By The Beach On A Sunny Day, With Books, Beer, And A Handful Of Thoughts
As cliché as it might sound, yes, I took a vacation in Goa and if you’re someone like me, you know you have had this place in your bucket list for the longest time now - to spend that perfect weekend, away from work, with your best buddies. But my plan was a little different. I took myself on a solo trip to Goa and I don’t regret it. I’m sure it might have been amazing to have my friends by my side to enjoy these beautiful beaches, but, being by myself, among the serene sounds of the waves hitting the shore and birds chirping in the morning was blissful. Guess, this was one of the best decisions that I have made in a longest time that I can remember.
When I say Goa, a clichéd picture of crowded beaches with men and women in their bathing suits, uncles in their wet capri pants and translucent white vest, which in fact is stuck to their hairy body and their mobile phone cameras always on, trying to capture the wet essence of the land, and people intoxicated in booze and high on marijuana is painted. Sounds such a cliché. Isn’t it?
Well, I’m not denying any of the above stated. It’s called a cliché for some obvious reasons. Duh. But, to be honest, Goa is something beyond all of this. I’m sure people come here to chill and indulge in some guilty pleasure which could be a conversation starter in their future wasted nights, and that’s true. But, I should say that Goa is something beyond all of these guilty pleasures.
Sitting by the beach, With your favourite book, and Drinking beer is my new favourite thing
Right from my childhood, I have been attracted to oceans. The sand, the sound of the waves and a deep sense of tranquility has amazed me. And I would do anything to get into the water, even if it’s at least to have my legs wet. But, the moment when I set my foot in the sands of beautiful Palolem beach in South Goa, I realised that getting into the water is not the only fun thing that I can experience, but, sitting by the beach, running your eyes and fingers through book that you’re reading and drinking a pint of beer can also be the fun. Well, at least for me.
Goa for me was an escape from the reality. A little detour from the regulars, where all I wanted to think, do and experience was peace and nothing else.
/image/ - legs
Now escaping the reality might portray me as a coward. And, to be honest, it may or may not be the case, but it’s completely about how one perceives it. And I think it’s absolutely fine to take a little detour from the reality and experience the warmth of the Goan sunshine and the west winds.
I personally think detours are essential. Well, as I always say, at least for me. I take these on a very serious note because these are the only time that I actually get to spend some time with myself amidst the chaotic life I lead. Not only it allows me to spend some time with myself, but, it also allows me to realise the person that I'm and the person that I've become. The contemplation of what I want to do life boggles my mind 24/7, 365 days, but when I'm spending time with myself, all these contemplations are evaluated. An I think, this is the best part of taking a detour from the reality by myself, on a solo trip.
Or, you could do nothing. Like me, on the second day in Goa.
Yes, you heard me right. I spent my second day in Goa at the hostel, sipping hot chocolate, along with my journal and laptop, pouring my heart out through the known words of the unknown traits. And, it was truly blissful.
Sometimes, I wonder what it feels like to be in an exotic location like Goa and to sit at a café in a pyjama shorts and a tank top, and just pour one's your heart out. Well, now I know how it feels.
A lot of people think that they need to do a lot in order to feel good – buy expensive clothes, party every weekend at the most happening clubs in the town, go on an international holiday and spend tons of money. But what they fail to understand is that, to feel good, one doesn't have to do any of those, but in fact, do something that makes one happy from the inside.
But you ask, who really cares? In fact, when things are done in an unconventional way, no one really cares or gives a crap in the day and age where the existence of humanity is validated through a double tap on Instagram.
But someone needs to give a crap about all of this. Isn’t it? Well, then you have my answer. That someone is YOU, and no one else.
Taking this vacation, living in a hostel with a bunch of fellow travellers, getting to know the place by myself, and indulging in conversations with people - all of these have actually made me feel good and helped me give a better perspective on life. Nothing extravagant, but something that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life which made me feel good, peaceful and serene.
P.S: If you’re someone who feels good by spending money by being on a luxuries international holiday, go ahead. Do what makes you feel good.
And, I've say that, Goa – you've got my attention. I look forward to coming back to you.