Travelling means different things to different people. For some it’s a passion, for some it’s a hobby, for some it’s a way of life and for some special people its life itself. Some travel to explore the world outside, while some travel to understand the world within. Some for developing a feeling “been there done that” while some for opening new avenues in life.
As much as I talk about travelling, I haven’t done a lot of it myself. But I am hoping to, in the near future, which forms a big part of my new year resolutions! From whatever little travelling I’ve done, I know my actual reason behind wanting to travel. And it’s a lot more than just being photographed in front of a famous monument! I’ve always been intrigued by people and their culture. The best part being that it is almost an inexhaustible resource. Even if you have met a million people, learnt about a trillion cultures there is always more waiting to be discovered! This knowledge gives me a reason to go on my expedition with more vigor!
My first ever memorable trip to the Andaman’s was first in many ways. The first time I got to pick the location, first time I changed the itinerary, first time I met people who left me awestruck, for their passion for travelling was really overwhelming! ‘Backpacking’ is a very cool term. Really! Anyone who tells me “I went backpacking to XYZ place” gets me to applaud their attempt. I know what are the challenges people face when they wanna travel, most of which, prohibit them to do so. Money, society, blah blah forms a formidable barrier. So anyone who crosses this barrier manages to earn my respect!
In Havelock islands, I happened to bump into a passionate traveler from Holland. It took me a while to register what she meant when she said, “I sold my house and every single thing in it before I started globetrotting.”Once it did register I could hear my head reeling. WHAT??? My heart was in my mouth when I learnt that she had bid goodbye to her husband only coz she wanted to travel all around the world. With no security and no one to bank upon, she had set off on a journey, probably to find herself. Being used to my comfort zone, I thought that what she did was completely opposite to everything I ever believed in. You need your comforts, you need your people, you need somewhere to get back to, you need someone to get back too. But there was a part of me who kind of understood her. Most of you reading this would think this an act of sheer stupidity. Think again.
That was the first time it hit me, one can have all the materialistic things and worldly pleasures. But these cannot buy inner peace or help you find your true self. As I continued my conversation with this enigmatic woman, I discovered how uncomplicated her life was. Her entire life was in her backpack. A small “bathroom kit” with an even smaller mirror, few clothes which would soon find their way out to make place for the new ones, a book ,just about enough money and lots of memories. She believed in never having to repent. She danced with the locals under the moon light; she clicked pictures on her i-phone; she found a place on the ship deck without any complaints, when she saw that her seat had already been occupied; she travelled with no expectations; she travelled to live and lived to travel.
I may not remember her face, but I can never forget her spirit.
May this serve as an inspiration to aspiring travelers. May this give you strength to jump the formidable walls and explore the world outside. May this lead you to the road of self discovery. Bon voyage!
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