We are all that we have met.

I miss travelling. At lunch the other day, my co-workers and I were discussing our ideal trips or vacations. The first dream that came to mind was a month-long (at the least) backpacking journey around India; north to south and everywhere in between.

I’ve never been to India (mind you, that can be considered a big deal being that I am Indian). Although my Gujarati-speaking and Hindi-speaking skills are lacking significantly, what better way to learn, right?  I’m sure I’d feel the culture shock to a more concentrated degree without being able to communicate effectively with those around me and therefore (among many other reasons); I’d stand out like Yao Ming in China. But oh well, those experiences sometimes make the juiciest of memoirs, sour or sweet.

This post was inspired by National Geographic’s list of “133 Destinations Rated” (most recommended places to visit) from all over the world. Rajasthan made roll at #64 and stood out to me as I browsed through the lengthy tab of mysterious and magnificent locations. Ragasthan was deemed as “India’s Tuscany” with a “strong sense of cultural identity” and “remarkable appeal and mystique.” How ironic…that’s exactly what I love to be exposed to! The photo to the left of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India, was taken by “dwrawlinson” on flickr.com. His photo collection is amazing and definitely worth a peek.

If it’s not a month-long (plus) trekking trip on Indian soil, I would love to go spend some time in South Africa with my family. It’d also be great to pay tribute to my motherland’s gem-locations that are commonly revered, furtively hidden, and culturally authentic. I can’t even imagine the kind of memories that would flood my mind if I were to revisit the places I had been to when I was a child. There’s also so much that I don’t know and haven’t seen; wisdom which I’ve mutedly encountered in others’ fascinating stories and appealing photos.

However, an expedition that is more attainable, which I’d like to see in the nearer future, would be to span my current home: the good ol’ US of A. From west to east; major cities beyond the borders of the golden state, superfluous culture and customs of their own, diversity encapsulated, and (inevitability) seasonal weather that ranges from the prime meridian to the equator.

So many places to explore…

शांति
Chetna