My India adventure: more than a work trip. Photography and inspiration found in chaos, beauty, and the kindness of its people

The chance to travel to India, a place that had always held a certain mystique for me, arrived unexpectedly in the form of a work trip. Beyond the historical tidbits I remembered from school about Portugal's accidental discovery of Brazil while searching for a new route to India, I was drawn to its reputation as a culturally rich and visually stunning destination. And let's be honest, the sheer distance from both my current home in the US and my native Brazil added to the allure – this would be the furthest I'd ever journeyed.

My adventure began in Delhi, a city that immediately throws you into a whirlwind of contrasts. The air, thick with a smog that veiled the city in an almost permanent haze, made outdoor exploration a challenge. Yet, beneath this veil, Delhi revealed a familiar juxtaposition of gleaming development alongside areas untouched by progress, a scene reminiscent of Brazil in some ways. What set Delhi apart, however, was the sheer density of humanity and the utterly chaotic traffic. Imagine a constant symphony of honking horns and a driving style best described as "creatively assertive." My most memorable taxi ride involved a missed highway exit, a casual U-turn, and a brief but heart-stopping stint driving against traffic, Jason Bourne-style. Let's just say I had a newfound appreciation for seatbelts.

Bangalore, my next stop, offered a welcome respite. The weather was perfect – think comfortable short-sleeve temperatures – and the city, while vast, had a different energy. The brand-new airport, a stunning example of modern architecture, hinted at the city's forward-thinking spirit. My generous colleagues, all incredibly talented designers, took it upon themselves to show me the ropes, introducing me to the vibrant energy of Church Street and Commercial Street, great places for some street photography. These journeys, however, reinforced one undeniable truth about India: traffic is utterly unpredictable. An 8km trip could take 20 minutes or stretch into a 1h and 20 minute odyssey, depending entirely on the whims of the traffic gods.

Beyond the cityscapes, my interactions with local designers left a lasting impression. The Indian design scene is not just vibrant; it's pushing boundaries. Apps like Flipkart, Blinkit, and Swiggy to name a few, plus the local digital payment system called UPI offer seamless and innovative user experiences that are, in many ways, ahead of what we see in the US. Blinkit's promise of under-10-minute delivery for virtually anything is mind-boggling (and perhaps a contributing factor to the traffic!).

After ten days immersed in this incredible country, I returned home, my mind buzzing with memories and my camera full of snapshots. While the comfort of home was welcome, India ignited a renewed appreciation for the sheer diversity of our world and the incredible people who inhabit it. It's a powerful reminder that beneath the surface of cultural differences, we're all connected, part of one global family.

Photography, more to come