WHY????........

As I left the comfort of a loving home and parents, the happiness that came from my friendships, the security of a well paying job, the joys of living in a city; I couldn't help but wonder what the future had in store for me. Why was I different? Why did I want to be so? Questions of all sorts crowded my mind. It was and always will be one of my life's defining moments, the walk from home to Borivli railway station. I got into the train at Bombay Central station to leave for Jaipur, Rajasthan. It was to be the first leg of my trip. I had decided then that I wouldn’t ever reserve a ticket for myself as long as I could. I had made up my mind to travel as and when I felt like it. No itineraries and No reservations. And like the majority of Indians do, in the general compartment of trains. It was quite a struggle to get into the compartment, but I made it. I had been travelling by trains for as long as I can remember. From family functions, weddings, visits to dad’s office, family outings and later by myself to college, to the movies, for drinks, for parties, to clubs etc. etc., trains weren’t new to me. I was prepared for the worst. Even sleeping on the floor of the train like I did on the way to Kerala, on my first solo backpacking trip would be just fine.
My parents to this day still ask me when I’ll be back. I told them I’d be travelling for a year to find a new way of life and if I did manage to find something in that year I’d go for it. They only chose to hear the first part. I feel sorry for them sometimes. It must be strange answering questions about your son who isn’t working or starting a business or even studying. Suburban middle class life doesn’t leave many options for finding yourself.

By Nomadic Inclinations