Nissy Week 1 : Visiting India

This summer, I went to India to visit my family after an awful long time. Almost 10 years since my last visit. The trip wasn’t planned far in advance, it was pretty much last minute. My mom was feeling home sick and basically just said, “Whatever, let's go this summer.” And a few days later, we were packing for the long awaited summer trip to India.  

From the moment we took off to the moment we landed, it didn’t feel real. On the flight, I was either eating, sleeping, or watching Annabelle with my sister like it was any other vacation. Even at the layover at Doha airport, the most gorgeous airport ever, by the way, I still hadn’t fully processed that I was going to see the family that lived miles away from me again. While we were in the lounge eating a few snacks before our final flight, our relatives called checking in about the trip. All I could think was, “You are gonna see us soon; let us enjoy the food for now!” Soon enough, we were boarding the flight to Chennai. I slept through the whole flight because it was shorter and it was also 1 in the morning. When we finally landed, it became really real. I felt so nervous but also excited to see everyone again after years of seeing them on the phone. I knew I wasn’t the same person they knew years ago and I have completely changed. I wondered if that would make things different. 

Walking out of the airport and seeing both my uncle's faces in person again was crazy exciting. I couldn’t stop smiling because I hadn’t seen them in so long but also, I was just happy to be there. The drive to the house was a little awkward. I literally saw cows on the road and it was unbelievable. It felt different, but still I was with my family now.

Going back to a place you once called home, especially going back after years, makes you reflect on yourself. You realized that things have changed but also stayed the same. I had a new baby cousin to spend time with and make many new memories. When we would share memories about the past and how me and my sister were when we were younger, it made me realize how things have changed. Even though growing up is obviously changing, I also felt like I changed in different ways too. Now, I want to be back in India with my family and share laughs again. A part of me will always belong in both worlds, even if I have grown up.





Comments

  1. Disha MurugupandiyanSeptember 2, 2025 at 6:53 PM

    The way that the plane landing and the rush of excitement is described is very relatable. The honesty about feeling different and wondering how your family will react is powerful, highlighting how change is inevitable yet awkward. It reminded me of how embarrassing it is to face people with something like a new haircut, wondering how they will react to it.

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  2. Kimaya KhuranaSeptember 3, 2025 at 9:10 AM

    Hi Nissy! Reading this blog was extremely relatable, as I have also shared so many of the thoughts you wrote about! When you mentioned your relatives calling, it made me laugh a little, since my relatives also always check in, even when I want to enjoy the movie I'm watching or the food I'm eating. I especially relate when you mentioned how it felt different, since going back to a place that you don't often visit will always have changed compared to where you live right now. When I visited, I saw my mom's old neighborhood and the school she used to go to. Looking at her now made me realize how far she's come and how much she has probably changed; it put into perspective how now, I, being her daughter, am seeing this. I would love to hear more about your trip itself and the things you did!

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  3. Tanisha MadhukarSeptember 3, 2025 at 6:40 PM

    The feelings you described while arriving in India are ones that I relate to too well. Going to another country, especially one that you have not been to in a while is always so thrilling. It is always exciting to see what has changed and what has not. Though I agree that it can also be nerve-wracking. Seeing how things have changed and then being thrown into the mix can feel a little scary, but I do agree that the adjustment is all a part of growing up.

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