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"Let's go on a trip this long weekend!",chimed in my roommate. How could I deny this amazing prospect. So we began our planning and decided everything-right from where should we stay, what should we eat and where should we click pictures. As I was about to book the tickets, she backed out! I was left on a cliffhanger. But then I thought why should I give anyone the authority to decide whether I should go on a trip or not. Before any other thought could enter my mind, I booked my travel and stay. Then I realized I would be going on a solo trip for the first time in my life. I was about to venture into something which I had never experienced- it was scary and exciting at the same time. It was an overnight journey and I was to travel by bus. Being the anxious person I am, I reached about two hours prior to the departure. Turns out the bus was running late and I had to wait for an eternity for my journey to begin. Once I settled in the bus, I slept peacefully thinking about the amazing two days I was going to have. Well, I woke up to heavy rains splattering against the window. But I was so excited by this prospect of solo trip that it failed to dampen my spirits. Pondicherry was a French colony in India. The french left ages ago but one can still find traces of France here. A beautiful blend of French and Tamilian culture can be experienced in Pondicherry. It is known for beautiful beaches, exquisite architecture and exotic food culture. The rain stopped till the time I reached Pondicherry but it was still quite cloudy. The first thing on my mind was the Rock beach. With Google maps to my aid, I navigated through the streets. Walking here was a pleasure as I admired the gorgeous architecture and quaint charm of old houses. I found myself on a path adorned with huge trees on both sides of the road and a silhouette of trees against the cloudy skies. My heart fluttered with excitement the moment I caught sight of the ocean. Due to an overcast sky, the sea had a green tinge to it and felt like a tempest was nearing.This felt like a scene straight out of a novel. A girl standing on a cliff staring at the vast ocean in front of her. After trying out some South Indian delicacies, I decided to explore the area or 'White Town' as it is called. I came across classic temples, strikingly charming churches and a tiny but highly significant Pondicherry museum which housed various bronze artifacts from olden ages. Amongst all the beaches in Pondicherry, paradise beach is considered as most scenic and pleasant which is a ferry ride away from the mainland. The ride became more fascinating when I noticed jellyfish drifting through the backwaters. As against the tense mood of the ocean I had experienced before, here was a playful and fun ocean. I spent the evening strolling along the beach, interacting with locals and trying the French cuisine. It was here where I realized what a small speck I am in this large world and nothing in front of nature. I could actually hear my thoughts when I stood in the presence of the sea. It completely changed my perspective about life, about the way I live. This wouldn't have been possible if I never dared to go for this solo trip. After spending two days here,I returned home. Everyone applauded me for undertaking this venture and I was able to inspire a couple more girls to go for solo trips. This was not only a life changing experience for me but it helped me know myself. I had no idea about my limits- how far could I really go. I was never a person who would go interact with strangers and here I was exploring a new town all by myself and making new friends. I leapt into the unknown and found myself.