ASExchange BLR-2025(정승우)

I was very excited because it was my first time visiting India.

I traveled to Bengaluru via a layover in Singapore.

Although the journey was long, I enjoyed the delicious food and beautiful scenery along the way. My schedule began the day after I arrived in Bengaluru, and it was a time to get close to friends from all over Asia. Also, Indian university students came and sang for us, and the songs were really pleasant to listen to.

The next day, we visited St. Joseph College. Although the bus arrived late, it was a meaningful time as I talked and danced with several friends during that time. From that day on, I started getting closer to them by sharing snacks at the accommodation.

On Sunday, we went to the church for Mass, and on Monday, we had a cultural exchange session. It was a very meaningful time where we ate snacks that are difficult to experience in Korea and learned about the country's culture and traditions. Afterwards, we held a talent show, and I felt rewarded for my preparation because the reaction seemed best when I performed "Gangnam Style." On Tuesday, we toured downtown Bengaluru to experience India. I liked this day the most because, unlike when meetings or presentations where students from different countries were stuck together, this day allowed me to mingle with friends from other nations and have a new experience. While it was nice to visit many places like Church Street and Commercial Street and eat delicious food, I think the best part was being with various friends and getting closer to them in the Lord.

The day I went to Mysore was my last day, and I had so much fun all day long. I visited many places, including palaces, temples, and cathedrals, and spent a great day with my friends. At night, we spent our last moments together before heading back. Despite the short duration of just a week, it was wonderful to be able to create memories as if we had known each other for a long time. With a sense of regret as we said goodbye to one another, my precious time in India came to an end.

At first, I was quite flustered because it was just a lecture, but I was able to learn about the situations Catholicism faces in various countries and the difficulties experienced in nations where Catholicism is a minority. Without this IYCS event, I would not have known the situation of YCS around the world or how it operates, nor would I have been able to meet my friends. I was happy to meet diverse people, share my faith, and have a good time, and I hope to meet my friends again at WYD.