Arriving in that exotic country, we saw many things that changed our perspective on the world. I remember thinking to myself that this was my reality check for the way I saw the world in my own consciousness. We encountered poverty, which the people obviously overcame with such grace and kindness that respected me greatly. This was the first thing that made me realize this was a nation very different from us, yet close, possessing the same internal strength as ours. We were welcomed with hospitality and respect that made us feel a part of something. I felt a part of the country we were in, not just a visitor. I felt the country a part of me, something that was binding with my soul. When a couple of years ago another team from my school traveled to India, we asked them to explain how they felt as they came back. They said: “…It was wonderful. So different, unfathomable, you have to feel it for yourself. It’s a kind of magic”.

After the first couple of days in India I felt that I understood what they meant. It’s the presence of this country…the colors, aromas, flavors, sounds, the country captivates your every sense. It captivated mine.

I’ve never cried from regret in my whole life, I’ve never lamented the loss of anything. But I cried when we were leaving India, I cried because I knew that a part of me was going to stay there. A part of my soul is always going to be in India, just like India is a part of my soul here.

There are some things that make you feel like your life is really worth living it, like you’ve found your place, your purpose, your home. Never did a city seemed so vibrant; never did people look so full of life, so mystique. I’m coming back next year.

At Quanta 2006 we were invited as special quests. Now we already knew how to proceed in our preparation and did not indulge in preparation for all events, but just for the ones where we felt strong. Everyone was very enthusiastic. Our team included 3 girls: Kalina Noeva, 11 grade - for debates, mental quiz science competition; Julia Kostadinova, 11 grade – collage and Victoria Krumova, 9 grade – science competition. This time we competed with about 80 teams from nearly 30 countries of the world. And we were victorious. Kalina won 3rd prize in debates and Julia – 2nd prize for collage. Both were dedicated to topics on ecological themes.

Both our trips to India were travels towards the heart of friendship.

After the long flights we arrived in Delhi where we were met in a very ceremonial way at the airport. Everything was very well organized. There were special teachers and students from the CMS, who welcomed us and took care of us – showed us the city of Delhi, put us on the train to Lucknow and all the time took care and escorted us. When we arrived in Lucknow, there was a special welcome ceremony with people from the school and lots of journalists. The arrival at the campus of CMS was a moment, which no one of us will ever forget. All the Indian peculiarities to welcome dear guests were there – leaves of flowers thrown above our heads, special red dots on our foreheads, traditional things to taste on entering the venue. And a lot of teachers and students dressed in beautiful costumes. The little girls and boys surrounded us, greeted us and tried to touch us for “hello”. We were amazed by the grandeur of the opening ceremony in the evening. We had seen such things only at the opening of Olympic games. Parade of the participating teams, dances, speeches…

The campus was spectacular. Enormous buildings in European style, thousands of students – the school has the Guinnes award for the biggest number of students (30000 students in several campuses in several Indian cities). It was founded in the year of 1959 by Mr. and Mrs Jagdish Gandhi, who started it with only 5 students.

When the competitions began, everyone was nervous - hard work and competitive spirit. There was not a minute to rest. Nevertheless the students found time and good will to communicate and make friends. We were always surrounded by a group, which wanted to make pictures with us. Our girls were interviewed by lots of journalists. We felt very special and loved.

The hosts had made an extensive cultural program for us – visit to historical sites and receptions at another campuses. We participated in the Astronomy school as well. After the days of hard competitions and making bonds with friends from all over the world there was the sad day of parting. Lots of tears, hugs and promises to meet again. In low mood we started our way back home. Yet there was something more to amaze us – the visit to the breathtaking Tadj Mahal in Agra. We felt speechless in front of that grand monument of love and dedication, of art and artistic crafts. Our spirit was rejoicing the beauty of the Indian masterpiece. We came home bringing with us many memories from the friendly Indian people – our hosts became our dear friends. We loved everything we came to be in touch with – the modest and at the same time dignified people, the tasty food, the beautiful nature. We saw that behind the poverty of the material there is the richness of the spiritual. This is why India acts on people like magic. We also felt this and we are happy to have been invited to Quanta.