This new year, (A little late for the new year news and wishes, but better late than never, Happy new year 2015 folks :); for the news, read on ) I with a few of my colleagues, had a trip to Shimla, Kullu, Manali and Chandigarh.. Well, not exactly Ye Jawani He Deewani types, but similar in few terms.. We had our own adventures, our own fun, our own "I never".. ;), our own fears to overcome and our own secrets to guard. All I can say the vacation was totally worth every amount of effort we put in convincing our parents to let us go on our own risks.
Be it the panic when two of our heroes were left behind at Delhi station, the relief at seeing them safely back in train, FIR for a lost document, miracle of getting back the cell phone left in the traveller and what not... Every day came up with something san sani... literally.. :P Dealing with the snow clad mountains, river rafting,skiing, paragliding seemed to be normal experiences after these, mind you, just relatively normal and totally worth. The beautiful sites around us in Shimla, Kullu Manali were exhilarating, the sort which how much ever you try to keep them in your memory keeps on slipping away owing to lack of grasping everything in the frame. And then the small tiffs on rooms, the pranks, the internal jokes, the real "tiffs", the it-bit adjustments, the mistakes made, misunderstandings, the delicate moments I don't know how to categorize, the instances of all the time spent with each other during the journey and on the stay there form a completely new chapter.
These instances will last forever in our memories.. We have pics, momentoes to remind us of them but there are some things which will be washed away in time. The quiet acceptance of few things that were not practical, some life changing moments, the toning down of expectations, and a few other delicate but strong experiences changed us in a way the humid climate of Mumbai couldn't make us fathom. It is a trip none of us will ever forget. I don't know about others, but it taught me a lot, about myself, about the people around me.
It was difficult for me when I saw my most beloved treasure being shared with others, with them getting a higher lot. I couldn't handle it when I came across a few staunch truths, and a few unexpected lies, but the bone chilling cold gave me the strength. I came back as a slight different person, which changed a lot for me around myself. And this is what created a hunger of travelling in me. It is now that I know why a few of my friends live meagrely, save money, just to travel around the places that catch their fascination.
Its not only about travelling, its about giving yourself a little time, pondering on where the steps you are taking will lead you to. And more importantly, giving yourself a break from the monotonous routine. It helps us to make sure if we are really satisfied, happy doing what we are doing. It gives us time to breathe. The thrill of travelling adds to the experiences, helps us grow as a person. I know people with sole aim in life of roaming around different places, and getting to know the lifestyle of the people there. I envy them for two things, first, they will learn a lot and grow into better beings, and second, they know what they want to do in life.
To zero down on what I want to do in life, I guess, I will have to take up another trip somewhere.. ;) :P But on a serious note, I would like to suggest to everyone out there, to take some time out from your daily schedules and go on small vacations, spend some time with your family and friends. You realise what you are missing when you are no longer able to spend time with them. And by spending time, I mean some quality time. There's no cure better than a good time with your loved ones for the stress that builds up in time. Trust me, it will never fail to risen up your spirits, even if its a normal evening dinner out with them.
I know, I got distracted from the main aim of the article, but chalta he :P Next time on, will try to keep the keys of keyboard on track.. ;) Till then, keep on sending the love, suggestions and criticisms on sharayuchaudhari@gmail.com. Anything you wish to know, share, or tell, just mail it to me. :)
