When was the last time you did something for the first time
Just what I needed to reaffirm I was enough
The sea was calling me, what the doctor always advises for the mind, soul and body.
The closest beach was chosen as the destination, the cool winter picked to avoid humidity and dehydration for the spoilt Bangalorean
The trip was mostly a closely kept secret from most including family, kids were informed, few friends in Chennai were informed.
Though it was meant to be a "be alone:" kind of trip, one friend was keen on joining
But as fate would have it, it was not meant to be and I was on my own as it was meant to be
Surprises never end, bumping into old friends at airports and stations are such a pleasant surprise and a harbinger of good times to come.
So it was this time too and catching up on past and making plans for the future always leaves you feeling good filled with the anticipation
Station to the beach was one long drive, along perfect roads and zero traffic once we left the city limits!
Reaching the shack and hotel , I checked in and inhaled the sea!
It was a clear sunny day and the waves were enjoying the solitude before the crowds came in.
Located in the Tsunami nagar, it was obvious that the fishermen had been affected by the Tsunami of 2004, but being the only trade they know, they have returned to the sea
Lunch was ordered, had, not the best for a seaside restaurant. Feedback was given.
the room was basic and comfortable with a sitout to enjoy the view
The view from the hotel was breathtaking, with the fishing boats lined up ready for their daily trips, the shore temple outlined among the casuarinas in the distances, the waves going back and forth, steady, wooshing, calming.
Once the sun was sliding down, I decided to walk down and visit the monuments the place was renowned for.
Enjoyed the walk down to Arjuna's penance and from there on spent 2 hours following the crowds, admiring the sculptures, the artistry and the commercialisation of the area.
the climb up to the lighthouse was the highlight of my trip as I have always been enchanted by them and the important role they play in guiding the ships to safety
It stands tall,silent, and constant. Only giving, never expecting.
walked towards the Shore temple, a marvel, looked smaller than when i had last seen it. Maybe I have grown up?
Walked back towards the hotel, walked along the waves of the sea, the chatter, the laughter of people enjoying the rise and fall of the waves, the silent boats waiting to get into the water, the search for the elusive crabs in the shores, fishermen, playing cards, the smell of the sea, the salt of the water.
The feeling of calm, the setting sun, the changing colours, the night bringing with it music and a change in mood
Dinner by the beach was what I always craved for, the food made extra special for me and a non alcoholic wine, miraculously touched by the sea giving me a high on an higher plane.
The fishing boats were to leave at 2:00 AM and return by 5:30 AM, some of the fishermen could be seen checking their nets, the engine and the boats at night.
I set my alarm to wake up and see them leaving,
The night was noisy, young crowds partying till early morning, unfortunately no boats left, I did wake up early to catch the sunrise on the eastern coast
An early morning walk along the beach, avoiding bottles from the previous night, few walkers with the same aspiration, to catch the sun rising from below the water, and an interesting conversation with a stranger. How nice to avoid niceties and exchange pleasantries, but have a pleasant conversation in the here and now.
The lapping of the waves a constant reminder that everything is transient.
Some of the boats left early morning to try their luck, high tide is not the safest for them to venture into the vast ocean for a meagre catch.
Saw the boats return with the catch of the day, locals swarming to get their glimpse and buy what they could , fishermen bowing to the sea.
It doesn't end with the sale, they spend the next few hours, cleaning and untangling the nets to get ready for the next day.
I wish I had access to this sight every day! The fishermen grateful to the sea for their livelihood, for their everyday lives!
Soon after it was time to say goodbye to a day of solitude among noise and crowds, being able to silence everything else around you including the mind and just let the ocean take over your being.
My first time being on my own, traveling alone on business or meeting others halfway or for pleasure with other travelers is not the same as completely being on my own.
Some of these local tourist towns are still not comfortable with a single Indian woman but are more accepting of a foreigner traveling alone
Felt safe all the time though it was crowded. I did avoid the beach late at night, not trusting the unruly crowd out drinking on the beach.
Some memories will last forever, some lessons learnt will remain for a lifetime.
Travel solo! You will experience the world differently.
