A Nocturne Experience

I have always known that I can express myself better in words on a paper (in this case a computer screen) rather in the midst of a conversation. But then again it depends on the other person is and if we can connect on the same intellectual and emotional level. And I am lucky to find a few who can understand the need of my isolation. I love the solitude in the quiet corner, somewhere in the world, I think this is the reason I am driven to travel in search of places where in the middle of the crazy buzzing, I find a glimpse of sane humanity in a crippled beggar feeding birds or a kind smile of an unknown stranger.

How funny the world is with stranger? How many times have I been warned about strangers but I find them the most fascinating and to certain extent, tempting. As I wonder about all my traveling, I thought to myself, in breaking that one rule of not talking to stranger, I learned a lot about the larger population around me. I do admit I have met some rather sick people also whose morality I question. But that’s their moral perspective and if doesn’t suit mine, doesn’t mean that they are wrong entirely also. I just accept that they are many who may not see the world as I want to be.

The pictures in the following were taken in February 2015 where my friend, Prity came with me to visit Choki Dhandi. It is advised to come at 5 or after 5. It was a wonderful experience to have, two girls, a night out in a strange place. I think the ticket is Rs, 500/- which included a Rajasthan style thali (it’s actually all you can eat buffet but due to my low tolerance level for spice, I avoid eating a lot). We enjoyed listening and watching Rajasthan folk music and dances. I was most curious about the musical instruments they were playing. I was always curious about musical instruments. If anyone who has seen my room will be surprised to see the funny instruments or devices that made interesting sound. And I accept that I have few addiction, books and music instruments. 

 We sat next to these Mauritian origin British folks during dinner. And Prity kept mentioning that they looked like Indians but had this British accent. I was amused at her comment and bluntly out loud, in front of them! And then I explained to her the history between India and Mauritius. And then she said then that would mean they were Indians. I was stumped to how to explain further but then most Mauritians were Indian origins and if they took up some other nation’s citizenship, who am I to explain this to her. So I left and let her think of what she wants to think. In time, hopefully people understand how complex we made the world by dividing it into nations based on culture when honestly we eat, drink and breathe the same air.

Though the pictures cannot justify the beauty of winter night along with soft glowing lanterns which was the favorite part of my evening. He picturesque, quiet and solace I found in the darkness led me to peaceful thoughts of God’s creations and no matter how bad days can go, one just need to stop and slow the time down, I know that it is stupid but that’s what we do when we are with our friends and family. We slow time down to drown in every bit of indulgence we can. And that is the everlasting impression printed in our memories.