And now I wish to explore...

While scanning a travel book I read a beautiful quote worth sharing, ‘We do not take trips, trips take us...’ And as you must have guessed I am going to spill few things about travelling.

I love travelling, who doesn’t? We all do. But just while talking to a friend about our professional journey, I once again realised how my perspective of travel has changed. I have been thinking about this from a really long time and today thought of officially sharing it.

For many, travelling is going to the best travel agent and getting an excellent package of an exotic location. Lot of people like to travel in luxurious modes of transports and scanning the tourist spot by travelling in an AC car. Eating food at fine dining restaurants and visiting spots which are planned by their agent, and at the end they happily return to their respective burrows.

Just like everyone even I have done this. But I have deeply realised that more than an AC car I prefer to travel by the city’s local mode of transport and sense the new place. Eating at a Five star restaurant is fine once in a while, but to know the actual flavour of the city I am more than willing to explore the dhabbas and street joints of that particular place. I can’t say I have been to a place by just visiting the tourist spots over there. Rather than spending my time in this, I would prefer to ‘feel the city’.

I can say I have explored a city if I visit at least one house and family of that exciting place and know what exactly their lifestyle is. I would prefer visiting a local school and meet those tiny ones with sparkling eyes and enjoy the beauty of that place. Attending a traditional wedding or any festival will be more happening than visiting a national park where I see are just few wild goats.  

How many are actually lucky enough to do this? I guess most of us have seen these events in a travel show, or in a movie. But when it comes to reality we prefer making our trips luxurious and safe. No, am not against enjoying our trips lavishly, even I prefer it that way. But many a times we fail to add a pinch of adventure and real fun to our trips. Hope next time I plan my vacation, I don’t want to just visit it, but I would like to explore it. And I hope... this happens very soon.

P.S- I have developed this new perspective thanks to my profession. Though super hectic, being a Journalist is sheer fun. And in a way it has liberated me. 

Touch of innocence in local trains

Travelling in a local train is no child’s play. It’s more of a war, for most of them. Too many strangers, fights, abuses but there is an equally beautiful side to this journey. You make friends, you laugh, some strangers acts like Angels and at times someone rubs of their positive energies. Similarly I encountered a very heart touching moment today J :-*

When it comes to travelling am a pakka Mumbaikar, I just love local trains. I completely enjoy the hustle-bustle, the chaos while commuting but at the same time I am very clear, I can’t travel aggressively. In the last few months I have been privileged to travel smoothly in the locals making my journey easy but relatively dull. But from past few days my experience is completely different.

From last one week I am boarding few overly crowded trains where at the end of the journey I feel extremely exhausted. Just like previous Saturday, even today after my lectures got over I boarded a train which was jam packed. Before getting in I was little hesitant yet I gathered the courage to get in, as I thought even the other trains will be equally filled. Somehow I pushed myself little inside and still wasn’t too happy with my decision of boarding this particular train. Too many women and girls were struggling to get in and out of the so called life-line of Mumbai. Some were screaming, few were cribbing and few others were helpful and exchanged warm smiles and words.

I was settling down little bit and had reached almost half way and I saw a young girl, must be hardly 18-19, with tears rolling down her cheeks. I got a little worried... I thought either she is sick or by mistake got hit by someone in the train. She came exactly next to me so asked her, “Hey what’s wrong?” very naively she replied, “It’s so crowded. I am too scared. Which side is Mulund?” She continued sobbing (:-D) And I went... Awwww. She is sooo cute and innocent.

I tried to guide her, helped her and in my own way did my level best to console her. There was one more young girl who was about to get down at same station. Even she was equally sweet and was more than willing to help this poor fellow. By this time even the cute girl had mellowed down and was little relaxed. Few minutes passed by, she went little ahead. Now I was unable to see her. Just before her destination arrived, I thought of having a look of her. And between the crowd of all those heads, hairs and bags I managed to see her. Luckily at the same time even she looked at me (sorry, this may sound little filmy and romantic, but it’s not like that) and gave me a pleasant smile and said, “Thank you”. We kind of bid good bye to each other and she got down. I didn’t see her getting off but I hope she reached her home safely.

After sometime, this entire situation flashed in front of my eyes and this time I had tears in my eyes. No I was not sad, rather was touched by the innocence and delicacy of the pretty young girl. Somewhere I was able to see a part of me in her. But am so proud of myself, I never cried because the trains were over crowded. (I deserve a pat on my back :-P :-D). But this vulnerable girl did, and I liked her for the same reason.

I am so very happy to meet such a pure and sweet soul. Got rubbed off by her purity and innocence. Muuaaaah sweetie pie... hope you stay like this always. God bless you sweetheart J

P.S- Had posted this on 9th August, 2014. Due to few errors posting it again :)