Travels and thoughts

GOA. The word conjures up a kaleidoscope of images: swaying palm trees, languid backwaters, the mighty Arabian Sea, unending beaches, a tropical climate, friendly people, and a multitude of bars leading to what the locals call Susegada . I came across the term Susegada for the first time. It was introduced by a dear friend, KK, and literally means quiet and relaxed (chilling in blore language)  Most of us would have heard about the Japanese concept of the ‘ikegai,’ which translates to mean ‘the reason for being.’  The Goans have adopted a way of Susegad.  The origin is from the Portuguese word Sossagado.  This quietness is associated with peace and happiness, which the Goans place above everything else. It is about living life at an easy pace. The concept of "What, me hurry"? Holds good for the Goans and visitors there. Our Goa holiday, another impromptu break, can be described in exactly that term!  Our Gulf association with Anamika and KK meant a strong bond, ...

 One fine evening, while reading the paper, I found an article on the Padmanabaswamy temple in Trivandrum. The news article spoke about it being the wealthiest temple, with the presiding deity made of fossilized shells dating back to 500 BC. It got my curiosity going, and before I could change my mind, the flight tickets were booked for Trivandrum. This time, though, Arvind's mother was my companion, and she also loves to travel, visit new places, learn about their culture and history, and explore the diverse culture of our country, India. Our trip was for three days, covering the Trivandrum, Kanyakumari, and Trinulvelli districts of Kerala and Tamilnadu states. the scenic route  We drove from Trivandrum to Kanyakumari, a 100 km distance that offers a picturesque landscape and a rich cultural experience. The blend of lush green landscapes that blend with the small water bodies and coastal views for miles at a stretch is soothing, calming, and rejuvenating. The road was flanked...