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Kayaking at Havelock islands! Irrespective of what kind of a traveler one is, a touch of adventure is something one will definitely embrace, especially if it takes one right into the lap of nature. For me, Kayaking seemed like one such experience that could give me a much-needed thrill. I was bewildered by the way Christopher McCandless traveled all the way to Mexico using nothing but a kayak, without a license or any formal training. If McCandless could reach a different country without any proper training, why couldn’t I explore the small area of Havelock, that too with a kayaking instructor? I chose to go on a night kayak which sounded more adventurous and hair-raising than a daylight expedition. Of course, I wanted my first kayaking experience to expand the image in my mind’s eye over the wild wonders of earth and also to be a captivating story to boast about. At around 8 p.m., I reached the docks where I met Tenzing, the head instructor. There were two couples who were also taking the tour. The chances of it raining seemed high and hence, Tenzing was unwilling to send anybody with a single person kayak. I was to share the kayak with another lady. This was disheartening as I wanted to be on my own and explore the ocean! But I did not want to be a bother, so I gave in. Tenzing started to instruct us on how to hold the paddles, how to maintain a “power position” (which was, our arms, chest, and paddle should form a box and this had to be maintained throughout). He also warned us not to move our bodies sideward, because doing so could flip the kayak and throw us into the sea. All these instructions the lady in my kayak anxious and nervous, and she wanted to back out. This worked out well for me as this meant I could get my own kayak! Tenzing gave me some further tips on how to manage the single person kayak as it was a little more difficult to handle. However, being the overconfident person that I am, I didn’t pay much heed to this and was in a hurry to get started. It was quite difficult to manage the “power position” and paddle on my kayak. It would start to wobble when I moved around and would swirl with even a small paddle-stroke. Being a restless person, this was quite frustrating to manage. It also became a bit difficult to follow the rest of the group; thanks to my cravings for a single person kayak! But soon, I managed to get control over the kayak. I was captivated by my surroundings. It was pitch dark, the ocean was silent and at its best state of mind. Engrossed with the scenery of surpassing loveliness, all I could hear was the sound of our paddles pierce through the defensive water and the droning of insects. It was blissful to watch the star-studded sky. I was distracted when Tenzing shouted at me, “Hegde, look at the water!”. I looked down and was speechless! The sea was filled with blue neon light! We were in an area where bioluminescent creatures were found. It felt as if I was rowing over a tapestry of stars! Our torches felt too mainstream in the midst of this natural light and we turned them off. It was an enchanting spectacle. The electrifying blue light beneath me and the dark sky in all its glory, made me want to stay there forever. I felt, the moment had seized me. I entered into a state of calm, peacefulness and a sense of contentment. This fete of nature and my quintessential experience was short-lived as it started to drizzle and we had to turn back, albeit with a fulfilled heart. Soon a heavy downpour started. I had a cup of ‘chai’ with Tenzing who offered to drop me to my hotel. On our way back, he asked me about my experience, but my mind was in a distant location, in the midst of the ocean, all alone on a kayak, lost and reveling in nature’s gift.