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What should a traveller choose? The beauty of a destination or the spirit behind it. “France in India” this little phrase became the inspiration for a scarcely planned beach trip. Being an introvert through and through made me a tad bit less social with my new colleagues. Still, in this particular instance, due to certain personal reasons, I decided to take a reckless trip with them to Pondicherry- the french city of India. What started out as a long weekend getaway turned out to be a life-altering trip. Usually, I am the sort of person who plans a trip to the last dot. However, this time I was not planning. I just grabbed the first opportunity that offered a reverie from my recent past failures. Due to which I had few tiny hitches in my plans like shoestring budget, barely known colleagues and mile-long insecurities, to name a few. But the moment when the majestic sunrise caressed my face with the scrunchy sand beneath my feet, all my fears and trepidations flew out. While walking through the streets of the White town, on a hot afternoon, I could feel the whispers of 200-year-old civilisation shadowing my steps. This sea-side town opened its soul to us- three hippie girls far from home. With its sultry weather, historic architecture and classy cafes, we were impressed. But the real transformative experience happened by the end of our first day. Generally, on trips like this, that aren’t properly planned, we take the suggestions of the locals. Thanks to one such advice we decided to stop at a famous pizza diner after an exciting day of sightseeing. It was pretty late when we started back from the restaurant. As a result of a series of miscommunication, my colleagues left me behind and took my belongings with them. With no money, personal documents or any modes of communication, I was stranded in a new city- lost. While the city slept through a moonless night, I was roaming the streets to find my way back to the hotel we checked in. As hours passed, I was losing my cool, and the paranoia that usually accompanies me like a personal chauffeur started making its presence known. What once was a charming city started turning into the worst nightmare that I was unable to outrun. Right when I was about to give up, a taxi stopped near me. The logical reaction should have been gratitude, but the time-old wisdom of never trusting a stranger came out first. I became cautious. Still, with no other options left, I told the cab driver my predicament. Thankfully due to his profession, he was able to understand my language. Being a local born, he identified the hotel that I was staying in, with the meagre clues I provided. He offered to drop me in his taxi but seeing my hesitation, he understood my concern. He then arranged a bike that I could drive and followed me until I reached my hotel safely. I have travelled a lot, but never knew the distinction between the beauty and spirit behind a destination. While many will agree that ancient landscapes and breathtaking beaches could add charm to the french city, but the real spirit of Pondicherry is its people and the legacy they carry. At that rugged seashore, a scared girl who usually chose her insecurities over her courage got lost. But from those ashes rose an independent woman planning her next crazy adventure.