For anyone who has returned or is returning to Israel, whether because of coronavirus or not
The moment the plane’s wheels touched down in Delhi, I was as excited as a little girl. India had been a dream of mine for years, though I never knew why, and the moment I arrived, I felt I’d come home. I’ve traveled a lot, but I’d never been to a country that taught me so much and changed my life in such a short time. The first lessons India taught me:
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Connect with nature and be a little girl again, laughing as I jump in the mud.
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Connect with myself and realize that everything I’m looking for outside myself is already within me—happiness, peace, connection, love.
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Stop chasing and just be in the moment.
After two incredible months in the Himalayas, mainly in Parvati Valley, Manali and Vashisht, a return flight booked in advance brought me back to Israel. Once the initial excitement of seeing family and friends wore off, I found myself lost, disconnected and restless, constantly missing India—the nature, the simplicity, and even things I never thought I’d miss, like the guesthouse blankets that never get washed, bucket showers, and long, crazy journeys (I traveled alone on local buses from Manali to Leh and back). My heart and soul were crying out to return to India, and no one could understand why I loved it so much or what it had that I couldn’t find in Israel. How do you explain the magic of Mama India to someone who’s never been?
"Going back to India after a long trip, with hardly any money, made no sense. But I couldn’t ignore what I’d experienced and return to the rat race and my old life. I had to go back; I couldn’t see any other way. After less than 3 months in Israel—with plenty of fear but even more excitement, and no idea what would happen, only knowing I was truly following my heart—I boarded a plane to Delhi, this time without a return ticket to Israel."
I’m writing this post in isolation in Israel after a second trip to India that lasted 5 months. Like many travelers, I came back earlier than planned because of coronavirus. But unlike last time, when all I could think about was returning to the magic of Mama India, this time is different. This time I felt emotionally ready to return, and the thought of coming home excited me. As much as I love India, I realized that if flights were grounded, there was nowhere I’d rather be than back in Israel, at home with my family.
Fear of catching coronavirus wasn’t what brought me back to Israel. I’d been sick plenty of times in India, alone in public hospitals in remote places where no one spoke English. I always managed somehow, and that wasn’t what scared me. But it did make me pause and think—if being in a hospital there is unpleasant (to put it mildly) under normal circumstances, what would happen if coronavirus spread? I’m not saying things would be better in Israel or that they’d know how to handle whatever happened. But at least here I can feel reassured that if something happens to me, I have my family, I speak the language, and the hospitals have standards of cleanliness and sterility.
So how do you go from India’s complete freedom to isolation and lockdown at home?
Coming home unprepared can be challenging and hard. The good news is that it all depends on how you look at it. Personally, I choose to see these two weeks as a gift—a chance to come home from my trip, spend time with myself, and process everything. I start each morning with breathing exercises and a smile. I use the time to find my center again and do what I love. I’m grateful for everything I experienced, all the lessons, and returning safely to my family in Israel. I read books and meditate. I write a lot and reflect on my journey. I play Indian music in my room and dance like a little girl without a care in the world. Knowing that India will always be there and I can return is comforting, and I have no doubt that Mama India and I will meet many more times.
P.S. I feel I’ve come back with so much peace of mind and positive energy, and I want to share it. I know what it’s like to return from India, both by choice and when you have no choice and aren’t ready. Gratitude and positive thinking help me enormously, especially in difficult moments. Every morning when I wake up, I write down and say aloud 3 things I’m grateful for in my life. Every night before bed, I write down and say aloud 3 good things that happened to me that day—I recommend giving it a try!
Share in the comments your biggest challenge when returning to Israel so I can offer more relevant tips and tools! If you need to talk, vent, or just have a quick encouraging chat, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to help. We’re in this together, we’ll get through this together, and we’ll come out stronger!