Between Ranikhet and Sitlakhet. Almora in front of me,twinkling
in the distance , an hour away by road. A beautiful 2 bedroom cottage with a
hammock to lie in. Never knew why everyone loved one so but lesson learnt. The perfect
way to just soak up the sun or the stars depending on the time of day. Another first was to stand quietly on a khud
side and be surrounded with beautiful yellow butterflies flying around me.
The most breath taking of it all was being able to see the morning sunrise with Trishul and Nanda Devi on the horizon. What had only ever been a picture in a
text book was right there in front of my eyes.
The cottage is quaint with a broken road leading to it,
wooden flooring, tilted roof, the smell of pine, raat ki rani, grandparents to
grandkids and Jasmine to boot! Modern with tv, electricity and the finest
amenities. You really want nothing.
My
mind was pretty much on a complete shutdown since I left Delhi. Which is just
what I needed? Think I would have really needed a loony bin if I hadn't come!
Guess its just a phase where work, family, friends, relationships, hopes,
dreams all burden one rather than me feeling happy and blessed for what I do
have. But here watching the hillside, feeling the pitter patter of the drizzle
around me, it all seems a lot less over bearing.
I've always known the
hills and the sea have a calming influence on me, but i guess to much time
flies before one gets away to this again. It's been only a day since I've been
back yet it already seems like i need another escape from Delhi. And this is
while i really do love my city the most in the world. Nothing like my own car
to drive and knowing every nook and cranny. Maybe being on this trip just has
brought out being a child again on some level, being taken care of, stress free
- no having to plan a trip or transport or stay or food or 100 people's contrary
desires.
Even now I shut my eyes and I imagine that
little spot on the hill top and I feel blessed to have been a part of it.
