Every kilometre has a story to remember as they store a rainbow of memories that echos loud for several decades and becomes the foundation of a lifetime experiences. From offering a therapeutic freedom of navigating your own trip to experiencing the culinary traditions as you cross every milestone, Roads touch every code of your existence.
Those months when school going kids planned their vacations spending time at Grandparents, learning Abacus or simply enjoying Outdoor games with their Chaadi-Buddies to coming back for a soulful bowl of Maggie and a glass of Rasana twinkling along; our days where mostly spent navigating the next pit stop or sipping Sugarcane juice at a roadside shop. This contrast in choosing an action packed plan for my school break was gifted by my travel enthusiast father; who not only thought it was an exciting idea to travel within India like an opportunist but also believed that Road trips help a person exude confidence, tolerance and poise. Hence, traveling or you may say Road trips has been a part of my existence and being since forever. Since the age of four to be precise.
As a kid it was difficult to understand the beauty and depth of discipline it brings along until I realised how it felt to get a sense of freedom as you travel on your own time, to the places you choose. And this enlightenment only happened when travel opportunities seemed to be slipping off my hands. In early months of 2012 when I made my debut to the most exciting yet tiring corporate life where between trying to fit in new schedules in the existing routine my head was going crazy as rats in a pantry, just six months in the system and I already wanted to switch off and walk a mile extra to catch some fresh air. Nainital, Uttarakhand looked doable yet the closest of many hill stations for a perfect weekend getaway, when without waiting further I decided to pack my bag and leave. For the first time the journey was not just about passing time on the wheels, eating from the basket full of munchies in the car; I could feel the magic slowly making me mentally and emotionally happy as I took my head out of the window and grasped a quick wave of the blowing wind.
In that very moment I also learnt there was no road long enough with a good company. I am sure you all will agree with me on this too?! Listening to the old-school beats and having a sing-along every kilometre on the road felt so satisfying thereafter leaving room for some deep and meaningful conversations as well.
'I probably did too much thinking in India. I blame it on the roads, for they were superb...'
And as rightly said, Change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous in the end. This change surely brought a whole new meaning into my life. After 16 years of sitting absolutely not interested in the car while everyone else in the family was busy absorbing the breath-taking beauty of the place we had gone to explore, I finally found my love for journeys covered by road.
So, this was just a quick sneak-peak into my story of how I discovered an interest in Road trips and how I cant resist from sharing my experiences of the beautiful journeys I have covered on the wheels, with everyone reading my blogs. Hopefully the following read and upcoming ones become your calling for Road trips if you haven't been on one yet and if you are amongst those who have kept their eyes on the highway then consider this as a flavor enhancer to your memory lane.
STAY TUNED!
Well said keep it up......👍
Well written Raghvi 😘