In December 2023, I traveled through Rajasthan in India for three weeks with a very good friend of mine. We are both hobby photographers and love to explore new places.

At first, we wanted to travel everywhere by train. We thought it would be cheap, local, and adventurous. In the end, we changed our plan—and that was the best decision ever. We booked a driver named Tabul.

Tabul was an amazing driver and a great guide. But more than that, he was a really kind and warm person. During the trip, he became more like a friend than a driver. Even now, we stay in touch on WhatsApp, and I truly hope to see him again one day.

We visited many beautiful cities, including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Pushkar, Bikaner, Agra, and Delhi. Each city was different and full of color, history, and life.

Sometimes, Tabul took us to very rural villages. These places almost never see tourists. When we arrived, everyone was curious and smiling.

My friend is very tall and blond, so people looked at him like he was from another planet. They laughed, smiled, and even wanted to touch him. I had a different experience—many people told me I looked Indian or Pakistani, so I blended in more easily.

For me, these rural villages were the highlight of the trip. That is where you can feel the real India—simple, honest, and full of heart.

At the end of our trip, Tabul invited us to his house in Delhi. We spent a very lovely evening with him and his family. It was warm, friendly, and one of the best ways to end our journey.

This journey was special not only for photography, but also for life. I learned a lot and will never forget it. I hope to return to India soon and, of course, to see Tabul again.