“Best Decision I Ever Made”: Danish Woman’s Viral Post Celebrates 10 Transformative Months in India

Astrid Esmeralda left behind her comfortable life in Copenhagen and discovered a deeper sense of self, community, and purpose in India. Her Instagram video chronicling the journey is striking a chord online.

April 17, 2025 |From the calm banks of Rishikesh to the beaches of Goa and the bustle of Mumbai, Danish traveller Astrid Esmeralda has spent the last 10 months immersed in the kaleidoscope that is India—and she says it’s been the “best decision” of her life.

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In a now-viral Instagram video, Esmeralda opened up about her spontaneous decision to leave behind her job, apartment, and friends in Copenhagen and embrace the chaos, colour, and culture of India. “I was so bored with the city… it’s only fun in summer. The rest of the time, it feels like we’re all just waiting,” she wrote in her caption.

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From Monotony to Magic

Astrid admitted she had no concrete plan when she left Denmark, but India quickly became more than just a travel destination. She described the journey as a path to adventure, self-discovery, and emotional rebirth.

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“India has opened my eyes to so much. I’ve fallen in love with the country, the people, the culture, and the landscapes,” she said, praising the diversity and warmth she encountered throughout her travels.

From spiritual experiences in Rishikesh to cultural immersion in Mumbai and the laid-back rhythm of Goa, Astrid says she felt a sense of belonging that helped her rediscover dreams, purpose, and inner peace.

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India Changed Me, She Says

Esmeralda also reflected on deeper lessons learned from her time in India:

“India has shown me new sides of myself, awakened my dreams, and given me trust in my journey. It’s also shown me the real effects of karma,” she shared.

Calling her Indian experience “life-changing,” she expressed gratitude for the freedom to travel, live abroad, and grow through new experiences.

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Her Journey Isn’t Over Yet

Though she plans to leave India temporarily for a summer in Europe, Astrid confirmed she’ll be back after the monsoon season, unable to resist the charm that continues to call her back.

Her heartfelt post has garnered thousands of views and reactions. While many praised her adventurous spirit and love for India, a few offered playful realism:

• “Amazing, all the best and please keep coming back to India,” one user commented.
• “Wait till your vacation period in Goa gets over and money runs out… then your grind will start,” joked another.
• “Explore the North-East too—Meghalaya and Sikkim are magical!” suggested a third.

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