The very first task that ATMA asked me to complete was a personality test. I did so. I received ‘The Idealist.’ I’ve been accused of being an idealist for as long as I can remember and have always considered the label of ‘idealist’ to be somewhat of an insult and not something to particularly nurture. However, this has started to change during my time in India.

So we set off to venture off to India with mixed emotions feeling somewhat anxious but still extremely excited it was time to let go and just go for it. Upon arriving in Bangalore the customs department was interesting, considering we had to take finger prints!

I arrived in Mumbai, exhausted and disoriented after a shanty few weeks amidst the Himalayas. I don’t cope well with noise or crowd, so anxiety started to stir within me the moment I was met by the hustle and bustle of Bombay upon landing.

We've been generously welcomed by the ATMA team during the first few days of the trip. The staff and volunteers are friendly and passionate about their work. 

5.Why you should celebrate your birthday in India with the Young Leaders Battalion
Because after thinking there's nothing that could beat a Bollywood movie in an Indian cinema they surprise you with chocolate mud cake! 

When coming to India, I was told that there would be a clash of cultures and that our senses would be heightened. Well, they certainly were today as we toured the city with the Salaam Baalak Trust and visited the Kingdom of Dreams.

Today started with a sleep in which is always a bonus when recovering from jet lag! There was a definite boost in morale at the breakfast Table over Partha this morning on our way to our entrepreneurial mindset workshop on the rooftop!

Our first official day kicked off with a yummy breakfast (a standard here in India) our gorgeous hosts just kept cooking and cooking! Before we knew it, it was time for our first session as part of the leadership tour...the subject was on...LEADERSHIP! 

There aren’t many things that will get me out of bed before 6am. Without being able to instantly down a decent coffee, there are even fewer. But seeing the sunrise over the Taj Mahal on Valentines Day with my 13 trusty Valentines, yeah, that made the cut.

Yesterday was our last day in Dharamsala. Most of us have agreed that it was our favourite place so far- a beautiful sprawling village beneath the Himalayas that saw gorgeous warm sunshine during the day and chilly temperatures at night. The snow capped mountains in the distance were a breathtaking backdrop to the faded but vibrantly coloured buildings scattered across the cliffs.

The moment our taxis started struggling up the steep climb to Dharamsala I felt my pollution beaten body being rejuvenated. One deep breath in, one deep breath out and the sweet mountain air began to detox any remnants of Delhi and Amritsar from my lungs. Don’t get me wrong I loved the hustle and bustle of Old Delhi and the institutions we had the privilege to visit, but sometimes all you need is a change of scenery to fully appreciate the unique qualities of each city.

After feeling the toll from train rides, crazy traffic and being dragged into numerous photos with locals in Delhi, I found Amritsar to be a welcome change. Exhausted from the late night train arrival the night before, we woke to a classic Indian “continental” breakfast; stale cornflakes, toast with questionable butter, a banana and chai.

In one day in Delhi it is possible, and almost inevitable, to feel and experience a multitude of emotions. The first adventure of the day is always crawling through the noise-polluted traffic. The road signs indicate to stay in your lane, but it seems that Indians have figured out a more unique way to navigate the roads by honking and hoping that the oncoming traffic gets out of the way! 

I decided to come on the study tour not only to indulge my fascination with Indian culture but also to learn more about the country’s history and politics and how that helps to shape Australia’s bilateral relations with India.

02/03/2015

“Welcome to Incredible India!” my colleague exclaims, as we exit Delhi airport approaching a taxi that has certainly seen better days. Like many Australians, I have travelled extensively throughout Southeast Asia. India, however, is a whole new experience. So when Erin Lynn, Founder of Generate Worldwide, approached me with the idea of running a study tour together some six months ago, I jumped at the opportunity.

In the weeks leading up to an exciting international travel experience, life can become a blur of procrastination at work, ticking items off your packing list, and excitedly boasting to your friends and family about your awesome adventure that is just around the corner. 

As our first Young Opportunities Australia group prepares to depart for New Delhi, in early February, I am often being asked about what to pack. This question got me thinking about what items I could not live without when I am travelling around India, especially as I am a women. Here are my five essential things to pack for women travelling in North India.