Namastey India!

Hey everyone! Today has been a total whirlwind! I'm so wiped out from our long flight and those crazy immigration lines in Chennai, but guess what? We finally made it to Manjakkudi, and let me tell you, it's been an adventure from start to finish!

Okay, rewind to this morning. We stumbled off the plane in Chennai after what felt like forever. I swear, those lines at immigration were longer than a giraffe's neck! By the time we checked into our hotel around 3 in the morning, I was ready to crash like a meteor hitting Earth—BOOM! I think I was asleep before my head even hit the pillow!

But here's the twist: in my half-asleep stupor, I had to find a roommate. Enter Varun, my partner in crime for this trip. It's amazing how you can bond with someone over being totally exhausted, right? We laughed about how we both looked like zombies and instantly hit it off. I guess tiredness brings people together!

After a breakfast that I devoured faster than you can say "hungry," we hit the road for Manjakkudi. And let me tell you, as soon as we arrived, it was like stepping into a whole new world. The village is surrounded by lush greenery and has this peaceful vibe that instantly calms you down. It's like living in a storybook!

The best part? The locals greeted us with the most amazing food, all homemade right here in the village. I couldn't stop wondering where they got all those fresh ingredients. Maybe they have secret gardens hidden behind their houses or something! I love imagining stuff like that—it makes everything seem more magical.

While munching on the most delicious idlis I've ever tasted (seriously, they were like fluffy clouds of yumminess), I looked around and soaked in the atmosphere. The village has this warm, welcoming vibe that makes you feel like part of their family right away. It's like they've known us forever, even though we just arrived!

Today, I learned something really cool: smiles are like magic here. The villagers welcomed us with big, genuine smiles that made us forget how tired we were. It's true what they say—smiles can speak louder than words, especially when you're in a new place where you don't know the language very well.

Now, I'm about to crash for the night, feeling super proud of making it through such a crazy day. Tomorrow, I can't wait to see what new adventures await us in Manjakkudi. I'm sure there'll be more delicious food to try, more smiles to share, and who knows what else!

Here is a pic from the Airport. Pretty nice one actually.

Stay tuned for more updates as I explore this amazing village and share more stories from our volunteering adventure. Thanks for following along with me on this journey. Good night, everyone—dream big and see you tomorrow!