How I got the travel bug

by Neha Karmala (India)

I didn't expect to find India

“Don't listen to what they say, go see” says a Chinese proverb. Being a 30+ single, introverted woman of Indian origin, that’s exactly what I did. Having been brought up by a strong woman for a mom who always encouraged me to live the way I liked and not as per the norms set by this contemporary society. That is exactly what I did when I started spreading my wings after a painful breakup. Jodhpur – The blue city!! Flashback a few decades, The Jodhpur city was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput chief of the Rathore clan. Jodhpur's most notable attractions are Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada, and the Ghanta Ghar, or Clock Tower. Now reel back to 2018 when me and two of my friends decided an impromptu trip and ended up having the most amazing time of our life. Our three day trip started with a bang. Indian railways as it is decided to run on time that particular day and we ended up missing our train. Luckily we were able to board another one 8 hrs later, however we lost one day of our trip. Dejected and unhappy with the turn of events we checked into our hotel around 9pm – Hostelavie; a jackpot for backpackers. With a roof top café overlooking the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort and a breath taking view of the city. Our upside down smiles quickly turned into those cartoony shots of happiness the moment we climbed those stairs to settle down for dinner after a long tiresome, somewhat sad day of events. With smiles carved ear to ear, starry eyes and little birdies singing sweet heavenly music to our ears. One look at the glorious fort standing tall at a distance with warm glistening lights highlighting those nooks and corners with enough brightness yet maintaining that subtle mystery makes one wonder what deep secrets were hidden in the shadows behind the wall. That night no one slept. With that hypnotic image etched in our minds, we tossed and turned on our bunk beds all night long. Next morning we woke up with the sun, got dressed, and tossed our back packs on. Phones, cameras fully charged, sunscreen slathered on, we marched out the doors. With adrenaline cruising in our veins and our eyes sparkling with the same fervor as the night before, we took and auto and reached outside the gates of the fort – Mehrangarh. Perched on a hill at 400ft high spread across 5km radius, this magnificent fort was as enthralling from within as it was from afar at the dead of the night. The day light brought different splendor to the glistening dark fort adorned with intricate Rajasthani carvings across the walls. Step by step we walked along the path designated for tourists, admiring every inch of the fort. Listening to the music played and the dance performances by the locals was picture perfect. As we walked towards those giant wooden carved doors with huge metal hinges and gigantic locks, it was as though we leaped back in time. While the fort was home for two ancient temples positioned on different sides, the highlight of the fort, the museum inside was divided sectionally as per the items placed for viewing. The museum still holds items such as paintings, clothes, armory, utensils, palanquins, cradles, bedding and such used by the kings and queens and later occupiers of the fort. Every room we visited, every stair we climbed brought new wonders afore us. The grandeur with which the palace was decorated was breath taking and unveiled how majestically the people before us lived. Coming back from the fort none of us talked. Still recovering from witnessing the majestic fort from up close. Every minute spent marveling the beauty was forging into an unforgettable memory in our minds. With a splendid start to our journey, every second spent in the fort ended up making up for the time lost the day before. The adrenaline rush that comes with visiting new places. Seeking new experiences, making unforgettable memories salvaging every bit of this pitiable life has become a new obsession now. Until next time!