“Hi!” followed by nonstop chatter….. and then a final goodbye. My experience at the IDYE (Inter-District Youth Exchange) 2018 to R.I.D 3080 was something just like this. It all began with, “Congratulations Parth, we are giving you the opportunity to represent District 3141 to Inter District Youth Exchange at Chandigarh District 3080”, which was totally unexpected.

 

The movie “INTO THE WILD” had made me realize that travel tales are aptly spiced when explored with a bunch of strangers. With me were 3 other people selected -Rtr.Asra Khan, Rtr.Leroi Lobo and Rtr.Dimple Tanwar, all 3 from different rotaract clubs. From having serious talks about life to some senseless conversations, from playing games and disturbing the entire coach, to getting down at a station and then getting stuck in a wrong coach, the train journey was one of its kind.

 

After 27hrs of long journey, finally, we made it to Chandigarh. From there we were escorted to the Rotary Centre for the official welcoming by the district 3080. Various icebreaker games and group activites were arranged so as to ensure a better bonding between the other incomings from New Delhi (RID 3011) and Coimbatore (RID 3201).

 

After the session, we were taken to our respective accommodation sites by our host clubs. The team from Mumbai was hosted by the Rotaract Club of UIET. We had our stay arranged at the Hostel, so as to get the opportunity to experience the hostel life of Chandigarh. The host club tried their best to arrange as much facilities as they could and ensured that we had a homely stay.

 

Next morning, we had the typical North Indian USP- the very famous Aloo Paratha  for the breakfast. We were taken to the very famous Nek Chand’s ROCK GARDEN, by the Rotaract club of DAV and SD Colleges. It was again a delighting experience to see some creative stuff made out of junk or recycled material. Evening was the most awaited time of the entire exchange- THE WINTERBALL.

 

Boys and girls dressed in tuxedos and beautiful gowns were up with their best foot forward on the dance floor. Masquerades given to everyone was definitely a highlight. One could definitely get a glimpse of Chandigarh’s nightlife. Waking up the next day with aching feet, but an excitement of how the last day would be, made us forget all of that pain.

 

The next place to be visited was the very famous Gurudwara  of Chandigarh- Nada Sahib. I always wanted to eat food in Gurudwara’s Langar, which was also one of the things I wanted to tick off my bucket list. This trip helped me do so. In the evening, we were driven to Sukhna Lake for letterhead exchanges, wherein every rotaract club exchanged their letter heads with the incomings and promised to be in touch, to conduct joint ventures and to support each other’s clubs.

 

Post which we were taken to Sector 22 market for some local shopping. The dinner was arranged at one of the host’s house- Rtr.Konika Shastri. That was probably the last time all the incomings interacted with each other and really had some quality time together. The next morning was the time to bid farewell and depart for our homes. All in all, despite few bitter sweet experiences, it was a trip that I wouldn’t ever forget throughout my life. All the hosting clubs were really welcoming and friendly. Never was that moment when I felt that I’m with some stranger.

 

I could freely talk to everyone without any hesitation or inferiority feeling . Despite being at such high posts, people were really grounded and humble. I would definitely suggest everyone to go out and attend such exchanges and not to miss such wonderful platforms.

 

Confidence, independence, and becoming who I really am, are the 3 aspects I have noticed myself really grow in after this IDYE! I have become a lot more open to new experiences and to a world outside my comfort zone. I have had a great experience, and I am looking forward to what comes next. More fun filled times, more excitement, and more challenges. BRING IT ON!