What Does Travel Mean To You?

 "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes" said Marcel Proust.

The course of life teaches us many things. Doesn't it? And I suppose travel plays a big part in our education. Experiencing new things and seeing new places are veritable ways of knowledge and evolution for many. One gets to see oneself and others in different but honest ways when situated in different ambient conditions.

And this input perhaps helps us, in many levels, to grow. But should we not travel for travel's sake?Should we travel to find our happiness? Should we travel to 'find' ourselves?

There's a surprising number of ways to answer these questions. A businessman might say '' Hey! Look, I've been all over the world. China, Japan, Australia, Saudi Arabia, India, Africa..you name it and I've been there on work and leisure. But I find everything I want in my hometown. I don't see the point of taking the trouble to lug oneself half way across the globe to find happiness when a cuppa with friends & family at home would do it."

A friend of mine asked me "Anu, what is the point of travelling?? Isn't visiting the objective? Air travel, bus travel, sea travel are all a pain. Travelling is the worst part of a vacation! What comfort does anybody find inside a claustrophobic air plane, car or van? "

Another time, a retired couple told me that they're spending all their savings on travel and visiting NGOs in other places. They said it gave them immense happiness and fulfilment in doing a meaningful deed for others. That travel helps them find happiness in others and also in themselves. 

So here was a couple investing all their resources and faculties into something that another found very pointless.For someone, travel is perhaps, a lifestyle statement. For another, it may be a means to make ends meet. So the take away was that, travel, as with most things in life is understood in the context of one's background and experience. Spiritualists, journalists, businessmen, home-makers may all have different understandings of the same thing.

So having said that, my questions to you are:

• What does travel mean to you?
• Should we travel to find our happiness?
• What two places would you recommend to see?

Eagerly awaiting for answers, as it would help me and perhaps other seekers  understand travel and life as such through your experiences. As for me in the present time, travel is a way to escape from routine. It is an exercise to help me broaden my perspectives and a way to increase my level of patience and tolerance. I travel to find happiness. Being stagnant leads to oversight. I've started to appreciate home and its comforts only through travel. Somebody once said "There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way". I find happiness in the journey and in the destination. Two places that I'd recommend are, the Pacific Coast through California and also the Valleys of Kashmir in India.

Let me thank you in advance for participating.

Happy travelling!

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Hyderabad - The City of Nizams

The capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh, this is the 5th largest metropolis in India that has a mishmash of both north and south Indian cultures. The city is more than 400 years old and was once home to the ‘Koh-i-noor’ diamond. One would be able to trace back the origins of many other diamonds such as the ‘Orloff’ & ‘Hope Diamond’ to this city. 

Charminar-Front

It is also nicknamed 'City of Pearls' As you drive through the city, you will see that it has many faces to it. While steeped in deep tradition and history, it is also a hub of information technology, biotechnology, agricultural industries and educational institutions. This is one of those places in India that has not lost its old world charm in the process of embracing new progressive ideologies.

Inside Golkonda

Hyderabad is rich in culture, arts, history, dance and music and has much to offer to tourists and wanderlusts. It is filled with gardens, lakes, museums, forts and bazaars, each of which will have its own story to tell. What is extremely evident is the clear demarcation of the old & the new Hyderabad. The old part of the city has all the historical attractions, temples, mosques & bazaars while the new part such as Banjaara hills, Gachibowli, etc has posh residential areas, malls, pubs, restaurants and IT companies. I for one found it is quite comfortable to blend into both worlds.

We stayed at a nice little hotel in the heart of the city, so commuting between the sight seeing areas was eased out. When I mean eased out, I mean only by way of distance between the places. I must warn you though, that driving through is close to being nightmarish. The place is filled with little ‘gullies’ and also the most erratic drivers I’ve ever seen. A GPS proved very useful and so did asking for directions.

Charminar:

The Charminar

Medina Bazar

It is 400 years old. The area has old Hyderabad written all over it and the Charminar stands tall and proud in the centre. It was built as a memorial to commemorate the death of nearly 4000 people & thereby ‘char’ or four minars for the 4 thousand. It is best to hire a government certified guide to help you absorb the history behind it. Entry into the 2^nd storey is not permitted while from the 1^st storey you will see an ocean of people around the minars shopping for pearls, henna & clothes in the Medina bazaar. You can also see the high court, the Golconda fort and the Falaknuma Palace from here.

Falaknuma Palace:

The palace is just about 5-6kms from the charminar. Built in 1884 by Vikar-ul-Umra and designed by an English architect, the Falaknuma palace once the residence of the Nizams, is now one of the finest 5 star hotels in the country. It is must for all those who want to feel like royalty in present day Hyderabad. Don’t forget to make your reservations well in advance. We didn’t this time, so I’ve another luxurious reason to visit the city again soon.

 Golconda Fort:

It is also known as Golla Konda or ‘Shepherd’s hill’. This hill contains the ruins of what was once a most expansive fort known for its fortitude. We went to see the fort in the evening, so trekking all the way up to the ‘Bala Hisar’ was not possible. We got to see the fort in a different light, very literally. As you enter through the ‘Fateh Darwaza’ you will see people clapping. Do not be surprised. This fort is an engineering marvel that has a perfect acoustical system. A clap in Fateh Darwaza can be heard all the way in Bala Hisar more than a kilometer away. Through the darwaza, on to your left and right you will see mounted cannons, which were once used in the battle against the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. Further inside, you will enter the main area of the fort, open to the sky. This is where the sound and light show takes place. The show elaborates the history of Golkonda through light and audio tracks. It attracts many tourists thirsty for historical information and it also attracts an army of mosquitoes thirsty for all blood types.

Bala Hisar at Golkonda

Hussain Sagar:

The lake was built in 1562, over a tributary of the river Musi. For a long time this man-made lake served as the city’s drinking water source and also met its irrigation requirements. Today the lake is more a tourist attraction. It has the Lumbini garden & amusement park attached to it and also houses the Buddha Poornima project. At the centre of the lake you will see a massive statue of the Buddha drenched in different colored lights. One can hire a boat and alight at the base of the statue to catch a closer glimpse of its beauty. We thoroughly enjoyed the ferry ride and also dinner in a restaurant at the lakeside. From the bank you will see why the road along the lake is called as the ‘Necklace road’

Ramoji Fim City:

Film setting inside Ramoji

This is about 30kms from Hyderabad and houses movie sets that are still used extensively by the Indian Film Industry. It is more than 1500 acres in area of which a small part is occupied by the film city. It consists of settings of airports, train stations, typical Indian villages, temples, churches, streets, etc. The South & North Indian film industries put these to good use. There are also some small rides for kids, shows and good restaurants inside. One particular show caught my fancy. This was a show dedicated to explaining how a movie is made, detailing the importance of all crew members and their dedicated jobs. You may be disappointed if you went in expecting it to be on par with Universal Studios, but you will be happy to see the time, money and dedication that has gone into building the place & to understand its contribution to our entertainment industry.

I am saving the visit to Salar Jung Museum, the Falaknuma Palace and also a daytime trek of the Golkonda fort for my next trip. We enjoyed every bit that the city had to offer, including its infamous dish the ‘Dum Biryani’ and the exquisite ‘Paan’. I am definitely going back for more.

We also got a feel for the new Hyderabad. We drove through Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and found the state there in stark contrast to the old city we had just left. What I felt was, that the city was well equipped with modern progressive ideas, yet at the same time, poised on a strong foundation of culture & tradition. This balance is what that usually goes awry in our attempt to keep up with time & technology. Hyderabad has nailed it.

Inside Charminar

My thoughts at the Charminar & the Golkonda fort were that, we were walking on the same grounds as those Nizams & their queens. The same court where we stood was where poems of Ramdas and others were composed. The walls had witnessed one of the greatest romances of King Quli & Queen Bhagmathi, and had also seen Emperor Aurangzeb march in to claim them as his. Quli decided to build Hyderabad in honor of Queen Hyder Mahal, once Bhagmathi. Such was the exuberance of love then. And such is the marvel of India, a country tested through time and a testimonial for endurance.

Tips for travel in Hyderabad:

• Carry eatables and ample water for your trip, if by road. There are no good rest stops on the way to Hyderabad from Bangalore.
• Have a good navigation system on board. This will prove very useful within the city.
• Carry emergency medicines, a torch light and most importantly, a mosquito repellant at all times.
• Carry shades, an umbrella and a wear a good sun block during the day.
• Hire a cabbie to move within the city. Driving is very erratic and the alleys may confuse you, so a cab may prove very relieving.
• Hire government certified guides to help you soak in all the history, the forts & palaces have to offer.
• Check with museum’s and park’s timings.
• Buses, trains and flights ply between Hyderabad & other metros. Look up the schedule and book well in advance.
• The city has hotels catering to all budgets. Do a little bit of research before booking.
• Hyderabad is filled with good restaurants & cafes. You won’t have trouble finding one to your taste.

Happy Touring!

The Buddha at Hussain sagar

Hussain sagar

Setting of an airport

Hawa mahal at Ramoji

Garden with Japanese Elements

Butterfly Park at Ramoji Film City

Ellora caves setting

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Around The US Consulate, Chennai

I am writing this impromptu, after taking a call from a couple of friends who’re in Chennai for their Visa appointments. They wanted to know what they could see around the US Consulate within a couple of hours before they take their train back to Bangalore. Having spent all my life in Chennai, it is safe to say, I know my way around the place. So if you’re one of those that want to have a quick look at the sights and sounds of the metropolitan city of Chennai, with a time constraint, this might help you.

The US Consulate is located in Anna Salai, named after ‘Anna’, former politician of Tamil Nadu & ‘Salai’ meaning Road. This road is one of the arterial roads connecting many parts of the city and is perhaps also one of the widest, longest & busiest roads in the city. So what are you’re options around Anna Salai?

1. Spencer Plaza, Mount Road

This is the oldest mall in the country. The very concept of mall in India started with the construction of this building. Originally built during the British Raj in 1863, it was reconstructed after a fire accident in 1985 & serves as one of the prominent landmarks of the city. The building has changed a lot with time (for good or bad?? Don’t know) but still many elements of the olden days remain. You have everything from big modern brands to local handicrafts.

2. Poompoohar, Mount Road

This is a State government funded initiative to empower local and rural artisans. You will find many handicrafts and handloom products exclusive to the State of Tamil Nadu and is ideal for some unique gift shopping.

3. Express Avenue, White’s Road

It is the largest mall in the south of India & also boasts of the largest gaming arcade in the south of India. It is promoted by a subsidiary of the Indian Express group. You will find the best of cinemas, the best of restaurants and of course the biggies of retail here. Ideal spot for some retail therapy or maybe a quick movie at Escape, their cinema hall.

4. Sathyam Multiplex, White’s Road

Sathyam cinemas has been around for a quite a while now. Apart from movie screenings, it has Blur- Dedicated to gaming freaks, also has a bowling alley. Magic pot-A day care centre (so mums & babies, alike can have their space) and Ecstasy- A restaurant. There have been times when I’ve spent an entire day in just those 3 or 4 storeys.

5. Amethyst, White’s Road.

This comes diagonally opposite to the parking lot from Sathyam’s and up the road from Express Avenue. I recommend this place to everybody who wants to have a quite time. It is a restaurant cum boutique. I visit this place a lot. It is in the heart of the city, quite inconspicuous from the outside. Inside, it is set in a very contemporary South Indian/Anglo fashion amidst a lot of landscaped greenery. It has great food and a lovely collection of clothes, trinkets and organic spa products.

6. The Marina Beach

This beach runs along the coromandel coast of the Bay of Bengal. The beach starts from Fort St. George in the north all the way to Besant Nagar in the south for a little over 13km, making this the longest beach in India and the 2^nd longest in the world. It’s the perfect getaway on a cool evening. I usually tell people to go closer to the patch near the light house as there are lesser people there compared to the rest of the beach. You can see the Port Trust of Chennai from anywhere in this part of the beach & if you’re lucky you may catch a few a container ships docking. These are turbulent waters that forms the rough patch between the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal, so I DO NOT recommend swimming. Also there are no life guards in any of the beaches in Chennai. The beach is a perfect ending to a long day.

7. Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam

This place is also close to Anna Salai. You will find many unique shops and restaurants here catering to many tastes. You can hop from Calvin Klein to Man Mandir or Kalaniketan that makes traditional saris and south/north Indian dresses. You will find restaurants serving European, Mediterranean, Indian & oriental cuisines here and also some quite little coffee shops. You’re also parallel to Rutland gate, where the German Embassy is located.

8. St. Thomas basilica (or San Thome Church), Mylapore.

It was built first by the Portuguese explorers in the 16^th century and later the British rebuilt it in 1893. It is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the city, located on the same line as the beach.

9. Naturally Auroville, Khader Nawaz Khan Road.

This is a beautiful boutique that needs a special mention. I am positive that anybody that visits this place would come out wearing a smile with or without purchases. Everything you get in here is handmade, right from Home décor to aromas & fragrances and clothes. Its joy just to see all that can be made from natural raw materials.

10. The Madras Music Academy

The Music academy as it is more commonly referred to was inaugurated in the 1920’s. It is a primarily engaged in promoting the Indian art form of Carnatic Music & also the Indian Classical dance of Bharatnatyam. Eminent & upcoming young artistes of both these cultural arts perform in the auditorium of the Music Academy. Every year in the month of December, the Academy holds a music festival called ‘Marghazhi utsav’, for the whole month. Ever since its inception, this festival has been a major tourist attraction and a haven for music patrons. Concert schedules and details are available on their website and I recommend this festival to all those who want to understand the quintessence of Chennai & her culture & traditions.

So here were a few options for the hasty traveler. You can easily cover two of the above mentioned spots in a span of 2-3 hours. The list is not in any particular order based on direction or location. I’ve simply taken the US consulate as the centre point and have listed the sites the way my mind has mapped the area. (Many thanks to Guru for the idea for the post)

Tips for traveling in Chennai:

·        Carry umbrella, shades & sunblock.

·        Wear cotton clothes for a more comfortable time.

·        The language spoken is predominantly Tamil & perhaps a little English, enough to make a tourist get around the city without any trouble.

·        There are boards & directions everywhere written in both Tamil & English. You will make your stay by easily even without knowing Tamil.

·        Chennai has a typical costal weather. For all the delicate darlings, the best time to visit is between September through March. For those who are not fussy about the weather, sun or humidity, the city will welcome you at any time of the year.

·        Be wary of the auto-rickshaws. Regardless of whether you’re a local or from out of the city, they will loot you (meaning: autos are expensive). The autos do not operate on a meter basis, so sharpen your bargaining skills prior to your visit.

·        Hire a cab for a more comfortable & in some cases, perhaps a more economical commute. Have a ‘call-taxi’ number at hand. There are many reliable taxi services available.

·        The public transport system is very good. There are buses & local trains connecting all to parts of the city. The bus & train schedules, routes & frequencies are available on the Metropolitan Transport Corporation limited (Chennai) website {mtcbus.org}

·        DO NOT SWIM in the beaches. The waters are very rough & muddy and there are NO LIFEGUARDS in any of the beaches in Chennai. Be content just getting your feet wet.

·        The beaches, malls & roads are safe. There are cops all around. The beaches are patrolled by the mounted police and do not allow you to enter water before sunrise & after sunset.

So those were just a few things to keep in mind. Travel without expectations or self set boundaries & you will find yourself appreciative of everything that a place has to offer.

We wish you great times ahead!

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My Travel Bucket List

For a lot us, am sure, traveling is a means of exploring ourselves, perhaps in different ambient conditions. If you’re reading this, you’re probably ready to make your own bucket list. The spirit of good a bucket list is in trying to achieve goals, to overcome reservations, to feel completely new over & again, to evolve or to simply have fun. In aiming to achieve such goals, one may require a trek in the Himalayas or perhaps something as simple as quality time with one’s near & dear. I personally feel a bucket list helps put things in perspective. If we are able to achieve even a couple amongst the many things we’ve aimed for, it is still worth all the trouble. Hence I’ve decided to create a small travel destination list in an attempt to be clear of all the places I want to see and experience before I become invalid. I want to feel the universe in motion around me and I want to experience it in these places.

Tsomgo Lake, Natula Pass, Tibet

1.      Tibet.

I want to experience the reverberation of chants in a hilltop monastery, especially in Tibet. I’ve seen some excerpts on the telly, but I yearn to feel it first hand. There seems to be something very mystical and astoundingly simple about it all. I’d like to go there & unlearn everything and begin anew.

2.      Paris, France

I want to spend some time contemplating in Louvre, in front of masterpieces created by some of the world’s geniuses. I want to take in all the details and expressions made by these masters in their works of art and hopefully be inspired to create my own masterpiece sometime.

3.      Kenya, Africa

One of my most ardent wishes is to be able to go on an African safari. See the animals up-close, to feel the heat & dirt stick to me. Want to see the place that still perhaps retains some characteristics to the prehistoric world.

4.      Anchorage, Alaska

They say that the Northern lights, is a phenomenon that has not found the right description in words. Well, I’d like to be one amongst the many who have not been able to describe it.

5.      Orlando, US of A

Disneyworld! For one who has been forever fascinated with animated movies, I bet this is the place to be. Want to see all the theme parks, meet all my animated cartoon friends, terrify myself to passing out at the end of all the rides. I think I’d most definitely feel the universe in motion around me here!

6.      Gangtok, India

North-eastern India is full of lush greenery and boasts of some of the most amazing sights in the world. Much of it is commercialized but still more remains unexplored. I wan to see the sun rise amidst the hills in Gangtok.

Gangtok, Sikkim

7.      Jaipur, India

Jaipur & Udaipur are homes to some of the royals in India. Few of the palaces have been made into hotels and some still have the royals residing in them. This desert state of Rajasthan has very colorful clothes, hospitable people and an exquisite cuisine. Waiting for the royal experience.

8.      Athens, Greece.

Authentic tzatziki and baba ghanoush! That’s perhaps all I want in Greece.

9.      New Zealand.

All of it. Want to see and experience all of New Zealand. Almost everybody I know who visited New Zealand has come back speechless. When I saw the photographs taken there, I sort of understood their loss for words.

Milford Sound

10.  Switzerland

Yup..why not?? Ski and play around in the snow covered alps of Switzerland and experience their famous hospitality, especially through their chocolates & cheese.

Lucerne, Swiss

So then, these are just a few of the many places I want to see. The objective of travel may be many, but we must also learn to travel for travel’s sake. Every thing and every experience that comes with it, is but a by-product of the circumstances around us and also of our understanding of it. This list may seem very usual and perhaps not so ‘out-of-the-box’. Now that is perhaps because I am still endeavoring to explore everything inside it in the first place and am quite sure I have company! Tolstoy said “if you want to be happy, be!” We at Travelendura say “if you want to travel, by golly, travel!”

Happy exploring!

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Great Books To Read While Traveling

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page" - St Augustine.
Books make great traveling companions! I find it very comforting to read while I am traveling alone by train, bus or by air. A long commute magically becomes short and a droning train journey becomes quite colorful. So here is a list of books that you may find worthy of a good read while traveling. While it wouldn’t be possible to write a universal list of books because of the varied languages, tastes & genres available, I’m making a list of books that I have read & liked and I’m hoping you’d like them too.

Please note though, that the books mentioned here may not have much or anything to do with travel. They are however, books about people- real & fictitious, about psychology, spirituality, life and such. I have found that writings, music and every form of art melts all boundaries set by us humans. It enables us to explore worlds different from ours, transports us to higher planes mentally, excites us physically and finally helps us meet ourselves right where we are.

1. The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid.

It’s a gripping tale about a very puzzling man called Changez who narrates to a suspicious American stranger about his American dream & love affair and how he was forced to abandon both. It is set in Lahore and written in impeccable English. It is less than a couple of hundred pages but packed with excitement. It very subtly analyses the state of our world today and brings in a stark comparison of life in the East & the West. The story is written in a monologue and the irony with which it ends is simply ineffable.

2. The Immortals of Meluha by Amish Tripathi.

It is the 1^st of the Shiva trilogy series by Amish. The story is set in the land of Meluha in 1900 B.C. It claims to use original archeological data borrowed for purpose of fiction. It chronicles the journey of Shiva, a Tibetan tribal who is believed to be the Neelkanth, the savior of the Meluhans and how he joins the Meluhan army to defeat the Chandravanshis & the Nagas.  You will come across familiar names from the Hindu mythology like Ganesha, Sati, Nandi and how they meet Shiva to help him in his endeavour.

3. The Secret of The Nagas by Amish Tripathi

It is the second book of the Shiva Trilogy. It picks up from where Shiva is trying to save Sati from a Naga attack. He wishes to put an end to the disturbances caused by the Nagas and so travels to Branga where he learns their true secrets & identities. He learns of Sati’s secret past and comes head on with the Nagas in their capital. There is a character in this book called ‘Bappiraj’ whose profile I found very similar to a Bollywood music director!!! Don’t know if anybody noticed! Reveals the humorous side of Amish I guess. On the whole, both the books are a must-read!

4. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff….and it’s all Small Stuff by Richard Carlson.

It is a very simple book and uses equally simple English. Almost all of us want to lead calm, peaceful, stress-free lives. So, this book talks about how one can stop letting the really tiny little things in life drive you insane. It helps you put things in perspective and is not so preachy like many books of this category are. It’s very thoughtful & encouraging and has titles like “Mind your own business” & “Wherever you go, there you are”. I felt it had stuff to think of while traveling. Maybe introspect even.

5. Lincoln, The Unknown by Dale Breckenridge Carnegie.

It is a biography of Abraham Lincoln. It is a beautiful book that gives us an insight into the world of a very reserved Lincoln and his journey from being a farm boy to becoming one of the most unforgettable presidents of the United States of America. You will weep with him, you will read with him, you will become president with him and you will be with him when that bullet hits him at theater in the end.

6. Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahamsa Yogananda.

It is one of my favorites. It fundamentally talks about self-realization and self-mastery with scientific transparency. He narrates his life, his own spiritual journey and his encounters with many evolved masters. For me, it felt too good to believe. I felt like a little girl awestruck by the concept of magic & illusions. But I also felt that much in life is understood within the context of one’s own experiences. Thereby, even belief is questioned today.  It is one of those things that has many explanations attached to it and still remains ineffable.

7. The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck.

For those of you who first thought this was about travel, am sorry, it is not. It is about a different kind of journey altogether. It was first published in 1978 and perhaps Peck is best known for this book. It is an account of the elements that make for a contented human being, based on his experiences as a psychiatrist and largely as a person. He discusses many of his cases and details about discipline, the nature of love and grace. I found it very revealing & it has helped me understand human behavior & why we are what we are.

So here were just a few books for the list. And I’m not claiming that it has all the elements of a good review. But I am sincerely hoping that many of you out there would consider giving it a read through and that it makes your travel more enjoyable & enlightening. Often times, travel provides many revelations and what better way to stimulate our thoughts than books??

Happy reading! And Happy Journey!!

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Why Do We Travel?

This entry serves as an extension of thoughts from a previous post by Guru ‘Why Travel Gyaan?’ The question ‘Why do we travel?’ am sure, has entered the minds of many travelers. Am also sure that most of us have some sort of an answer to it. After having read through a few people’s experiences, I came to observe that for most, the answer was more emotional or spiritual while for some others, the aim was purely, to have fun. And then, there were the ones that wanted to endure, to test themselves. Ergo, It is difficult to categorize and quite impossible to come to a single conclusion. So, the question is still open.

Why do I want to Travel?

1. To Dare Myself

Not in a ‘Man Vs Wild’ sort of way, but in much saner methods. To perhaps ‘go’ behind a bush or snorkel with baby sharks around you, in Langkawi. To trek in the valleys of Kashmir where little stones rolling under your feet threaten to send you sliding down to the bottom or try hard to stay afloat in the sea after getting thrown out of a high-speed water ride (F.Y.I. Don’t know how to swim). When you’re pitted against such circumstances, well out of your comfort zone, you truly understand what you’re made of.

2. To Experience New Things

Like a cup of ‘qahwah’ or saffron tea as they make in Kashmir. It is not just the tea, but the houseboat, the sunrise, the shikaras et al, which enriches the experience. One cant get that back home in the South of India with instant tea, drunk from a coffee mug & a newspaper in hand. To pet scorpions in Singapore or make eye contact with an elephant on its way to a watering hole in Wayanad, Kerala. Every little thing counts for a big new experience.

3. To (Re)discover Myself

The spiritual bit I was talking about earlier. I don’t know for sure, if I will ever understand what that means. Like photographs, at times I find myself in good light & in other times, in poor light. But the endeavor to be in the right light is still on.

4. To Party And Have Fun

Travel is fun!! On New Year’s Eve, North of Goa, one will come across totally bizarre people and get to see one’s self in a completely different way.  Or perhaps white water rafting on the river Cauvery, in Coorg, Karnataka. You will find yourself screaming in different octaves on contact with different grades of rapids. What is more fun is when you have gang of pals screaming with you.

5. To Be Grateful

for having the opportunities & resources to undertake news journeys. For the ability to enjoy the experiences with fully functioning physical faculties. And finally, to be able to share it with friends & family.

I am yet to see the world. But for the teeny bit I have seen around home, I have thoroughly enjoyed and learned. Who better a teacher, than nature! And what better way to revel, than travel!

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Truly Inspiring Travel Quotes!

Words have a wonderful way of communicating one’s thoughts and feelings. Some nail it. Some get close. Here are a few pithy quotes by some well known names. Simple words put together to convey a profound truth.

“There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign” – Robert Louis Stevenson

“The use of travel is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are” - Samuel Johnson

“What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do- especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road’ - William Least Heat Moon.

“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things”- Henry Miller

“Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home & friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things-air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky- all things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it” – Cesare Pavese.

“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends”- Maya Angelou

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain.

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes deep and permanent, in the ideas of living” – Martin Buber.

“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move” – Robert Louis Stevenson

“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than in miles” – Tim Cahil

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