Jaisalmer is undoubtedly beautiful.
However, I could not help but compare my third trip to the dunes with my previous two experiences. The first visit to the Golden city was at the age of 14 and boy, was it magical! I can still hear the screams and laughter of all of us kids as we rolled down the dunes and ran back to the top with full exuberance. There was no stopping us. The perfect picture was that of a silhouette of my mom against the setting sun.
The second time, I saw the dunes of the Sahara desert and it seemed like just another 'must do' on a trip abroad. The safari in the SUV though was an unforgettable experience for a sucker of thrills like myself. The trail of white cars speeding up and down the dunes looked just perfect. The journey was much more fun than the final destination.
This time, I went to the Thar desert with the hope of reliving the magical experience I had nine years ago, but it simply wasn't the same. Was it me or was it the place? It seemed so adulterated and commercialised. Isn't the desert supposed to be intimidating and inaccessible? What's the point of living in Swiss tents that one can reach even by road? Huh, so much for adventure and mystery! And whatever happened to 'experiencing the moment'? It seemed like it was more important to 'capture the moment' without savouring the best of it. I didn't feel like rolling down the the dunes or just going crazy in the fine sand. I didn't want to let go of my old memories, I guess.
The trip, however, was amazing. I wonder when again would I be able to do a trip like this with the friends who have been a very important part of my life for the past couple of years. Each one of us will go their own way to chase their own dreams and aspirations. The road trip through the night (for which I got fired by my parents!), the trademark NID garba, the singing around the bonfire, the heartfelt conversations and the unforgettable camel ride will remain memories I'll cherish forever.
I've realised that every experience peels off a little paint from old pictures to make space for new ones.
3 comments:
liked the post.. and strangely i felt the same way to a certain extent.. though it was my first trip.
i can so realte to da fun you had coz, this nu yea, a few friends and me went and camped on a beach...drinkin and dancin around da bonfire...
there are very few things that mix well betta than a winter night, a bonfire, good company and a bottle ov Black...
well...the certain carefressness was amiss i guess!!..but a nice trip nonetheless!!...
n how could u forget the 3 hours long vocal stunts of miss pratima khadke!!!
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