And Off I Went

The first photo of my 38 day journey - classic Mumbai traffic

I decided to go on sabbatical earlier this year.

Work was slowing down; I was told in February that I wouldn't have much to do for the first quarter of the new financial year i.e April-June. This period coincides with the Mumbai summer, which, for those of you not in the know, is very very hot. Daytime temperatures regularly cross 35 C, and humidity levels are at their highest. It's also the perfect time to leave the city and travel somewhere cooler. And so in March I discussed the possibility of going on sabbatical, with my colleagues and superiors. I was lucky enough to be let off for 7 weeks (38 days), beginning April 20.

My first few days of freedom were, however, spent indecisively, planning my trip. You see, I had a general idea where I wanted to go (Kashmir/Himachal) but not a specific plan in mind. Also, I was not too keen on travelling alone, having never done it before, and was researching the possibility of joining a group. Some of my deliberations during those first two weeks have been noted here.

But after a lot of thought and consultations with friends, I made up my mind, finalised my plans, bought a backpack & guidebook, and plucked up the nerve to book airline tickets online (which was the point of no return). I then felt happy, relieved, as if a great burden had been lifted off my shoulders. For I didn't have to worry about planning anymore. Everything from that point on would happen on a day to day basis, and I would take each day as it came (forgive the cliche).

And so it was with excitement and not trepidation that I woke up on the 8th of May, ate breakfast, and caught a rick to the airport. The journey across the Western Express Highway, from Borivli to Santa Cruz, was surprisingly quick - about half an hour. I remember a time in 2005 when that same journey on a weekday took over twice as long in a traffic jam and I almost missed a flight.

I took a picture (above) during that rickshaw ride. It was one of the most satisfying photos I've ever taken in my life.

Do you have any photos that represent satisfaction at something? Leave a description and link in the comments section.

And Off I Went