Not that something dreaded had happened in the last few months in this much talked about industry; yet i feel i have lost me in the whole rat run. So this break was all the more wanted for the welfare of this soul within me. And God bless dad and harini who got this whole thing together.
A trip to Goa left my mouth watering; tough call though. So there we set out on Saturday mid afternoon on our journey to heaven and back. First point of touch down was Mahabaleshwar. But my thoughts went racing the minute i realised that it took us close to two solid hours to get out of the dull groan and hush of the city they call mumbai. I realised the wide spread of the mondane city life that has left most of us wanting for some fresh air. When we finally did get out I had to thank the stars; for every moment was worth it.
We touched base on heaven at close to sunset and the chill getting down our nerves was a fresh welcome. It reminded me loads of days spent in Kodai when in college. Those were times and i was getting them back for once. Had a little trouble switching from one hotel to another , till we finally found our abode; a duplex in the heart of the town; at the life of the market place. Perfect.!
After a quick shower we went for a walk; getting lost amidst the crouwd that had managed to gather itself in the market. Bouy! the head count was awesome, with people in all age groups flocking the petty shops and with a common intention of living the them they would normally not be back home. College kids buying junk jewelery, fresh honey moon couples sharing quiet secretive laughs and walking hand in hand, kids scrouting ahead of their parents looking for their best buy. It was a show of myriad colours, sounds and sights.
Personally i was caught by the sheer overflow of emotions in that small area. A long stretch of pathway trampled by people with worries of their own, troubles of their own, traumas to worry about; yet walking that way like they were the kings and princesses.
We did our part of shopping for things we would not have thought of owning otherwise. Shoes, sweaters, junk, artefacts, nuts and weird fruits; we got them all. Got into bed, tired and filled with anticipations for the day ahead. And it turned out to be worth the wait, with our guide for the day being a perfect sport. He took us to this lake with three rivers confluencing at one point. The ferry ride to the cave temple on one of the islands was a great trip. So was the water scooter ride; what if the guy sitting behind me held all controls? The feel of the cool lake wind blowing on my face was worth every strain. For starters, these guys have a knack of taking ya midway and demanding more money for an extended ride. Remember what drives ya and decide accordingly. We decided to shell the extra crap out for the ride to the edge of the lake, and i felt it was worth it(the one who earned it obviously thought it was a waste. What say?) But the young bloods had a rocking time.
Then there was the trip to the temple; with the origin of 5 rivers. Man it was awesome. Reminds me of the rich cultural heritage our country has; despite the pitfalls at every corner that every proud indian very readily points out.
The second day in the cool hillstation was our trip out. On our way out though we did the first plateau of my life. Panchgani Table top was worth every kick we got in the horse ride, every morsel of breakfast we had missed to be there. At first sight, the deccan had given the impression of an immigrant, dull and lost in hunger; hunger for the greenery of our good old western ghats that i was so accustomed to. But after that walk in Panchgani, I seemed to have developed a respect for these massive structures; living through rain and storm, unaffected by the cruelities of time.
They had to be respected for sure. The horse ride across the breadth of the plateau gave something that no new travel invention could have given. The honesty and innocence in the whole experience caught me the most.
To add up to the innocence was the great breakfast we had in the cave restaurant; amidst all the red rocks and the trailing monkeys. That bread omlette could let many other five star breakfasts for the run. We were also blessed by the mongoose(another first in the list of firsts!) and the man of hope in the world of mentally impaireds. Our adventure halted next at the paragliding terrain where a bunch of foreigners gave a ride off the cliff to the heavy hearted. Was very tempted to shell those extra bucks for a rush of adrenaline, but better sense eventually prevailed. Those guys must be having a ride of their lives. I will do it one day. I know i will.
Our trip down the hill, to other locations, was as expected a sad journey, of me wishing I dint have to ever go back.
But it is this love for far off things that keeps us going back right?
So does it for me and I keep going.
