Memory is unpredictable . One never really knows what we will remember and what we will forget. Which is why nostalgia arrives in unpredictable waves, highlighting something and skimming over others. Recently, I have found myself thinking of how memory works, as I was assailed by nostalgia over a trip to Varanasi, a city I prefer to think of, as Kashi. The nostalgia hit right as we landed at Varanasi airport. The last time I was here, it was 1988, I was 13 years old, the airport was brand new… regular flights hadn’t started yet (I think) … flights landed about once a week, and for the rest of the time, everything was open to those of us who lived in the airport quarters nearby. There were fields everywhere, vast expanses of green… I have vague memories of corn and sugarcane… and being overwhelmed by the vastness of the fields (this was the first time I was in such close proximity to them), and the warm hospitality of complete strangers who lived and worked amidst these fields. I h...
Kashmir had been on my wishlist for years and years, but it was this year that the wish came true. Yes, we had less time than I would have liked, but simply setting foot in the state was enough for this trip, especially since Shankar wasn't able to join us. So it was just me, Samhith, my in-laws and my sister-in law. The 12 hour journey from Jammu to Srinagar was tiring, to say the least, but the views more than made up for it!
Srinagar was all we expected... and more.... Staying in a houseboat on the Dal lake was an experience we shall never forget...
Samhith went water-boarding on his birthday..
And nephew and aunt had the time of their lives in the many gardens...
And then there was Gulmarg, covered with ice in peak summer....
I have yet to write about any of my experiences... the problem is, there are too many, and I have loads yet to write!!
Srinagar was all we expected... and more.... Staying in a houseboat on the Dal lake was an experience we shall never forget...
Samhith went water-boarding on his birthday..
And nephew and aunt had the time of their lives in the many gardens...
And then there was Gulmarg, covered with ice in peak summer....
Needless to say, we had a blast!!
I have yet to write about any of my experiences... the problem is, there are too many, and I have loads yet to write!!
कश्मीर व हिमालय बार बार बुलाता है।
ReplyDeleteSigh .... you have ticked off "one of the places to see" and I have yet to go there.
ReplyDeleteWell one day :-)
Like those pictures especially the one of Gulmarg.
beautiful landscape. Warmm greetings and a Very Happy Christmas
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Beautiful photos. Waiting fo your detailed posts.
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