The Journey

Varanasi: Where I Got Schooled by the Ganges

First stop: Varanasi, the city that’s been vibing since the dawn of time. This place is like a spiritual Red Bull —intense, chaotic, and unforgettable. I wandered the ghats along the Ganges, watching devotees pray at sunrise while bells and incense filled the air. It was like stepping into a cosmic music video. Dodging a cow in a narrow alley, I thought, “This is nuts, but I’m here for it.” Varanasi’s raw energy forced me to wrestle with life’s big questions—like why my hotel’s Wi-Fi was basically a myth.

One photo captures it perfectly: me, cross-legged by the Ganges at dawn, lost in the mist and my thoughts. That moment was pure magic. It felt like the river was whispering universal secrets, teaching me that life and death are just tracks on the same playlist.

Rishikesh: Where I Tried Yoga and Failed (Sort Of)

Next, I headed to Rishikesh, the yoga mecca in the Himalayan foothills. If Varanasi was a wake-up call, Rishikesh was a full-on zen retreat. I dove into yoga classes, tried meditation, and definitely mangled some Sanskrit chants. “I thought I was chill, but Rishikesh showed me true zen,” I chuckled, rubbing my sore hamstrings. The serene Ganges and lush mountains were the perfect vibe for soul-searching.

One photo sums it up: me attempting a yoga pose by the river, looking weirdly calm despite my total lack of flexibility. My body was screaming, “Nope,” but my mind was all in. Rishikesh’s ashrams and chill energy helped me unplug from the digital grind and tune into the now, a trick I now use when I’m making music.

Agra: Where the Taj Mahal Gave Me All the Feels

No India trip is complete without the Taj Mahal, and I wasn’t about to skip it. Standing before that marble masterpiece, I was floored by its beauty and the love story behind it. “This isn’t just a building; it’s a whole mood,” I thought, snapping a selfie. The Taj’s symmetry and grandeur got me thinking about the passion in my own work—how my music, like this monument, could leave a mark.

One photo catches me staring up at the Taj’s domes, my face screaming awe and inspiration. It made me wonder what my tracks will say about me years from now. Agra reminded me that great art, whether stone or sound, comes from pouring your heart out.

Jamming with Locals: Music, Laughter, and Pure Joy

I didn’t just sightsee — I connected with India’s people, from village kids to street musicians. In Jaipur, I stumbled on a traditional music performance that blew my mind. The sitar’s twang and tabla’s rhythm were like a cosmic remix. “These guys are shredding the universe,” I marveled. While my electronic tunes don’t scream “Bollywood,” those hypnotic grooves sneaked into my creative soul, adding depth to my beats.

One photo shows me glued to a sitar player’s performance, my face lit up like a kid in a candy store. I also got a crash course in Indian hospitality, sharing meals and laughs with locals. Another image of me cracking up with village kids captures the pure joy of those moments. Those kids had nothing but gave me everything — unfiltered happiness.

Culinary Chaos: Spice, Suffering, and Momos

India’s food scene was a rollercoaster. From buttery naans to fiery curries, I dove in headfirst—until a rogue chili in Chennai nearly launched me into orbit. “I thought I could handle spice, but India said, ‘Hold my masala,’” I groaned, chugging lassi to survive. Still, I fell hard for the flavors, especially Darjeeling’s momos, which I’d eat daily if I could.

One photo shows me grinning over a plate of momos at a street food stall, living my best life. Food in India isn’t just fuel; it’s a story, and every bite taught me to embrace the unexpected—a mindset I now bring to my music.

Navigating the Chaos: Learning to Let Go

India’s not for the faint of heart, especially for a European used to schedules and sidewalks. I faced my share of chaos—honking rickshaws, sweltering heat, and getting lost in Old Delhi’s maze-like streets. “I was clueless, phone dead, sweating buckets,” I recall from one misadventure. But a kind shopkeeper guided me back, turning panic into a heartwarming chat.

Those challenges taught me to roll with the punches. “India’s like, ‘Plan all you want, I’m running the show,’” I laughed. The kindness of strangers and the art of improvisation became lessons I carried home, making me tougher and more open to life’s surprises.

How India Rewired My Soul

Beyond the sights and sounds, India was a masterclass in self-discovery. It forced me to face my limits and ditch my baggage. Meditation became my morning ritual, helping me find clarity in the noise. The diversity of beliefs—Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh—opened my eyes and heart, making me more curious and empathetic.

I learned to cherish the small stuff, like a stranger’s smile or a quiet moment by the river. “India’s chaos somehow makes you feel grounded,” I realized. These lessons reshaped how I live, making me more patient and present.

Back Home: A New Rhythm

When I got back to Slovakia, I wasn’t the same guy. “India rewired how I see the world,” I said, tweaking a track in my studio. My music, still ambient electronica, now hums with a deeper, soulful vibe. Tracks like Celestial Tree or Awakening (Darmos Official Page) feel richer, like they’ve soaked up India’s spiritual pulse.

I’ve kept up the yoga and meditation, starting each day with a moment of calm. “It’s like tuning my mind before my synths,” I quip. India’s diverse cultures also made me want to create music that speaks to everyone, no matter where they’re from.

The Final Note: India’s Endless Echo

My Indian odyssey was more than a trip; it was a journey to the core of what it means to be human. The photos on my website (India Trip Photos) tell the story of a guy transformed by a land of contrasts—chaos and calm, tradition and change. I went looking for inspiration and found a piece of myself.

If you’re itching to follow my path, here’s my advice: go with zero expectations. Let India mess with your head and steal your heart. As I craft new tracks that ripple with introspection, one thing’s clear: India’s rhythm will keep pulsing through my music and soul.