Our Pondicherry Trip 

After the splendid 3 nights in Pondicherry, the three friends returned to their separate homes, and to what awaited them . They cared not though, for rejuvenated they felt, ready to take on the challenges that life held for each . 

Their minds playing again and again,from the start to the finish, the trip they had just completed. It was in September, that the thought took seed, a weekend away with classmates, to a beach resort not far from home . 

There were no takers except for three, who set out to plan, in the hope that more would join eventually. But the number remained three, and most were sure, we would not go ahead. But undeterred, ‘go’ we did and it will be a memory to hold close till the very end. A noteworthy point , the three from different backgrounds, from different life styles and religions, finding a common ground on this their adventure. 

On a Thursday morning we set out by road, the three stooges, with a hired driver. We started out, not so early as  there was no where to be in a hurry. The congestion on the road didn’t bother us, the dust didn’t trouble us for we were on a holiday and nothing could detract from the excitement of leaving behind our dreary and monotonous daily routine, and the anticipation of the vacation ahead . With each mile, we went further from our ordinary , closer to the extraordinary, that awaited us . 

There were many pictures taken, at the start and every turn . Once we left Bangalore, the roads were no longer clogged and the ride was smooth, through verdant green scenery through rocky hillocks, and the only passersby we met, were the monkeys that waved us through. The sky though cloudy, held up and there was no rain . Not stopping for lunch or tea, we drove on to Pondicherry, until we reached  .

Our first halt was at a cafe, and after a snack, we checked into our hotel . Leaving quickly thereafter , as we did not want to lose any time, off we went to the beach . The experience of walking the promenade, the wind in our hair, the cool breeze on our, the sound of rolling waves, rushing in to tarry awhile, then quickly receding when they met rocky ground, the moon that hung low guided by the bright north star. 

The tourists were everywhere, their chatter in strange languages, a reminder they were far from home . The twinkling lights of the eateries that lined the waterfront, advertising their delicacies were oh so inviting and hard to resist. The picturesque walk down promenade road, in perfect companionship, will remain inscribed in our minds, and etched in our hearts, for a lifetime.  

After dinner at a fine dining restaurant, we turned in for the night, though it was young .  Being weary from the road trip and with nothing much to do , we went to bed and woke up late next morning . Needless to add, our plan to rise early to watch the sunrise, fell through. But galvanised by restful sleep and a healthy breakfast, we set out to see the sights. Taking in the meditation centre, shopping for chocolates and cookies, an evening boat ride through the mangrove, to the remains of the ancient Arikamedu fort,  the day went by quickly. 

Evening saw us setting out for dinner, to a popular destination, the Coromandel restaurant. Indulging in their sea food gastronomy, we returned to sleep like babies, another night . Determined not to miss the sunrise again, we were up bright and early the next morning. Donning our skimpy attire, purchased for just this purpose, we were at the beach to enjoy the sunrise and the waves that washed over our feet.

The sea air worked up an appetite in us and we found the much recommended Surgutu restraunt for a breakfast fit even for the most discernible palate . Once breakfast was done, there was not much to do but to rest awhile before stepping out for some shopping. Looking at handbags, and street wares , embroidered sheets, and patisseries at the bakery, we spent the afternoon. 

Our next stop before the evening was the ashram, the samadhi, where we had to enter bare feet and maintain total silence. Our final stop was Paradise beach, to view the sunset, the stunning pink skies, slowly turning dark with the setting sun. Too soon the sun went down, a sad moment it was, as we bid farewell to the sea and sand , farewell to the last night of our brief freedom from the mundane that we had left behind. 

Dinner at a well known restaurant, quickly raised our spirits and we made the most of the night. Breakfast next morning was simple and we started out early as we were packed and ready. The journey back was less cheerful, until we reached Ambur for the famous Star Biryani . Needless to say, we had a scrumptious lunch and settled to enjoy the ride back home . 

It was a holiday, too brief yet just right , a long weekend away from home, trying to rediscover our childhood. Baring our hearts to each other, tracing back to where we left our dreams behind . As we encouraged one another, we were certain we could cast away our fears, reclaim our dreams, and weave new ones. Above all, we discovered within us, the precious childlike innocence we thought was lost, to enjoy the smallest of adventures.