Waiting at the Delhi International airport in early February, my attention was drawn to a large group of Asian tourists. They stood out for many reasons – they were orderly, wearing identical jackets, and wearing masks without exception. They reminded me of the Jain monks only here they were protecting themselves. Since Wuhan was not a household name yet, I assumed it was the pollution in Delhi. I wondered if travelling with such precautions did not take away the charm of travel.
My husband chokes at the phrase! Travel has no ‘charm’ for him. Even the children seem weary at the idea. But, for me, travel has been magical. The mode of travel or the destination is often irrelevant. The journey is important and exciting. I remember, with nostalgia, the 36-hour train rides from Assam to Bihar, when my face and my clothes would become covered in a fine layer of soot from the coal-driven engine but I never tired of looking out of the open windows from the First Class compartments. I quietly watched the passing meadows and towns, waved at random people and relished eating the food from platform stalls. I spent days planning the trips in detail every time we decided to drive down I-95 to visit a new place on the East coast. Later, we would drive to the hill stations in the Himalayas with two children in the car, my infectious joy pervading the confines of the car.
Air travel came later but it turned out to be even more fascinating for the rituals involved in it. On long transatlantic flights, the disconnection from the hustle-bustle of regular life made me overlook the cramped seats and cardboard-like food. I still watch movies and people, read and think, and never sleep for fear of missing any excitement. Finding my way through airports is an adventure that never disappoints.
The travel-weary are convinced that I am becoming senile. My joy for travelling seems to reflect some gap in my acuity. I am told to take off my rose-coloured glasses and view journeys as an inevitable but distasteful exercise. Imagine my joy when I heard of ‘Flights to nowhere’ – plane travel that originates and ends at the same airport in a matter of hours. There seem to be so many people who love to travel as I do. I am not crazy yet but will become if I don’t get to travel soon!
Wonderful..
The language and way of putting words , keeps one glued to the Blog..
Congratulations..
Thank you!
Your joy in travelling gets reflected in the article too. There is a childlike enthusiasm that runs through the article.
I used to be an avid traveller myself. I can proudly claim that I visited all the states and UTs in India except the Andamans and the Lakshadweep.
But no longer. Climate concerns have made me too conscious of my carbon footprint. Plus my vertigo has provided a good excuse. I rarely travel nowadays.
Your article has made me connect with that past joys of travelling especially by train. Thank you.
This made me very nostalgic!!!!
The train journey, Trupti?
Can still travel with proper precautions. Best to do car journeys to places you can get to in 4/5 hours. One has to find pleasure where one can
Agree!
The messages and depiction of life are subtle. Summing up across age groups and times is sensitive and nostalgic.
It’s time things change and we are able to enjoy vagaries of nature once again.
Let us get on that flight to nowhere!
Awesome !! Your joy for travel is so contagious !! I cannot wait to start traveling for no reason again 🙂
Scotland beckons, Nil!
I agree totally. Life without travel is so dull
From one traveler to another:
Life too is a journey, and that is its joy and meaning.
Scotland? Or will it be driving to Alaska?
Whatever, wherever!
How does this sound? https://offtracktravel.ca/drive-alaska-highway-yukon-bc/