L'affaire Goa !!!

This probably would seem like a strange question to ask considering most of us are already adults. Do you remember the days when we were kids and when people asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up? We all had answers that were absolutely incredible. We all wanted to be doctors, rock stars, super heroes, actors, all sorts of things that seemed completely free of a world based on rules. For me, the answer was always to be a travel anchor. To get an opportunity to explore all the exotic places on this planet and meet all the interesting people across the globe.

Though destiny had some different plans for me and I ended up in advertising world. But I know that there are no barriers to living, feeling, experiencing, doing whatever it is you desire to do at any given time. Everything is possible. I always knew no matter what I will still manage time to nurture my dream and explore this beautiful planet. And as they say, if you want something from deep within the whole universe conspires to make it true. Something similar was in store for me too. Soon after returning from my South trip, I got the opportunity to take a turn towards west and nothing could have been more fascinating than Goa - its a place of verbs- seeing, doing, being, living J

This trip was my epitome of craziness (Few things I can’t even mention on the blog as they are too silly to admit at a public platform like this. Lol) and now when that madness is over I can sit and pen about my most-exotic-trip to Goa. The trip was scheduled for four days and we stayed in Taj Vivanta Holiday Resort. There was something very magnetic about the place. The charming resort flirts with the seafront and villas play hide & seek with the gardens and swinging palms. This property reflected the true spirit of Goa.

I loosen myself up the moment I reached the sea shore, kicked off my floaters and jumped in water. So refreshing it was! This was just the beginning; we still had more exciting days coming up to explore these beautiful, de-stressing waters. Hurrahhhh! We spent that night dancing and celebrating life in oh so famous DJ Akeel’s pub – Hype till wee hours of the morning.

There must be a reason why they call 3 AM as “The Devil’s Time.” Whenever I group with this gang and do something crazy, it happens close to 3 AM or so. Like last time it was in Bangkok. Weird! The Devil loves us for sure. Lol So I was challenged by them to get up to the table and perform dance amidst crowded dance floor. My own voice questioned in my mind - Neha, Are you actually going to do that? And I nodded my head in agreement. Lol Leaving my inhibition aside I jumped on to the top of table and danced as if there is no tomorrow. My own friends were screaming my name loud and cheering me up. Shedding the inhibition, celebrating the mischief and getting over fears is among the things I'll always remember. For that one moment as if my world was spinning in a slow motion with a smile on my face. May be after many years, when I will be settled in my family, I will be sitting, reading this blog and would be smiling knowing I have been wild, I have been crazy and I have lived through every moment of my life.

Goa gave me many reasons to smile, to come close to myself, to realize that it’s important to live before we die. This was my second trip to Goa. I was there last year also exactly at the same time. When I am there I always feel as if I have stolen few days from my own life. The way sun tickles your face and the sea kisses your feet…. The sunset, the beautiful horizon, few good memories and a vision for future….  I also tried the water sports that triggered a rush of adrenaline. I explored my adventurous side by going for speed water scooter and parasailing. . Seeing the sea from above with everyone below you like Lilliput is amazing. It also triggered few old memories with my friends last year, I know things were different then, they are different right now and may be will be much different when I visit this place next. Only my heart can guess what I meant when I used this line J

I spent these four days in Goa enjoying action packed evenings, calm morning walks along the beach sides, pleasant candle light dinners, swimming with my girls in an exotic pool and unlimited dreams of my future that is still to unfold. But as they say, what happens in Goa stays in Goa! This was one of few other “Crazy Trips” that qualified enough to be on the Web J

Flying the friendly skies in South!

So it was almost three months since I traveled last and the travel bug in me was getting restless to discover and explore something new. Every time I travel, I leave my safe harbor far behind to explore what my dreams always excited me to do, to figure out why I am so madly in love with far off destinations, to live freely on my own will, to mingle and laugh with the people who are yet to be part of my world. And there was no exception this time as well. With no fixed itinerary in mind, I packed my bags and decided to leave for Bangalore.

I always love the airport sensation. Seeing happy faces around, as if every one loves to travel like me and maybe they're so excited to imagine lovely people welcoming them when they have arrived just like what I was feeling. Every time I boarded a flight and was just next to the clouds outside or some times even above them, I had one question in mind, “Now how far is God? :) The answer was somewhere within… Any where I go, I feel his presence along.

My flight was delayed and reached late to Bangalore leaving me no option to stray in the city that day but planning a memorable night with my friends listening to some melodious numbers on guitar and late night Maggie that set just the right mood for the night :)

Next morning we adventure junkies decided to set out from Bangalore to “Hogenakkal Falls, famously known as Niagara falls of India”.  From here river Cauvery enters into Tamil Nadu as a big river with cascading waters. The falls were breath taking. The roaring water was falling into the deep gorge. Even though the river Cauvery was getting on with its rapid life but just the view made me slow down on my life and cherish its beauty. We took a coracle ride among the falls. I decided to get into the 100 feet deep water [Yes you read it right – 100 feet deep! How courageous of me na! Though I am not leaving any opportunity to exaggerate it here as I had life jacket on. Lol :P] Soon it was time to go back to Karnataka. Cool breeze was blowing and the weather was fantastic. A slight drizzle on and off added to the beauty. The drive back was simply amazing.

Next early morning was scheduled for Coorg. Till date I had just seen the mesmerizing pictures of this panoramic place but now was the time to experience it in real. On our way we crossed Nagarahole Tiger Reserve and saw some beautiful birds and animals from our car. During last 1 hour of reaching Coorg it began to rain and thunder. I was looking out from the car window, feeling the little silver droplets falling on my face with closed eyes and having flash forwards of life’s upcoming attractions. I guess for the first time in life I experienced “trance”. This was certainly the most memorable moment of my entire journey. On reaching our resort we lit the bonfire and spent the night dancing and sharing life talks with each other.

Next one day was spent in tea plantations and admiring beauty of this wonderful place. I also tried adventure sports of zipping and driving 220 cc ATV dirt bike in dust. Wooh that was such an experience! Before I could get over the beauty of this wonderful place, it was time to head back to Bangalore. I checked out few nice dining places in Bangalore along with their world famous “Idli – sambar – dosa” :)  The most marvelous place I found in Bangalore was 80 feet tall Shiva idol. I spent good 2 hours there and experienced deep peace within. I didn’t realize where these four days flew by and it was time to go back home. They say you leave a part of yourself in the place where you travel but I feel I brought along a new me from there. My being - A step more closer to self :)