Backpack.... Lost and Found – Self.

“To awaken alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” – Freya Stark

I thought Freya must be out of her mind.

But you know what; Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. I decided to extend my trip by few more days to step out of my comfort zone and live the life, I have never lived.

To begin with,

Bangkok,

I had no plans on what to do and where to go. A good traveller has no fixed plans apparently. But NO! That line did not inspire me. Eventually managed to book a hostel(Bedstation) in the last minute, which later turned out to be my saviour and bliss.

A great place to stay; meet strangers from different parts of life; grab a beer and talk anything under the sun; be anyone(fantasy included!) you want to be; walk out as friends!

A glimpse of Bedstation 

Random discussions with random people over breakfast table leads to an exciting plan for the next few days. The funny part is, none had a plan before that breakfast. So I head out to explore. Not necessary to stick with the group. You can just take off anytime, anywhere, with or without.

Wake up with a blank mind, have a hot shower, grab a healthy breakfast, pocket a local map and head-out, explore, get lost, and talk to locals, relish local food, find self, smile, explore more, talk more, eat more, smile more and finally, back to bed with memories. And the cycle continued.

This is exactly how I spent my few days at Bangkok and this is what I found (not read) about Bangkok.

The city is highly busy and commercial.

Overloaded Buddhism at one section of the city and rest of all the section is famous for what you know it is famous for! If you don't know, read about it. Wait!! Rather visit and see for yourself.

It is weird to believe that, I lost not more than one-fourth of a day to sleep in all those days.

Travelling leaves you speechless, then turns you into a story teller. Absolutely true, Mr. Batutta.

I wish to share more stories.

But it is better to see something once than to hear about it a thousand times- An old Asian proverb.

So. Backpack. Lose. Find. Self.

Elixir of my life – Alluring at its best!

Malted barley, hops, yeast and water don’t make much sense when they stand alone. But when you put them together and manipulate the natural process, you get the elixir of mankind! A curious mind would reckon what I am talking about. And only those minds would understand the true essence of this random piece. The harmless* mixture – the reason behind euphoria for some, dysphoria for some and endless other emotions vaporing out of their souls, has been a distant dream for me in the dry state here. Had it been a case where it is absolutely impossible to find one, it would have remained a dream. But it is India! There is nothing called as unavailability of banished ones and Yeah! Dreams come true! Don’t they?!

After being ubiquitous, it was seldom seen, heard and it was a ‘TABOO’ here.  Having laid multiple baits with few (Reality-with almost everyone I knew here!) friends here, I made up my mind that the one who hands me the elixir will be promoted from a friend status to my best friend! Days became weeks, weeks into a month and the wait was getting cruel. The night is darkest just before the dawn! And as promised, the dawn was coming! (Again, curious minds would recognize this punch line!)

One of those baits had worked and eventually I managed to lay my hands on the elixir of my life. Without a surprise, it was truly an elixir and casted its spell over me briefly over the night. Nevertheless, it was worth the wait.

Funny yet a very true FB quote strikes me at this point, “Oh NaMo! Please do not replicate your state’s model in India. It is quite hard to drive down to neighboring countries!” I bet he wouldn’t dare to do that unless he has plans to lose his PM seat!

* depends on individual & their appetite level/pattern. The author does not promote it by any means!