In Folds Of Smile

I went on quite a few camping trips but the latest one was my first star gazing experience and also because it was a stay of 3 days and 2 nights with limited food and luxury. 

Weather was so unpredictable, we assumed moderate climate  and carried short and light clothes and it turned out to be chilling cold night as low as 6 degree Celsius. It felt as though blood was freezing inside the body and could feel the needle pricking chills running down the spine. Literally rolled up like a burrito in the sleeping bag, all i was praying was to somehow to stay alive to look at the sunrise. For future reference, if you ever go to camping trip, always carry extra hoodie and extra socks.

I got to meet some amazing people and made 3 new friends who  initially were just acquaintances but by the end of this camping trip became friends, with hopes to meet each other soon. We played games, stood in front of the camp fire and experimented with cooking. The only fun thing that happened in the camping trip was how a dog came out of the woods from no where (actually came from a hiking trail, but the owners did not put it on a leash, despite the camping park rules) and we froze. the guys actually hid behind us girls. Such cowards (:P) and this happened in mid of a conversation about gender roles.

Anyways on the first night, we just gazed and admired the stars as we rarely get to see them so clear and shining in the city life. Suddenly my memories carried me down to my days back home when it reminded me of the nights I used to sleep with my family on the terrace because of power-cuts in the summer and the cool breeze outside. We also used to have a mosquito net and the 4 of us used to sleep on a mattress. Those nights were extremely special because my parents used to share their childhood stories and tell us about how life has changed for them. Occasionally there would be an aeroplane (airplane as per the British) passing by with a little red and blue light. And my parents, being from a middle class family, doing what they did best. Showed us hopes and dreams , which in hindsight is manipulation but well, it was for us to study well and get a better job so that someday we can fly in those airplanes. I think unknowingly in that moment, when i agreed with my parents, I was manifesting the thoughts of being able to travel and dream and make my parents happy and proud. 

Sometimes in the midst of the strangest of situation when we are enjoying the present, our memories peep out and in that moment, I felt so grateful to all people who helped me be where I am today. Which obviously did not last long because someone in the group wanted to sleep and wake up to see the sunrise, which didn’t happen because it rained that night and we woke up late 😛

But the second day we managed to wake up early to admire the sunrise which was very amazing. You need to be there to appreciate it, so refreshing and beautiful to sit in the forest, with minimal access to social media and just admiring the beauty, colors and power of a beautiful artist (which has different names but lets just call it the universe.) 

So next time, when you go on a trip, don’t forget to carry an extra jacket and socks but more importantly, take a moment for yourself and just be there and take it in – cold air, dark night, warm fire, bright stars.  Don’t be afraid to camp, explore, discover and experience the real freedom which lies in the wildness. 🙂

Picture credits – Nikhil Kumar 🙂