Hats Off To Life's Journeys!

I love journeys by trains. I love railway stations. I love the anticipation, the sound of numerous shuffling feet as the head of the train approaches the station I am waiting at, the (always) cold bars on the windows, the waving goodbyes.

My overnight journeys home are always cherished. The train reaches my station only at 6 am. However, I will be awake by 4:30 am, to catch lives waking up all along the way.
* The early morning breeze - intoxicating and in my hair!
* The green fields, cold, with morning dew
* The vehicles waiting at railway crossings, with their beaming eyes
* The sun rising slowly, casting long golden lines on trees and thatched roofs
* The newspaper boys and tea-coffee boys in the train


My best train moment was when I went to see-off my brother once. I was leaving the weekend after that and we wouldn't be seeing each other for another 2 years. After we found his seat, I put on my sister-cloak and asked him not to budge.
I walked back along the train, sad and wanting to hug him again. I was tempted to look back and when I did, there he was at the door, peering out. We have never waved so crazily like the way we did that night, oblivious to everyone in the whole wide world.

Do you have a train-moment to share?

Moss Man

City Lights

What is it about new cities that makes my heart sing? Sitting in an auto-rickshaw next to my best friend's girl, I sent my mind out to find.

The whirlwind and the hum, the fragrance of exotic food that I am yet to taste, the narrow alleys, the wide crowded roads, the endless hawkers, the children's parks...

I love the fact that this city doesn't know me. I stay only long enough to catch a glimpse and begin liking this city.

I am reminded of Cavafy's City. (Read one version here.) What had the poet wanted us to know?

My India

There are infinite moments like these, when you are hit by lightning and you stop, even as the universe continues to spin. Such a bolt took me to exotic sights, here in Chennai. I was on a re-discover-my-India journey.

One step inside VTI (Victoria Technical Institute on Anna Salai) and I felt the world around me transform. The arts and crafts centre had redefined beauty. Somewhere, someone, in his/her own way, was a Howard Roark.

On the way home, I came across artists painting stories of a bygone era on the Cosmopolitan Club's wall. I am humbled by their existence.

A wonderful Saturday!

A Long Journey

There are only a few places in my heart where my journeys can take me. I wonder how it is that we limit our souls - even when it is not our doing; how we open our eyes to the sunshine and yet feel so empty.

The road to oneself is the greatest distance one needs to traverse.
An unbearable distance of time when one is stuck with oneself.

Count Your Blessings

Lost ground has been regained. Battles are still being fought. Breathe.
What place would I want to open my eyes to? The rain forests of Africa. Afghanistan. Cambodia?

There are infinite paths to freedom. There are infinite borders to cross. Have a heart. Hold a hand. Be held. Guide another. Breathe. Open eyes. Open mind.
Echoing my friend Dale's words - Life is good, after all.