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10 Amazing Things To Do In-Home When You Can’t Travel

January 15, 2022 4 Comments

Yes, I know Travel is an amazing thing. Now is the time to stay at home and explore the world within your own thoughts. Traveling is now a little restricted for all because of the pandemic situation. Yet many travelers are traveling to different places. And I’m sure those traveling now, are following all the safety rules for their trip to keep them and others safe. Most people like to travel but do not want to, during this epidemic time. But they are using their travel-hungry minds for travel in various ways while staying in the house. Traveling is vast like an ocean. There are different ways we can gain knowledge from travel.

Also Read Mask Works, So Make Your Masks Work

1: Read All About Travel

Reading books or travel magazines are perfect to learn more about traveling from home. Many travelers around the world have their own personal blogs, and by reading them you can learn a lot of amazing things about your next trip, from their experiences. So through Google and YouTube videos, you can take a tour of your favorite destination or location. When your mind is open then you can go anywhere you like. Connect with relatives and friends and take a download of their stories. There are many ways, but I have noted very few here. Find your way of travel.

2: WatchTravel Documentary

Documentaries have the power to educate. The documentary film is an in-depth and informative resource that makes our travels much more knowledgeable. There are many good travel-related documentaries around the world. Which is very helpful to know about world travel. It is easily available on Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, or different OTT platforms. I will share some amazing documentary names –

Encounters at the end of the world, Mountain, Woodstock, Tawai A voice from the forest, Children of the snow land.

Also, Read My Favorite Best Travel Documentaries

3: WatchTravel Video

Nowadays travel vlogging is a very trendy thing. The complete travel story of any traveler is recorded in their vlogging. Vlogging has become a big trend followed by many travelers who go to new places, explore the subtleties of the destination and offer tips and tricks to help fellow travelers.

4: Discover Hidden Places

Indian Ancient City — Indian ancient city

Discovering is always knowledgeable things. When we are on the road, we like to see the main attractions of that place. Places are hidden because of a lack of awareness (you don’t know they’re there) or access. Every place has some hidden places except the main places or attractions. It could be a new place, a new village, a new restaurant where normal people are rarely gone. Discover such hidden places before heading to the next destination.

Also, Read 5 India’s Most Ancient City

5: Learn First Aid

It’s good to be prepared for an emergency or minor injury. If you suddenly need medical attention But if there is no hospital or doctor available in the area then we have to take care of our own injuries with basic first aid. There are many first aid courses online that we can take in our free time from home.

6: Have A Workout/ Yoga

Workouts and yoga are important not only for traveling but this is very important for our healthy living. So we always need to know some freehand workout or yoga that even if we can your trip, we can take our time and do it for our healthy lifestyle.

Also, Read Yoga Indias Most Successful Export To The World

7: Find Your Amazing Travel Music

Without music is a bit of a hassle for me when traveling. The music of your phone or iPad gives you the best company on any long journey. While at home you collect your best amazing travel music which will become your next best travel companion.

8: Learn A Language

Learning a new language is a great idea. The language there is different when we want to go somewhere outside our country. So if we can learn the basics of the language of that country in advance, So traveling there becomes a bit easier for us. Google Translator can help us learn the language in this case.

Also, Read Travelling-Explore The World From Your Home

9: Find Your Best Travel Gear

We can’t say travel gear is just packing clothes and luggage. Different travel gear is needed in different places. Gear like shoes, accessories, anything, and everything that might be necessary for traveling and staying at a place. For example, travel insurance, electronics gear, photography gear, hygiene essentials, explorations, safety essentials, etc which help make a trip perfect.

Also, Read The Best Action Camera For Travel

10: Writing Your Travelogue

Write your own travel experience as an article or blog. Writing a travelogue is to take the reader to a new place. When done well, it can even inspire others to explore, experience new things, and gain an appreciation for different cultures. So start your amazing travel experience through your writing.

Travel

Experience A Train Journey

January 7, 2022 No Comments

The long-distance train journey is like a movie to me. Lots of people, lots of characters, lots of places, lots of small incidents & crazy sounds in a journey make a train journey very memorable. Once upon a time, people used to travel the country on foot or in bullock carts. At that time travel meant a pilgrimage or to a relative’s house. With the invention of the train, travel gets its speed and people get their frequency. The train is an affordable medium for people to travel all around. The biggest advantage of a train journey is the space which gives added comfort to the journey. As the train crosses different stations, and different places travelers get to experience different cultures.

Also, Read Bir Paragliding Capital In India

Window Seat

Train windows are pieces of the open world. If you want to go far away by train, the train window is the only big thing to pass the time. Through that window, every moment the scene in front of your eyes is changing. The best thing is that you get to see different people and their mundane life. To me, this window of the train is an open book. Every moment we have to learn something new as the train leaves the city, village, river, and moves towards its destination.

Also, Read 5 India’s Most Ancient City

People Of The Train

This is the most interesting part of a train journey to see different kinds of people. The different attitudes and actions of different people are very much seen in the train journey. Sometimes when family members travel together, they make the train cube their own home. Then you find one person for sure who roam around and see others for their entertainment. It’s their favorite time pass. Different vendors from different stations get on the train from time to time and each has a different style of selling their items. The interesting thing for me is the tea sellers of different stations. Their call, pronunciation change at different stations.

Also, Read Bir Is Hidden Ecotourism Village Of Himachal Pradesh

Without Ticket

Gone – without a ticket. You can’t dare to go without a ticket. However, one of my friend’s fathers used to work for railways. He used to get passes for his two sons. I used to use one of those passes while traveling. There was always a throbbing feeling in my chest. And I used to fear if get to inquire about my father’s name. Their surname is Goswami, mine Ghosh. People may lie about their own name, but there is a dilemma in their mind to lie about their father’s name. Of course, I never caught traveling like that. But once or twice my friends were caught by the ticket checker. They used to make them wait on the platform for long hours. Lastly, make them pay a sum of 100\200 Rs. I don’t know what is the punishment now, or how much the bribe rate has gone up.

Also, Read Tell Yourself- TODAY IS MY DAY

My Story

There was an intense desire to travel at an early age. I wish I could get out of the house and go somewhere but I didn’t have money then. Going abroad was unimaginable. I used to go around with twenty rupees and twenty-five rupees. Because of my friend and the train pass I got an added wing to my desire.

The advantage of that pass was that the cost of the ticket got saved, and as far as the pass was concerned, one can get off at any station beforehand. I used to drop off my luggage at a station and deposit it in the locker. Then I used to wander around freely, and come to the station at night and sleep in waiting rooms. The hotel cost used to be saved. That’s how I used to roam when I was in college.

But now when I think about it, it seems much better than today’s planned and luxurious travel. Then maybe there was trouble and a friend who would get on the train and say, I forgot to bring my wallet. Everything was done on purpose to save the little pocket money. As a result, two people had to travel on one person’s money. And in the end, it was cool.

Also Read Mask Works, So Make Your Masks Work

Travel

Tell Yourself- TODAY IS MY DAY

November 17, 2021 No Comments

Sometimes a day is just for you. Do you believe that? I believe and I feel sometimes a day is designed just for me. And of course, I am the designer for that day. So tell yourself today is my day and love yourself. When we leave our city and travel to another unknown place, those days are almost planned for us. When we travel, we planned what we will do all day, what we will see, and what we will eat. Someone has either instructed us or we have been influenced by someone. Normally most of the time we get influenced by different travel destinations on social media and spend lots of time in such a way. If you get up in the morning and cancel all your plans & schedule and you decide to spend the day on your own, that time is basically your day. One good today is better than two tomorrow.

Also, Read Bir Paragliding Capital In India

Love Yourself Today

We love ourselves the most in any given situation. But we tend to believe being well means, being well with our family and loved ones around us. Sometimes while looking after a loved one’s comfort we tend to forget our own comfort. Loving yourself means doing what you love. Eating junk, roaming around with no plan, or going to a new place and sleeping all day in a new room, a new bed in a new atmosphere. Go alone on a date with yourself. Ask yourself and spend a day or two as you like. Be adventurous or just lazing around. Don’t forget your daily dose of self-love, even if it makes you a little selfish, trust me don’t feel guilty, you totally deserve it.

Also, Read Travelling-Explore The World From Your Home

A Day Past In Bir

This one day I just did nothing. I woke up in the morning and went to the roof to have tea and my car was supposed to come. I had been fully planning for the whole day. But all of a sudden I saw the weather there and it seemed like I was going to spend the whole day with this Weather. I canceled my car and plan and decided to stay on the roof today. Suddenly someone started giving me company. He is Bagiraa, the pet dog of the Hostel. It seemed to me then that the decision to cancel everything today and sit there was the best. Believe me, I was sitting on the roof from morning till evening. No phone calls, no meetings, no rush to get around, I was far from everything that day. I realized that there is more joy in sitting quietly.

Also Read When I met little God In Shantiniketan

Good Time With Bagiraa

I always like to spend time with animals. wherever I travel, always they join me. They walk along, they also sometimes guide the roads. Dogs never like the concept of “loneliness. That’s why when I was sitting alone, Bagiraa joined to give me company. Playing with dogs or cats, and spending time with them is great for your mental health and healing. That day Bagiraa sat with me quietly and looked at the sky all the time. I was responsible for taking care of Bagiaa that day. We spend a good time together. Our happy hormones made the day special.

Also, Read Bir Is Hidden Ecotourism Village Of Himachal Pradesh

Your Day

I don’t know what is your plan. You will understand best what it is and what you want. Your day doesn’t have to mean or can mean drinking, partying, and socializing. Also, Your time can be a night alone, getting lost in a book or music, a deep conversation, a walk, just sleeping, just eating, playing with animals, or simply doing nothing. Find your best leisure and go for it. Lastly What you do today can improve all your tomorrow.

Also, Read The Holiday

Travel

Bir Paragliding Capital In India

November 13, 2021 No Comments

Bir is known as the paragliding capital of India. There are plenty of places to travel to in India for adventure. Some are famous for bungee jumping, and river rafting. Some are famous for scuba diving. And then there is Bir, famous in India for paragliding. People from all over the world come to India to enjoy these adventures. Paragliding in India has become one of the leading adventure activities in the world for several years. The best and safest destination for paragliding in India is Bir Town in Himachal Pradesh.

Also, read Bir Is Hidden Ecotourism Village Of Himachal Pradesh

Best Paragliding Site In India- Bir & Billing

Bir and Billing are small villages located about 14km apart in Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh. Bir is always famous for its natural beauty and Tibetan culture. Billing is popular for its adventure sports. Billing is a paragliding take-off point, which offers panoramic views of the world’s second-highest, 8,000 feet high, valley below. The landing place is in the field west of Bir Chaugan. In the backdrop of the blue sky of the Bir these paragliders fly all the time with colorful wings. There is another name for Bir “Parindo Ke Nagari” ( City Of Birds). Bir is called the paragliding capital in India. In 2015 the paragliding World cup was held in Himachal Pradesh at Bir Billing villages for the first time.

Also, Read 5 India’s Most Ancient City

How To Go Bir Billing

There are many ways to go to the paragliding capital, I mean Bir Billing village. I go from Kolkata to Delhi and plan the rest to go from Delhi to Himachal mainly Bir. From Delhi and Chandigarh, you can reach Bir by Volvo bus or by car.

Delhi to Bir 489 kilometers. Time Take 11 to 12 hrs. There are various overnight buses ( Private and Government) operating from Delhi to Bir. Manju ka Tilla and Kashmeri gate from these two bus stand you will get a bus to Bir. Bus ranges from 1200 to 1400 depending upon the luxury and season.

Chandigarh to Bir is 289 kilometers. You can get a direct bus from Chandigarh ISBT to Bir. Time takes 7hrs by Car or bus. Bus cost around 1000 Rs.

The nearest airport Kangra Airport is 68 kilometers away from Bir town. The time takes 2 to 3 hours by car or bus. But to reach Kangra Airport, you need to go via Delhi Airport.

From Dharamsala and Mecloadganj you can easily reach Bir colony by hiring a car or taking a local bus. It will take 6 to 7 hrs. So what are you waiting for, enjoy your memorable flight in the paragliding capital of India.

Please Note Bir to Billing is 15Km & the time takes 40 minutes by car.

Bir Paragliding Information

Bir and Billing is the safest paragliding site in India. This is the place where India gets the opportunity of the International Paragliding World Cup. All amenities here meet international standards. You will always have a license holder paraglider with you whenever you paraglide. So don’t worry about your smooth landing. Some risks involved with adventure sports. To deal with this, experience rescue teams trained on-site to deal with any unforeseen accidents. The Bir Billing Paragliding adventure starts at Billing where you’ll be at approximately 7,600 feet above the ground. Expect to be in the air for 15 to 30 minutes after which you’ll land at Bir which is 4,300 feet above sea level.

Timing

You cannot paraglide when the region receives rainfall, usually from July to September. Otherwise, paragliding is done here all the time for the rest of the year. The best month is October till mid-December. This time you will see a gorgeous view of the Dhuladhar ranges with clear skies.

You can go paragliding anytime from 7 am in the morning to 6 pm. But people prefer paragliding at sunset. There is only one reason, the sky and the surrounding environment look so beautiful at this time. Many times while paragliding, you have to wait a long time at the take-off point for clear weather.

Also, Read KOLKATA IS AN EMOTION

Booking

Don’t need to book online. When you get in Bir, you will find lots of operators in the Tibetian colony bazaar area, who book paragliding and other activities all day long. There are also lots of paragliding instructor information in the hotel or hostel where you will be staying. Call them to book your time and enjoy.

Price

The cost of paragliding in Bir is INR 1800 to 2500. The flight journey time is 15 to 25 minutes. This price including

Bir to Billing transportation (15Km) and video photography. Some people can do 45 minutes of paragliding if they want, in which case the charges become INR 4000.

Please Note There is another still photographer on the landing site. When someone is landing the photographer clicks a lot of your landing pictures. And then sells them 200 Rs for all pictures. But it’s up to you whether you want to buy those pictures or not.

Age & Weight

There is a certain weight limit for paragliding, which is that you have to weigh between 15 kg and 95 kg. If your weight is between 95 kg and 115 kg, then you too can fly, but you have to pay a fee of 500 rupees. Children under the age of 18 will also need parental consent to fly.

Safety Precaution

Always Choo’s license holder and experienced paragliding instructor.

Wear something warm when you go paragliding.

You need sports shoes that fit properly. During takeoff and landing time you need to be running so good shoes will help you.

Avoid carrying too many things. You will be dropped off at another point after you land, so carry just what you need.

Don’t eat heavy food before paragliding.

Don’t panic in the air. Be a team player do as your instructor say and enjoy the thrill in the air.

Also, Read The Land Of Festivals -Nagaland

Fly Solo In Paragliding Capital

You can have your solo paragliding experience here. But for that, you have to do a month’s course at the paragliding institute here. And only if they give you a certificate after taking the exam then you can fly solo. Lots of tourists from India go there for about a month only to learn paragliding. The government operates a national paragliding institute with training facilities for domestic and international pilots. So fly solo in the paragliding capital of India.

Please Note– The local police can take a fine of up to 1000 RS for not wearing musk. So wear your mask.

Travel

My Next Trip To Himachal Pradesh

September 26, 2021 No Comments

My Next Trip To Himachal Pradesh Cover picture source by Google Image

My next travel trip after the final vaccination is to Himachal Pradesh. What is happiness If no problem rises planning the travel? I have been studying where to travel next for a long time. Even a few years ago, planning this trip was easy. But in this time of the pandemic, when it comes to traveling somewhere, safety issues become very important. After my final vaccination, I wanted a place where people travel less. And that place will be quite far from Kolkata. Because it’s always fascinating to me to struggle for reaching my travel destination. After doing a lot of research, I decided to go to Himachal Pradesh. But I am not going to Shimla, Manali, Spiti valley the famous tourist spots. I am planning to go to two small villages called Bir & Billing in west Joginder Nagar Valley. Surrounded by Tibetan culture, these two Himachal villages are now becoming popular among travelers.

Also, Read 5 India’s Most Ancient City

Planning

I always plan to visit all the places in India in one trip. Many places in India have come to my mind while thinking about where to go next. Kedarnath & Rishikesh in Uttarakhand, Sandakphu, Tribeni & Kalimpong in North Bengal, Le Ladakh trip, Varanasi & Agra in Uttar Pradesh. After recharging all the places I finally decided I would go to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Then I will reach Agra by road from Varanasi. But you know what happened next? While looking for hotels and hostels to stay in Varanasi and Agra on various websites, I came across a small Himachal village hostel. And once I see it, I like the atmosphere and vibe of that hostel. So now the journey in front of me is not Varanasi Agra, it is Himachal Pradesh Bir, and Billing Village.

Also, Read Stranger Meetup In Travel -Part 1

Unplaning

I want to know, whose travel planning is perfect. My travel plan is never perfect. A new place, new people, new environment and new life every morning, that’s what makes me feel good in my travel days. I have booked my hostel in Himachal first and booked my flight back flight from Delhi to Kolkata ten days later (Because on that day that flight was available at the lowest price). The remaining 10 days of travel are still unknown to me.

Also, Read Travel Precautions During Covid-19

Also Read Mask Works, So Make Your Masks Work

Safety First

Hey, have you completed your final vaccinations? It is very important to complete the vaccination if you want to travel anywhere in India and outside India. But once the vaccination is done, it’s not all over. Some simple safety rules should be followed all the time.

Use your Mask. (Your masks help protect those around you)
Maintain Social Distancing..(The most important travel precautions is maintain at least a 3-metre distance from any others)
A little difficult but we have to be careful not to touch the eyes, face and nose as much as possible.
Cigarette smoking is bad for your health, but if someone still smokes, it’s important to keep in mind. Smoking as far away from others as possible and taking care not to pass the same cigarette to others.
We have to take care to keep ourselves as clean as possible.

Travel

My First Solo Travel At The Age Of 13

September 17, 2020 No Comments

Childhood is one of the good time in our life. Whatever you do as child that come direct from your heart. What does travel mean, I did not know that time. For official reasons, my father used to travel a lot. I used to listen his travel stories. My general questions were, what did you see, what were the items you eat. He used to laugh and say it was official not an outing. Hearing him made me believe that travel meant only serious works, no fun at all. Contradictory, when I used to hear others travel stories, it seemed like full of fun, adventure, excitement. Then I got to know those people were on vacation unlike my father. So I was clear in my head that vacation is fun and trip means office work.
One day one of my friend and his family were going for a vacation in Goa. And when my friend came back to school he told his fun travel stories. Where he been, where and what he ate, fun rides, sunrise to sunset, music and many more. He gifted me little bag tag written Goa. And immediately he became my best friend. That time I realised fun means travel. And my fun travel would start with Goa.

Also Read Nagaland Is NOT What You Think

My First Travel Planning

1997 at the age of 13 I planned to go Goa for my first fun travel. I was not courageous to tell my parents about my travel plan to Goa. So I broke my piggy bank and found some 550 rupees. But I needed 450 rupees more. At that age, thousand rupees was a big amount to me. It was enough to cover my vacation, in my head obviously. So I made my mission impossible plan. In coming few days I asked my father to give me some money for my new piggy bank and I did the same with my mother and elder sister as well without letting them know. I collected some 350 rupees more. And I needed 100 rupees more.
So now, the question was how to go to Goa from Kolkata. My friend told me that they travelled to Goa by train. He said from Howrah rail station to Goa by train it would take 50 hours. And my house to Howrah station I planned to go by a local minibus. So my goa vacation plan was ready. After 53-54 hours, I would reach Goa. I was feeling excited like never before. I was so excited.

My Travel Packing

I had a grey colour school bag. I removed all my books and took out the pencil box and packed my Binocular, walkman, red sunglass. And my most favourite colourful t-shirts and shorts, pair of jeans, some chocolates and most importantly my school identity card. Because I heard that without an identity card, hotels do not accept booking. So my goa plan was so on.

Also Read Pondicherry I Felt Dreadfully Happy

The Day

I did not fix a date to go. I was ready to go but needed a perfect time. One fine morning my parents were out for work. My elder sister was in school. I did not go as I faked my illness. I thought this is my day. So I wrote a letter to my family, I am going to Goa for my first vacation. Don’t worry about me I will come back in a week.

My Way To Goa

I didn’t had any knowledge of the road. But I knew somehow the bus route to Howrah station. I took a local bus and reached Howrah rail station. My plan was very simple. I thought I would go and buy a Goa ticket from ticket counter and board my train. After 50 hour I will be at Goa beach. I was excited as I asked for a ticket in the counter. When my turn came, I asked for a Goa ticket.The man looked at me shockingly and told me that I was at wrong counter. I was ready to move and looked for the right counter. But the man called me and asked me to fill a form first. I learned a new information that I need a form. But from where that was still not clear. Somehow I managed a form and again joined a long queue. But I was hungry by the time. When finally my turn came I handed over the form to the man. He asked me my age. I told him 13. He smiled and told me to come again when I am 18. People started noticing me curiously. Someone asked me, where is your father? I did not reply and moved away. I felt bad for not executing my Goa trip.

When Digha Plan Is On

I had decided, firstly finished my lunch and after that, I will think about what can I do. I found a clean restaurant beside the rail station. And Suddenly I heard the sound, a bus conductor’s call for new passenger Digha, within 30 minutes the bus will start. Immediately I changed my plan. Digha is one of the famous beaches in West Bengal. So instead Goa, Digha will be the same fun. And I surely believe Digha exactly feels like Goa. So at least my Digha plan was on.

The Digha Day I Never Forgot

When my bus started, I was very happy. I almost forgot I didn’t inform my parents. What would happen when they would found my letter,? I was enjoying my journey, beside a window seat. And enjoying Ricky martin song, “Maria” in my walkman. What a day! After 2 hours our bus stopped for 15 minutes that time I bought a coca-cola and enjoyed every sip.
When I reached Digha, I was excited to see the seashore. But first I needed a hotel. Some people at the bus stop were grabbing my bag and asked me to come to their hotel. I thought Wow what an entry, so much importance. Now I chose a man and went to his hotel. Hotel named New Sagarika. At the reception, the man asked me “where are you coming from? What is your age?”. I gave my school identity card and told him that I needed a room for 5 days. Hotel receptionist asked me to wait and called the hotel manager. The hotel manager asked me a lot of questions. Why are you here alone? Where are your parents? What is your plan in Digha? I told him that I am here for a vacation. I wanted to go Goa but my age did not allow me to go, that’s why I came here. Hotel Manager called the local police. And then I was a little nervous and hungry again.

One Good Man

Within 10-minutes the police came and asked me the same questions as the hotel manager did. But this time one officer asked me a unique question “did you come to Digha to commit suicide? “. I told him, why would I spend money and come to come to Digha for suicide! I could have done this in Kolkata. Police searched my bag very rudely. I was disturbed. Outside of the hotel, many people gathered and were watching me. At that moment, one young gentleman came forward within the crowd and asked me very politely “Are you hungry”.
After a few minutes, one hotel boy came with egg roll and coca-cola. The man started talking separately with the police and the manager and kept an eye on me. Later that man introduced himself to me. He was Sanjay Sen, and he had a hotel too. He asked me if I want to stay in his hotel instead. I nodded yes. Then Mr Sen suggested me to call my Parent first to inform them about my safety. I was in dilemma. If I made that call my travel would have ended there. Mr Sen made me understand the intensity of the situation. If I did not call them, then Police would do whatever they feel right. I was scared of the police as they were treating me like a criminal.

Also Read Travelling-Explore the World From Your Home

The Call Ruined My Travel Plan

So I had to call home and informed my father that I am in Digha. They were already searching for me and filed a missing complaint at the local police station. Mr Sanjay Sen spoke to my father and told him not to worry about me. Next day, he will personally drop me home safely. Again My brain worked. I requested Mr Sen to call again my parents to inform them that tomorrow he won’t be able to come but the day after tomorrow he will. He was surprised until I gave him the logic. I came for a vacation which I did not want to destroy. It already got spoiled because of the fiasco. at least I could have 2 days to explore the place. He laughed and took me to his hotel.

End Of The Day

I realized tomorrow afternoon I would be at my home. So I had very little time to enjoy my vacation. I asked Mr. Sen, would you like to come for an evening stroll or I shall continue. He agreed as he had no other option because I was his responsibility. That was my first and last visit to Digha. But that night I enjoyed it a lot. We walked through the beach. Sat somewhere near the beach. I saw every people were happy and roaming around enjoying the beach. Mr Sen offered me a horse ride. I told him that I don’t like to ride animals. Then he bought me some fresh fish fry and coconut water. I bought a black hat and a new sunglasses for myself. After that, he took me to a nice restaurant for dinner. I was going to stay with him in his hotel for that night, the next day he would take me back to Kolkata. So I requested him again to sit beside the beach for some more time post-dinner. That time he laughed again but agreed.

Travel

Walk-In The Woods Of Lamahatta…

July 10, 2020 No Comments

“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than trees.” -Henry David Thoreau

No plan is the best plan. Connect to the primitive. We have heard these kinds of phrases so much that it became generic statements for us. It starts losing impact on us. Until that one-day comes in our life, when we understand the real meaning of these phases, and we adsorb the thoughts. The excess greenery does soothe the eyes and mind. When you can hear your breathing sound, the sense of alive overpowers your mind, then you can understand yes, sometimes the obvious works wonder.

Why The Realisation:

In Darjeeling I got bored. Next day the plan was to move to Sikkim. So in between, I got an unwanted spare day, which I did not know how to utilise. Post breakfast, I started walking on random roads. It was 8:30 am and cold. I thought I would spend my day doing Dandi march. In a few minutes, I saw a little crowd. Few car and drivers were waiting and calling for the passenger and few people were getting on the car. “Lamahatta for 100 rupees”. I moved towards it. I asked them about the place and hopped in the car when they said Lamahatta is 45 minutes away from here. New place, about an hour’s journey, I could not think of much except one thing: No Plan is the best plan. The car started in 15 minutes.

Also Read Travel Precautions During Covid-19

Time spent among trees is never time wasted PC- Neel Malakar

The Moment Of My Existence:

I reached Lamahatta. It was 10:15 am when i checked my watch. Before I moved away, the driver said, it might be difficult to get a car in return. But they could wait for me if paid 1000 bucks for up and down. I smiled and moved away. I did not know at that time, whether to keep the car, or not. One thing that I could feel is that I did not want to think. It’s okay to go with the flow. Let the time come, I would figure out. That’s all I could think that time.

Walk In The Woods:

That moment waited for me. Sometimes we wait for some moments and sometimes the moments waiting for us. Those tall green trees were everywhere. Big rocks and hills peaks were peaking behind them. I never had seen such fresh greenery and such peace. Yes, here you can see peace. It looked calm, pure, mature. I sat on the rocks, stood on them, spread my arms and then again I sat down quietly. It was the moment when you had to do nothing, just exist. We travel abroad, spend a fat amount to get this kind of peace and happiness. Trust me sometimes the unexpected thing fulfil all your expectation. I did not compare my busy city life with that peace. I just let it flow, let it go.

For hours it healed my soul and mind. I was feeling calmer. There was no smell of worry. The place looked so primitive yet so modern. I walked on those woods for hours until the sunset. Walk in the woods is not a journey, but a feeling. You live it once but carry the sense within you until you die. Words won’t be enough to describe but definitely, it is a worth sharing story.

Also Read When I met little God In Shantiniketan

Lastly, when at 5 P.M I started getting off. There it was dark and no conveyance. But strangely I was not worried about my return. As I started walking, I heard a car. It came from behind and stopped near me and asked, “Sir, it is hard to get anything to return. Can I drop you somewhere?” I smiled.

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The Little Yak Master Did Not Give A Damn

June 7, 2020 No Comments

The Little Yak Master Did Not Give A Damn. I met him near Changu lake Sikkim along with his yak. This little yak master has two giant yaks. Bengali does not need any occasion to visit Digha, Puri, Darjeeling, and Sikkim. It is their right to visit these places, whenever they feel bored or have free time or have little savings to spend on pleasures. At one such moment, I booked my bus ticket for Sikkim in November. I planned to see Changu Lake or Tsomgo Lake, Nathula Pass, and Baba Mandir in a day. In November the lake gets covered with white ice. I felt excited thinking about the beautiful sight.

It was very disappointing to see the usual Changu Lake with no ice cover. Global warming took the pleasure away from me. Some yak owners were roaming around, offering 10 minutes ride for rupees 100 bucks on the animals. Two ladies were selling woolen clothes. Few magi, momo, tea sellers were there too. These all were as usual sights. I had no reason to be there. I bought a hot tea before the bye, and that’s when the doll walked towards the lake.

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The Doll and the Giant in Sikkim

A 4 feet tall, fair, but covered with winter clothes; the doll was dragging a giant yak. He brought it down the lane bound it with a pole and went up again. I thought the cute-looking child must be helping his father in business. But in no time he was back with two more giant yaks, dragging those all alone. My eyes got stuck at him. The kid had something very attractive, called attitude. He did not go near or not even looked at the first yak. The 8/9 years old, a lollipop in his mouth, brought the yaks at the business. With his tiny hands, he bound them tight and went towards the first one and unbound it. Now he started tolling on the road with his giant companion.

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The boy got all my attention. He did not exchange any notes with his co-vendors. Those two ladies tried to initiate a conversation with him but went silent when he did not reply. I wondered how that kid would attract customers. But I was so wrong. A Punjabi couple, who were bargaining with other yak owners, noticed him too.

“I will give you 25 bucks per person for a 10 minutes ride?” The man with an overpowering tone said to the boy and did not wait for his reply. They started planning who would ride which yak. The boy stared at them. As those so-called educated rich people were trying to fool a kid. How disgusting? I felt the heat.

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The art of not giving a damn…

“200 bucks for a 10 minutes ride”. While saying that, the boy did not get hyper, neither blinked nor shifted his position. There was no sign of anxiety in his tone. “WHAT? WHY?” said the hyper man, “do you have gem-studded yak?” The boy looked at them calmly while rolling the lollipop in his mouth. His stare was enough to irritate anyone. “That person was asking for 100 bucks. Why are you asking double?” that man shouted in anger.

The kiddo said, “Who had told you that you can pay me 25 rupees?” I felt like appreciating his sense of logic. Bravo! What a reply! The man had no words left. But the boy continued, “if you still want a ride then pay 100 bucks. I am small not the rate.” The wife could not bear the husband’s insult. Now she dragged him in another direction.

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The memorable interaction

I went to him and asked for his name. But he did not reply but did not walk away either, rather kept on looking at me. I asked again more politely, “where do you leave?” Now he pointed above a cliff. “Don’t you feel afraid of these yaks? Are not they big and hard to tackle for your age?” “They listen to me.” His words were so pure and showed his great faith in those animals. I was flattered by him. “Can I click a picture?” I waited for his consent, but again he did not say no nor said yes but kept looking at me. I slowly took out my camera and clicked two pictures. He looked at the camera without shifting his gaze or position. Post clicking a few pictures I went near the yak to adore.

“Do you want a ride? 100 bucks for 10 minutes”. he said. I said, “I don’t ride animals. I don’t like to ride them. But I respect your occupation.” But before I could complete my sentences, he uttered, “50 rupees then for clicking pictures”. I smiled and gave him 50 bucks. That Punjabi couple came back to click a picture from far. The boy said, “give 50, then take a picture”. The man looked at me and said, “why are you spoiling the kid? a picture for 50 rupees? “Really!” I looked at them and smiled. I did not feel like taking or giving any lesson to them. “Take it or leave it”. The boy said and made a hasty sound in his mouth. The yak shrugs his horns aggressively. The couple moved away.

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