives in these fleeting, perfect moments, reminding us that life doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to be lived fully.
