Besides, the sound of a ‘checklist’ traveller seems like a lot of
work(be forewarned, pillow loving person
talking)
Entering the maze of cabinets, I begin sifting..sifting through
memories of all my travels.
In Paris, rambling along the Champ Elysee, reaching the Louvre but
not necessarily entering it, sitting by the lawns, rosé in hand, appreciating a
beautiful watercolour painting unfold in my midst..
Come to think of it, a similar memory back home, in Mumbai, sitting
by cafe by the sea, watching as another beautiful painting takes form. Both
memories were neatly stored in the same cabinet, top drawer, file number 1a and
b.
Both experiences gathered from a different time and place.
So don’t go to Paris you ask? Nahi nahi! The Holidaywalas will go
out of business!
It’s a contemplative attempt to understand the romance; or rather
the enlightenment; experiential enlightenment of travel.
Each experience makes me free to explore my own land.
Rather myself.
Each travel experience taught me that people are all essentially,
fundamentally the same.
So by going to Paris, crossing off every famous monument from your
check list, heading back triumphantly to tell your colleagues of your touch and
go tour, what I ask have you experienced?
I ask myself..is this the pillow lover talking or the experiential
traveller?
You’d rather not say! Let’s just say:
Travel where your feet take
you.