Biega Beyond Borders

After 23 hours of travel, countless airport terminals, and three flights, I finally made it to India.

My journey took me from Pittsburgh to Boston, Boston to Paris, and finally Paris to Delhi. While the long hours in transit could have felt exhausting, there was one moment that made the trip feel much shorter.

In Paris, I reunited with 14 of the 19 incredible educators in my Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms cohort. After months apart, it was exciting to see familiar faces again, swap travel stories, and feed off one another’s energy. The anticipation of what lay ahead was contagious, and suddenly the final leg of the journey didn’t seem nearly as long.

We landed in Delhi around 10:30 p.m., but the city showed no signs of slowing down. Even late at night, the temperature hovered around 90°F, and the streets were alive with bustling traffic, glowing lights, and an unmistakable energy. It was my first glimpse of India, and it was immediately captivating.

Our group then made the short trip to The Imperial Hotel in New Delhi, where we were welcomed with incredible hospitality. Upon arrival, each of us received a traditional tilak on our forehead—a beautiful gesture of welcome and good fortune—followed by a refreshing toast of freshly squeezed juice. It was a warm introduction to a country known for its generosity and rich traditions.

After nearly a full day of traveling, I was certainly ready for some rest. But as I settled into my room, I couldn’t help but reflect on everything that had already happened. The journey itself had been an adventure, and I knew it was only the beginning.

Tomorrow, the real adventure begins.