First time in 30 years

by Pankaj Joshi (India)

A leap into the unknown India

So as the title tells you, this was first time in my 30yrs of life that I was travelling away from home for a vacation. Yes, I've travelled previously as well to my granny's place which is 800kms away from home. But that journey was again from home to home. This one particular journey which I am going to share with you is from home and away from home all on my own with 2 friends. One of which became a friend while on the journey. It all started with a plan. A plan which gloomy sent out to the world like a message. It was discussed over a call that let's just go somewhere for few days. The dates were fixed but location was not yet discussed. A few weeks later the calling came and the place which was decided was Amritsar, Punjab and from there on to Dharamshala and McLeodganj. The plan was set, bookings were done. On 15th Jan 2020 we left. While on the journey I was so excited and happy about this trip. I was full of joy. More so because it was my birthday in 3 days time and this was first time 29yrs that I was going to celebrate it away on my own. Yes I turned 30 on the journey. The whole feel of exploring the unknowns and staying on your own was different. It gave me a sense of responsibility and I felt as if I was a grown up now. It was intense jubilant feeling. From the time we checked in at the airport till the time we landed at the amritsar Airport and placing my foot in a different state was amazing. We found our way to the hotel, checked in and now we were just waiting for to step out and explore places around. It was freezing cold because of winters. We'd 3-4 layers of clothing each and still we were shivering. But the excitement from within was keeping us warm. We visited the most blissful place I've been to the Golden temple. It was late in the evening and trust me it is one of the most beautiful site to witness. The shine, the glory, the whole scene is a treat to watch. I'm an extrovert and I don't find it awkward striking conversation with people around me known-unknown does not matter. I was constantly talking to people, clicking pictures and living all the moments with great aplomb and a smile on my face. The day ended with a good dinner nearby. We reached back to our hotel and went off to sleep. The next day was important because we were suppose to go and visit the wagah border. And that particular visit was special. It's surreal to watch and be present there amongst the hundreds of them gathered to witness the retreat ceremony. By the end of it our bodies were exhausted but our heart was jubilant and joyful. The next day was a look around and we visited partition museum which filled our heart with tears. The stories during that time was so cruel. Then we left for dharamsala into the mountains. And that journey was long and tiring. Once we reached dharamsala it was too late in the night and it was even more colder then amritsar. We finished our dinner and went off to sleep. The next day was my day. My birthday. These two friends got me a small cake and we had a small party. It was like romanticizing the whole climate with a bowl of momos. Then we left for mcleodganj which was 10kms away from dharamsala stadium which we visited after war memorial located nearby. Mcleodganj was mesmerizing. It was that time of the year where snow fall was a normal thing. I saw and felt it for the first time. We were walking on the streets and there was snow flakes all around us. Another first timer for me. The whole set up was made for us and we were leaving nothing absolutely nothing to go out of grasp. The day came to an end. The next day we left to come back home with moments of joy