Is there any way, any place to run away from everything?? From all the responsibilities, and stress that come with 'em. From everyone who hurt you, knowingly and/or unknowingly. From those who try to bind your freedom. From those who don't care about you but pretend they do. From all the hustle and chaos. From unwanted relations and obligations.
In the lap of solitude and solace. Somewhere where you need no one. Where you can do what your heart says. Where no one judge your every action and no one asks what you don't want to say. Where you do not need to give explanations. Where you can follow yourself. Love yourself.
I love the days when they start with the happy memories. And sadly, not many of such days happen.
I hate to admit it, but my college days were not the happiest of times. But there were few people, who made even those days memorable. They were an integral part of my life then. And I guess, they still are, no matter what the distances are, now. I miss being with them, talking to them, sharing my life with them. Spoke to one such person this morning. He is someone who influenced my life more than I admit and realize. Whatever small I achieved in life, I owe a lot of it to him. He taught me some of the best lessons of life, in good way and otherwise. We shared the best times and the worst. And now after all these years, I don't know where we stand in our relation, but his friendship gave me some strength, that is still with me. And will be with me forever.
I normally don't like the heat. But this last trip to UTAH canyons burnt me and even then I did not want to finish it so soon. Bright sun, gushing river through the mighty mountains, natural bridges, arches, hoodoos, red sandstone slopes and more. The place was one of the best nature's paradise. We started our trip on Friday afternoon around 2:00 pm. Our first destination was Springdale, UT, the entrance to the Zion canyon. It was 700 mi drive. And the adventure begun as soon as we started. When we called the hotel to confirm the reservation, we discovered that they have booked us for June instead of May 8th to May 11th. So, no hotel reservation for us :( But then the guys figured out the problem, spoke to the manager and got us the rooms. We reached there at around 3:00 am local time. Got the keys from the reception and went to the room. The reception guy told us that we had two interconnected rooms. So we tried to open the first one, only to discover that it was already occupied. The occupants called 911 (the police). Before the police arrived we discovered that the reception guy gave us the wrong room no. So, another mis-adventure in the middle of the night. But again thankfully the neighbors realized that it was all a mis-communication and the cop did not bother much. But he did took a look around. So finally we went to bed only after 4 am.
Started the next morning at 11 am. Was a hot day. Sun real bright. We took the Zion park shuttle which took us around the park. This was the first time I experienced nature raw and untouched. We hiked some trails and climbed some rocks. But because of the lack of time and proper gear, did not actually hiked the longer trails. Before we knew the day was gone. And we were tired and drained. And I had some problem with the motion sickness as we drove a lot that day too. So went back to the room. But unfortunately did not get a very good sleep that night. Had to shift to another room as we booked the rooms at last minute. So.. not the best conclusion for the day.
Next day started a lil early and roamed around the town for a while and then reached the Bryce canyon only after 2 pm, as it was another 200 mi from there. But all the driving seemed worth as soon as we reached the first view point, the Rainbow point. It was like a heaven. Serene, peaceful, like a touch of divine. And thankfully wasn't as hot as the previous day. Breeze was cool. And then each view point was better than the previous one. The Canyon formed after millions of years of erosion, the river running through it, natural bridges and the hoodos, true marvels. It was just mystic. Stunning, beautiful. I felt at short of words. The red sandstone structures, and the sunning making everything look bright and vibrant. For one moment I realized, no matter how much we try to win over nature, we can never beat it. Some power is there, that keeps it eternal and mortal. We did miss the sunset though, as we had to drive back before it was too late.
And like the previous day, we had to move to another hotel. But it was my birthday the next day, so we decided to move and then celebrate it at some restaurant. We were already late and reached applebee's only after 10 pm. And then, another stroke... they declined to serve me drinks as I forgot to carry my ID. And the one I had at the time was expired. So we had to convince the manager that I am eligible to consume alcohol. And fortunately, he agreed at last. So we had a nice time there. They sang their Bday song for me. And we were the last customers to leave the restaurant. So the day ended well.
Next day, before leaving, we played a round of mini golf, complimentary from the hotel we stayed in. I ended second last. Not bad for a beginner. :D And then left for the return journey of another 12 hrs.
Over all- GREAT VACATION!! And a Wonderful Birthday!! Wish more like this one.
Some days are more beautiful than others. You wake up full of joy. And the best part, you don't know the reason. Go out and a complete stranger would make your day even better by greeting you with a warm smile. And you realize what a smile could do. You love the sunshine, bright and energetic. You love the breeze, cool and soothing. Walking on the streets, you feel freedom. You don't care to reach the end. You love the journey. And you wish, the day never end.
