<p>Who knew embarking on a trip could feel like preparing for a circus act? With big bags, a mountain of passports, more tickets than a game show, and enough foreign currency to fund a small nation, I was quite the sight! After a tearful farewell to my goldfish (who I’m pretty sure rolled his eyes at my packing skills), I hopped into an Uber, my anxiety bubbling like a soda can ready to pop.</p>.<p class="bodytext">At the airport, I was thrown into a frenzy of meeting my new-found friends—strangers who became my travel buddies simply because we shared a passion for all things ridiculously unnecessary. Hello, awkward handshakes. We swapped tales of past travels, each story grander than the last. My heart raced with excitement and a touch of nervousness; it was like embarking on a blind date with destiny!</p>.<p class="bodytext">Upon reaching our hotel, it felt like stepping into a scavenger hunt. “Where’s my room?” “Who has the Wi-Fi password?” The halls echoed with laughter as we pieced together the mystery of our accommodations. After a quick freshen-up, we set off for dinner, determined to make “dining solo” a group activity. I swear my outfit had a jet lag of its own. Together, we navigated the local dining scene, sampling tantalising dishes. Each bite surprised me, making me question why I’d ever been attached to my routine meals back home.</p>.Canada’s last minute G-7 invite to Modi signals a thaw.<p class="bodytext">Our shopping adventures easily qualified as an Olympic sport. We manoeuvred through aisles like ninja warriors, blissfully disregarding our budgets in search of the best deals. Somehow, I ended up with 30 kg of Instagram-worthy outfits and more novelty socks than I could ever need. Each item felt like a trophy—a small victory in the quest for the ultimate travel wardrobe. Our cart overflowed, and I laughed at the ridiculousness of it all—who really needs three different sun hats?</p>.<p class="bodytext">Let’s talk about fitness! Climbing those temple steps felt like scaling Everest in the wrong shoes. Each step was a mini workout, my calves protesting as I clung to the railings. By the end, I’d accumulated enough undergarments for an army while my hair faded faster than my patience in the never-ending queues. I marvelled at the locals who breezed by, seemingly unbothered as I gasped for air.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Finally, when I reached home, I swore off croissants and embraced my true national treasure: hot filter coffee. The aroma was like a warm hug, reminding me that there truly is no place like home. Cheers to new friends, hilarious memories, and a WhatsApp group guaranteed to plan our next adventure—likely involving big bags and even bigger laughs! As I sifted through my mountain of souvenirs, I couldn’t help but smile, dreaming about where our next circus act would take us.</p>
<p>Who knew embarking on a trip could feel like preparing for a circus act? With big bags, a mountain of passports, more tickets than a game show, and enough foreign currency to fund a small nation, I was quite the sight! After a tearful farewell to my goldfish (who I’m pretty sure rolled his eyes at my packing skills), I hopped into an Uber, my anxiety bubbling like a soda can ready to pop.</p>.<p class="bodytext">At the airport, I was thrown into a frenzy of meeting my new-found friends—strangers who became my travel buddies simply because we shared a passion for all things ridiculously unnecessary. Hello, awkward handshakes. We swapped tales of past travels, each story grander than the last. My heart raced with excitement and a touch of nervousness; it was like embarking on a blind date with destiny!</p>.<p class="bodytext">Upon reaching our hotel, it felt like stepping into a scavenger hunt. “Where’s my room?” “Who has the Wi-Fi password?” The halls echoed with laughter as we pieced together the mystery of our accommodations. After a quick freshen-up, we set off for dinner, determined to make “dining solo” a group activity. I swear my outfit had a jet lag of its own. Together, we navigated the local dining scene, sampling tantalising dishes. Each bite surprised me, making me question why I’d ever been attached to my routine meals back home.</p>.Canada’s last minute G-7 invite to Modi signals a thaw.<p class="bodytext">Our shopping adventures easily qualified as an Olympic sport. We manoeuvred through aisles like ninja warriors, blissfully disregarding our budgets in search of the best deals. Somehow, I ended up with 30 kg of Instagram-worthy outfits and more novelty socks than I could ever need. Each item felt like a trophy—a small victory in the quest for the ultimate travel wardrobe. Our cart overflowed, and I laughed at the ridiculousness of it all—who really needs three different sun hats?</p>.<p class="bodytext">Let’s talk about fitness! Climbing those temple steps felt like scaling Everest in the wrong shoes. Each step was a mini workout, my calves protesting as I clung to the railings. By the end, I’d accumulated enough undergarments for an army while my hair faded faster than my patience in the never-ending queues. I marvelled at the locals who breezed by, seemingly unbothered as I gasped for air.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Finally, when I reached home, I swore off croissants and embraced my true national treasure: hot filter coffee. The aroma was like a warm hug, reminding me that there truly is no place like home. Cheers to new friends, hilarious memories, and a WhatsApp group guaranteed to plan our next adventure—likely involving big bags and even bigger laughs! As I sifted through my mountain of souvenirs, I couldn’t help but smile, dreaming about where our next circus act would take us.</p>