This year has been a roller coaster ride filled with both challenges and beautiful experiences. It began with the tragedy of my father’s accident on January 7th, which led to a three-month hospitalization. This difficult period was an eye-opener, revealing who genuinely cared for us. Many who needed to step away naturally did, while those who truly supported us became a source of strength. The four months we spent navigating this situation drained us physically, economically, and psychologically. I am profoundly grateful to everyone who stood by me during this trying time—I can’t thank you enough.
Alongside these personal challenges, I had to deal with various school-related issues, which added to my stress, but eventually, I managed to sort everything out. By the second half of the year, things took a delightful turn as I embarked on a series of travels. I made the most of my vacations, beginning with a small tour to the Western Ghats with my cousins, followed by another trip to Coorg in the summer. These places mirrored my life journey, with the uphill climbs symbolizing the effort needed to achieve worthwhile goals and the breathtaking downhill paths leading to stunning waterfalls. The journey, though challenging, proved to be incredibly rewarding.
One of the highlights was my first trip to Rajasthan, where I explored the four vibrant cities renowned for their pink, blue, golden, and lake-side hues. Initially skeptical about visiting North India, I ended up completely captivated by its rich history and culture. This trip was also Dhrupad's first long vacation, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience. The predominance of Hinduism in the area was striking, as there were hardly any individuals from other faiths, and each city boasted over 200 temples. We stayed in some of the finest hotels, which was a great perk of traveling during the off-season. My thanks go to the friend who meticulously planned this trip and to our amazing driver and guide. The food was a delight, especially for vegetarians, and the shopping was a paradise!
Following Rajasthan, I traveled to Mahabalipuram in Chennai for a relaxing beach resort getaway. To our fortune, the weather was pleasantly cool, allowing us to enjoy our stay without needing fans! The largely empty beach offered stunning views from the nearby rocks, much to Dhrupad's delight as he was accompanied by his best friend.
Another downside this year was the hospitalization of Dhrupad in November due to severe throat infection ! Poor kid, suffered a lot and I don't wish that for anyone ever! Took a generous amount of time for recovery but finally all was well.
The highlight of my travels came when I took an unplanned, last-minute trip to Kashmir. Initially hesitant about the political situation and weather conditions, I ultimately decided to go ahead, leaving our fate to the divine. This turned out to be one of the best decisions of the year. Kashmir, often called the “jewel crown of India,” took my breath away with its stunning landscapes. Each location was unique and exuded a beauty like I've never seen before. The culture felt markedly different from Rajasthan, almost foreign, as it accommodated extreme weather and had a predominantly Muslim population. We encountered only three individuals from other faiths during our stay, which initially felt intimidating. However, the local people’s hospitality quickly dispelled any apprehensions. They treat tourists with reverence, making every effort to ensure we felt safe and comfortable. Their modesty and sincerity were evident, as tourism is integral to their livelihoods, and they never sought tips, often displaying gentlemanly behavior.
With a different mindset, shaped by suggestions from others, we adhered to the tourism agency's guidelines, which made our experience even more enriching than we anticipated. The people there seemed to have Turkish or Persian ancestry, characterized by their tall, handsome figures and beautiful women, with distinct dialects that further highlighted the cultural uniqueness. The initial atmosphere was intimidating, but by day two, I felt much more at ease. Our journey included a tour of one of the Shakti Peethas, and Srinagar, known for its minimal alcohol outlets, provided a refreshing experience. Wandering through apple orchards, exploring Zoji La Pass, Kargil, Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Dal Lake, each destination felt like a slice of paradise.I must mention our guide in Gulmarg, who was exceptionally sincere and down-to-earth, taking care of us with the utmost kindness. The beauty of Kashmir felt like proof that God had spent extra time crafting this spectacular landscape.
Another noteworthy thing- I made tremendous strides in badminton this year, completing over 100 matches thanks to the Playo App. This experience allowed me make good acquaintances and friends.
Also in the apartment we moved in newly, took part in lot of community activities that are memorable and Dhrupad made a lot of friends. Earlier he wouldn't step out of the house to go play outside and now he doesn't come home at all! :(
In summary, this year encapsulated the good, the bad, and the ugly, but overall, it has been a fantastic journey. I was grateful to experience the 3Ss - sand, sea, and snow in one year, re igniting my passion and love for travel. I eagerly look forward to new adventures in 2026, with plans that include:
1. Everest Base Camp Trek
2. Kailash Mansarovar yatra
3. Return to Kashmir
This year has not only expanded my horizons but also deepened my appreciation for travel and the beautiful connections we forge along the way.
