Travelling for me isn’t just about hopping from one destination to another. It’s a therapeutic ritual. Every travel journey rejuvenates me to dive back into the corporate world with renewed energy. Being away offers a unique vantage point to see life and its challenges from a fresh lens. And, then, of course, our beautiful planet constantly teaches us, if only we pause to listen.
This wasn’t the case earlier. I remember in one of my work tours a couple of years ago, a friend asked me ‘How am I doing?’ My instant answer was ‘Work is great.’ He asked me again and this time asked me to think about the things I did for myself. That was the wake-up call for me. I realised I was hardly doing anything that would revive me and give me a creative push. In my youth, I used to paint and go for long bike rides. Now, I don’t have time for that kind of leisure. Nonetheless, travel has become my recharging break. I have started to reunite with friends and family to spend quality time with them. Life has never felt better!
Chronicles of My Travels
The serene landscapes of Theog, Shimla, recently extended a warm invitation. I embarked on this journey in the company of my dear childhood friends, where we hiked, shared hearty laughter, and immersed ourselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of the natural world. Here, we made a conscious effort to clean up the area as we saw many fellow travellers irresponsibly discarding waste. Consequently, sustainability needs to be embraced on a personal level too.
Last year, we opted for a retreat at Makai Bari in West Bengal. Nestled amidst lush greenery, my childhood buddies and I relived memories over countless cups of tea, soaking in the sheer beauty and magic around us. While Lonavla was exhilarating, Sri Lanka’s mystical ‘workatation’ was an enchanting tale of pristine beaches, rich history, and delectable cuisine. I will have to travel to Dubai for work in the next couple of months and I am looking forward to it.
Melding travel with Passion
As much as travelling nourishes my spirit, I experience an equal thrill in crafting jewellery, especially when I make it for my beloved wife. What started as a simple hobby swiftly transformed into a deeply impassioned endeavour. Whether it’s the elaborate structures of Jaipur’s Rambagh Palace or the otherworldly Murano glass creations of Venice, each journey I embark on sparks the genesis of a distinct jewellery masterpiece. These creations aren’t solely concerned with visual appeal; they are a means of preserving memories, allowing one to adorn themselves with a fragment of history.
Biking – the journey continues...
Being in the corporate world, life’s highway is often filled with sharp turns and unexpected detours. As an avid bike enthusiast, I can’t help but draw parallels. Just as I navigate through challenges at work, I find solace in revving up my bike, feeling the machine’s power, and heading towards uncharted territories. However, these experiences are few and far between now.
To conclude, I think almost everything automatically starts falling into place when the art of unplugging is followed. It’s said that one must disconnect to reconnect. The dream is to sprint off to a serene destination after working tirelessly. To be in the midst of nature, and appreciate the silence around and within is the dream, isn’t it? From these travel respites, I’ve gleaned three significant lessons. Firstly, it provides an opportunity to reflect on matters from a distance, gaining valuable perspective. Secondly, it allows for healing and the much-needed pause from our daily routines. Lastly, it offers the chance to absorb and learn from the wonders of nature, which is a priceless experience.
