I recently read a write-up about child labour and the state of children who live in the street. I have a child of my own and it pains me to see children begging on the street. I feel ashamed to walk past them. If I give them money I don’t know if that would encourage them to beg more. What if they use it for drugs or does this money even go to them or does it go to the CEO of the begging scam? If I walk past them – I shudder to think of what I will go through if my child was, god-forbid, ever in that situation even for a minute. But what do I do. There are thousands of children begging on the street. Where do I take them? Are shelter homes any good. Don’t they exploit these children? And how will these shelter homes accommodate them? I do not have the space to house these kids – but I want to help.
The author in the write-up spoke of the govt having the funds to help these kids. But, my question, as is all our question- are they really bothered? Have they set up any information to say the least in place to direct funds and resources to help these children? How come in the past oh-so-many-years there has been no single govt. or politician who has ever ever been nominated for “Hero of the year” or any such award that’s been handed out to people helping and reaching out. This despite the fact that they have the power, money and all the resources. Politicians ride on the fact and courage that the common man – individuals who care and want to make a difference don’t have much time in their hands. You and I can go and ask for action but how many days will we stand and demand. Our own work and pressures pulls us back.
Spreading awareness constantly and consistently, educating children and adults on the plight of these children and ways in which they can help and sorry to say but glamourizing the whole 'reach out' act could be the way out. If it is fashionable to be seen as someone who cares and someone who makes a positive difference in a child's life – then you will have half the politicians working on this. For the rest - individuals with no money but all the heart – will take care.
p.s – Can we start a “Save our children” week where NGOs and volunteers can set up stalls in the most prominent places and educate people on how to help. Right from street plays to raise awareness, to campaigns to education – lets do it all. Lets dedicate one week to give these kids a better life – a reason to smile. If anyone can advise me or offer help please contact me at harinibala@yahoo.com.
Lets make a difference – NOW.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
A hug a day keeps wrinkles away!!!
Adults take a cue from these little angels. When you are not-so-high in spirits and life seems down your little one who has been watching you closely from the cornor of her eye suddenly runs up to you to give you a “huggie”. Arms melt into each other instantly and the next minute she is gone – back to her play. No questions asked – nothing. It is a magic moment.
Why do we adults restrict ourselves? Why ever do we think not twice - not thrice - but for ever to walk up and give a hug just to say - "Smile -It will be alright".
A hug a day keeps wrinkles away!!!
Why do we adults restrict ourselves? Why ever do we think not twice - not thrice - but for ever to walk up and give a hug just to say - "Smile -It will be alright".
A hug a day keeps wrinkles away!!!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The sea and I
I left the shores -
I bade it goodbye
and headed to meet the sea
to sail under the perfect sky
The sea welcomed me
embraced me in its arms
But some thing troubled it deep within
And something was just wrong.
I set out though
For a journey of my life
Trusting the sea
to take me in its side.
It was a calm sea
And all seemed well
Till came the waves
Oh! how it swelled - it swelled.
I met the waves
both high and low
And the rains that poured
From today to tomorrow
The chilling pricks of hail
that hit now and then
reminded me that indeed
that all was not well.
I was tossed and turned
and I feared the night
but the day was no better
with a raging storm in sight
It threw me over
But why did it hold me too?
The sea – Oh! My sea
What did I do to you?
What will my day be?
Where will my journey end?
Will I ever sail with you
Till the very end?
I sailed for days
In silence all around
Those dark gloomy days
Were so unsound
Days turned to months
And respite I knew not
But I sailed on
Why I knew not.
Was it for love
Or was it for hope
Or was it for maybe
Some reason unknown
I sailed through
Till I met the sea
Oh yes the sea
The real real sea
The sea that it was
In its truest form
Not for me or
Not for the world
But for its own self
In its purest form.
A sea that I knew not
A sea that I had never seen
A sea so different
I knew not where to begin
My end became my beginning
And I left the shores again
And bade it goodbye
For all reasons known
We now sailed along
The sea and I
Through the highs and lows
Under the perfect sky!
I bade it goodbye
and headed to meet the sea
to sail under the perfect sky
The sea welcomed me
embraced me in its arms
But some thing troubled it deep within
And something was just wrong.
I set out though
For a journey of my life
Trusting the sea
to take me in its side.
It was a calm sea
And all seemed well
Till came the waves
Oh! how it swelled - it swelled.
I met the waves
both high and low
And the rains that poured
From today to tomorrow
The chilling pricks of hail
that hit now and then
reminded me that indeed
that all was not well.
I was tossed and turned
and I feared the night
but the day was no better
with a raging storm in sight
It threw me over
But why did it hold me too?
The sea – Oh! My sea
What did I do to you?
What will my day be?
Where will my journey end?
Will I ever sail with you
Till the very end?
I sailed for days
In silence all around
Those dark gloomy days
Were so unsound
Days turned to months
And respite I knew not
But I sailed on
Why I knew not.
Was it for love
Or was it for hope
Or was it for maybe
Some reason unknown
I sailed through
Till I met the sea
Oh yes the sea
The real real sea
The sea that it was
In its truest form
Not for me or
Not for the world
But for its own self
In its purest form.
A sea that I knew not
A sea that I had never seen
A sea so different
I knew not where to begin
My end became my beginning
And I left the shores again
And bade it goodbye
For all reasons known
We now sailed along
The sea and I
Through the highs and lows
Under the perfect sky!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
What have I turned out to be?
What have I turned out to be? Post motherhood combined with not working professionally - my entire focus shifted on the home front. Cleanliness at home became next to godliness. I would hear my husband remark a few times – leave it. Why are you always washing or cleaning. On a much awaited Friday night I would often find myself thinking on what had to be done first thing on Saturday morning. Up until a few years back during my ‘oh-so-amazing’ single days my list of things to do would be either of the following:
1. NOTHING
2. Wake up at 9am and after a quick bath head out for a blast of a day (my Bombay days)
3. Wake up to a wonderful morning to head for a leisurely walk with folks followed by some hot breakfast (my Bangalore days)
However now my list ran somewhat like this:
1. Wash vessels
2. Wash shirts
3. Wash baby clothes
4. Patio clean
5. Clean house
6. Dusting
7. Vacuum
8. Grocery
I never thought much of it till I one day while getting the lil’ one to sleep I was flipping the pages of my scribbling book. I noticed pages after pages with the same notes. It was the above list of things to do. And this was the same list that would run my head on a relaxed Friday night.
I still did not think much of it till I had taken an appointment with a lady to come and clean my Bath and shower room. This was an extensive job and I did not have that kind of time in hand. So the date and time was fixed for a Thursday. I was happy. On Wednesday night I slept well. I dreamt of a sparkling shower room. I woke up early and finished making lunch. I cleaned the house and kept looking at the time. The appointed hour was 8am and I dint want to miss her. I told my lil one that when she wakes up she will get to see a fresh Bath and shower room. I checked and rechecked the area. Was it too dirty? What will the maid think? Shall I leave it the way it is or should I clean it a bit? I then went and checked myself out in the mirror. What would she think of me? Did I look alright? I set the house quickly. Dusting and all. I arranged cups to serve coffee for her. I scrambled to get it all done before she came. I often find myself running short of time and hardly get any time for myself – but in my mind this had to be done.
The clock struck eight and I looked at the door. I expected punctuality. Like she might just be waiting outside the door eagerly waiting for the clock to strike the magical number eight so that she could come to clean my ‘oh-so-magnificient’ Bath and Shower Room. Anyway- the clock then moved to quarter past eight. No knock still. (There are no calling bells here in Johannesburg.) I was anxious. Surely I had not missed her. I bent under and strained my eyes through the gap in the door to see if I can see any shadow outside the door. Maybe she knocked very feebly and I dint hear it. This despite the fact that I was standing right beside the door all the while. I wanted my Bath and Shower Room clean and like the way Ryk Neethling the South Africa Olympic Swimming Champion said before the start of his race “For nine months I had visualized this happening: getting ready, standing on the blocks, blasting off”, I had visualized having the maid over at my home to clean the bath room from the day she agreed to come (which was a week ago).
It was quarter to nine by now and there were no signs of her. I began to get slightly tensed. Why did she stand me up? Why was she not here? I dint even mind her coming late as long as she came. I checked my mobile twice to see if she was trying to reach me. Damn! She dint even have my number. Will she never come? I was disappointed and dejected. I was even angry. How could she do it to me? I remembered what my dad had told me when I was young – “Expectations bring disappointment” Of course; it was said in a particular context. But I thought it was so true. I was tempted to call him long distance and tell him that that his words were so true. I was sulking.
Well – its 10am and of course she has not yet come. But thanks to her – I realized how obsessively passionate I had become about having the house clean. I was here behaving like a child denied of her much awaited outing or more so a young lady being held up by her first date!!!....... What have I turned out to be?
So – as realization dawned, I vowed not to get head-over-heels in love with cleaning and all that is associated with it and after a good nine months found this quick hour to put this piece down. I am feeling so relaxed and rejuvenated. It’s a nice feeling.
But hey…wait a minute…who will clean my Bath and Shower Room now? Looks like I got to go!!!
This might not be the ideal piece for a blogsite – I mean why would someone want to chance reading about my shower room story – but if a blog reflects one’s state of mind – then sadly this IS the piece. Enjoy!
1. NOTHING
2. Wake up at 9am and after a quick bath head out for a blast of a day (my Bombay days)
3. Wake up to a wonderful morning to head for a leisurely walk with folks followed by some hot breakfast (my Bangalore days)
However now my list ran somewhat like this:
1. Wash vessels
2. Wash shirts
3. Wash baby clothes
4. Patio clean
5. Clean house
6. Dusting
7. Vacuum
8. Grocery
I never thought much of it till I one day while getting the lil’ one to sleep I was flipping the pages of my scribbling book. I noticed pages after pages with the same notes. It was the above list of things to do. And this was the same list that would run my head on a relaxed Friday night.
I still did not think much of it till I had taken an appointment with a lady to come and clean my Bath and shower room. This was an extensive job and I did not have that kind of time in hand. So the date and time was fixed for a Thursday. I was happy. On Wednesday night I slept well. I dreamt of a sparkling shower room. I woke up early and finished making lunch. I cleaned the house and kept looking at the time. The appointed hour was 8am and I dint want to miss her. I told my lil one that when she wakes up she will get to see a fresh Bath and shower room. I checked and rechecked the area. Was it too dirty? What will the maid think? Shall I leave it the way it is or should I clean it a bit? I then went and checked myself out in the mirror. What would she think of me? Did I look alright? I set the house quickly. Dusting and all. I arranged cups to serve coffee for her. I scrambled to get it all done before she came. I often find myself running short of time and hardly get any time for myself – but in my mind this had to be done.
The clock struck eight and I looked at the door. I expected punctuality. Like she might just be waiting outside the door eagerly waiting for the clock to strike the magical number eight so that she could come to clean my ‘oh-so-magnificient’ Bath and Shower Room. Anyway- the clock then moved to quarter past eight. No knock still. (There are no calling bells here in Johannesburg.) I was anxious. Surely I had not missed her. I bent under and strained my eyes through the gap in the door to see if I can see any shadow outside the door. Maybe she knocked very feebly and I dint hear it. This despite the fact that I was standing right beside the door all the while. I wanted my Bath and Shower Room clean and like the way Ryk Neethling the South Africa Olympic Swimming Champion said before the start of his race “For nine months I had visualized this happening: getting ready, standing on the blocks, blasting off”, I had visualized having the maid over at my home to clean the bath room from the day she agreed to come (which was a week ago).
It was quarter to nine by now and there were no signs of her. I began to get slightly tensed. Why did she stand me up? Why was she not here? I dint even mind her coming late as long as she came. I checked my mobile twice to see if she was trying to reach me. Damn! She dint even have my number. Will she never come? I was disappointed and dejected. I was even angry. How could she do it to me? I remembered what my dad had told me when I was young – “Expectations bring disappointment” Of course; it was said in a particular context. But I thought it was so true. I was tempted to call him long distance and tell him that that his words were so true. I was sulking.
Well – its 10am and of course she has not yet come. But thanks to her – I realized how obsessively passionate I had become about having the house clean. I was here behaving like a child denied of her much awaited outing or more so a young lady being held up by her first date!!!....... What have I turned out to be?
So – as realization dawned, I vowed not to get head-over-heels in love with cleaning and all that is associated with it and after a good nine months found this quick hour to put this piece down. I am feeling so relaxed and rejuvenated. It’s a nice feeling.
But hey…wait a minute…who will clean my Bath and Shower Room now? Looks like I got to go!!!
This might not be the ideal piece for a blogsite – I mean why would someone want to chance reading about my shower room story – but if a blog reflects one’s state of mind – then sadly this IS the piece. Enjoy!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Oh love!
It’s been a long time since I have posted anything on my blog but as my mind went back to the days of one of my most memorable trip in Joburg’ – I remembered I had this one to post.
My travelogue of my trip to Drakensburg.
On the 3rd Oct – Friday – we left to Underberg, Drakensburg, Sani Pass and Lesotho …. 2873 mtrs above sea level. Fresh beautiful air, mountains, jungle, streams flowing, cows grazing, mist falling, beautiful sunrise and sunset, valleys……. Hello…what else can one ask for. There was Heaven!
On Thursday- the ladies (4 of us – Geetha, Geetha, Shikha and I) met to put the menu for the trip. I made 15 methi rotis and seasoning for the curd rice. We left on Friday by 3pm. Three Nissan X-trails and one ford fiesta started together. The Nissan X trail had the sunroof…….. and I was happy !…… we reached the main road and got stuck in a heavy traffic jam that took us one hour to just get out of Joburg. Once out of Joburg – I couldn’t resist the temptation. The sunset was amazing and travelling at 110kmph was too much. The sun roof opened – I stood up to feel the wind blast my face. Remembered Jackie chan in the movie where the wind blows on his face. I called Geetha to feel the view and saw Ravi doing the same in the other Nissan. He sat back decently and I continued to feel the wind - the universe. One could hear the wind but within 5 minutes one also heard the siren of the police car. One sign by his finger and we were asked to stop our car in the side. A small oh – oh…..and Karthik and Govind stepped out to meet these guys. They reminded me of Laurel and Hardy...one fat and short and the other thin and tall. They spoke, looked at geetha and me and spoke again. A nod of head in disapproval, grim faces and some glances at us again. So we had screwed it up big time – or so it was. By this time the other three cars arrives and all of them parked one behind the other – not too close but not to far also.
The four bachelors – the first to arrive on the scene joined K and G. Geetha and I could make out a series of sorries going round…till Laurel let out a half smile. Relief. Grim faces dispersed and K and G came back in the car. None of us spoke – not until the police car went ahead of us. Then a small smile and the sigh of relief gave way to the happenings. Standing and sticking your neck out of a moving vehicle is an offence in SA. (Then why do u keep such cars. Where is the sense of adventure???)… Kids especially are NOT allowed to stand. (He called me a kid for which apparently Karthik took great offence and clarified that I was his wife and not a kid). Pay up 2000rands or Geetha and I had to got to the police station and spend the weekend counting the bars…(I wonder what would have been going on his mind then. 2000 rands – you must be joking- take my wife;) )……..
Anyway- the series of sorries was for that. Everyone realised that wife and money – both were hard to get. So we were left with a warning and we started our journey again.
The first stop at a gas station. We were to reach Harrismith – our first stop over for the night by 8pm – but reached mid way only by 9pm. Stopped at an Engen gas station and ate there. We had some packed food which we gobbled down. The slight drizzle and chillness in the air said a lot. But we dint quite interpret it all. We knew that there was rain and it was night driving. What we dint know was that we were climbing altitude and were surrounded by valleys, mountains and heavy fog. Within 5 minutes of being back in the road – all that we could see was one feet of road ahead. Nothing else. There was rain, fog and trucks on the road. Karthik was on the wheel and the other cars had Vivek, basava and Dinesh. Geetha had to lie down because of a bad stomach. We were driving at 20kmph at times. No place to stop when you are on the highway. But the excellent road signs made it possible to be on road. We then let a mini truck overtake us and followed him in his taillight. The constant lighting was spectacular. Spread across the sky – they came and went in quick succession.
We reached Harrimith, thanks to the GPS in our car, and the small and homely Oak cottage by 12 midnight .Geetha and I shared a room. Basava, Shikha and Dinesh’s family had a room each and the bachelors and Govind and Karthik shared two rooms.
Up by 4 next morning, we hit the road by 5:30am to reach Underburg. This was another beautiful country side. The morning mist, chirping of the birds and the dawn was breathtaking. How much can one take in at one stretch? That morning reminded me of the Chandigarh- Delhi morning drive.. Sipping some hot masala chai in a road-side dabba was all that was needed..
After filling gas – we drove straight to Underburg from where we were to take a bus to Sani Pass and Lesotho – the highest pub in Africa . You drive up the mountain to reach 2873 mtrs above sea level and have beer. (Well, we just dint have beer)… Actually, chai and pav would have been better than beer. We had to get our passports stamped at both Sani pass and Lesotho . Two stamps. We decided that if any one of us did not get a stamping to go back – we would set up a tea stall there. Fortunately for Africa- we all got our passports stamped back.
Lesotho – the highest peak in Africa was as expected - Awesome. Standing in between the clouds – you wonder that if life was so beautiful then why do people stress and ruin their lives in the busy hassle of the city. The crowd, the sweat, the lack of one inch of space and anything close to fresh air – Is this life??? Can’t life and your purpose in this world be justified by living on a mountain top and tending your own garden and teaching kids in your own small school?
One felt like filling up bottles with oxygen. As Karthik said – that was pollution for us. It felt like there is so much of fresh air and it is all going waste. We could spend only an hour up there which was a pity - but it was beautiful. Sitting there and looking at the mountains and the clouds passing by, enclosing you – nice. One could easily spend one full day just sitting there and watching nature in its nature.
The driver called us back to the bus and we reluctantly followed. I mean what was his hurry. After all our VISA stamp said we could be there for 14 days and he was not even ready to let us stay there for two hours. So we came back to the bus and started our journey back down. Journey back down was filled with prayers that we don’t reach straight up. Like totally up. It was a steep down, with the tyres just unsettling a few pebbles on the edge of the path.
We reached back to the base of the mountain and drove back to our cottage for the night – Umzimkulu River Lodge. Wow……. Was the word. Wooden floors. A big chess table with pieces as big as my palm, every single edition of the National Geographic, a nice kitchen with all the cutlery, nice beds, a big snugly couch, TV, music system, a nice balcony – that place was rich and had all the class and comfort. You should go there with family – it was like if Taj had a separate ‘cultural’ cottage – it would be like this. We did not realize it but the morning awakened us to one spectacular sight. One was gently awakened by the chirping of the birds, the soft mooing of the cow faraway and the gentle lapping of the stream. Despite being able to sleep only by 2 – I was awake by 6. The mist was settling down and the Shepard had let his herd to graze. The cows were grazing slowly and coming towards the stream from the other side of a small hill in front of our cottage.
A quick description of the place – There were six to seven small green hills joining hands and forming a circle. Our cottage was on one hill and we had this stream a few meters down. The stream itself was around 24 meters in width and had a small hill on its other side. So while we were on this side of the stream – the cows were coming down the hill to the stream from the other side. Once they finished grazing they went back.
Karthik was in his room with the guys so I slowly tiptoed out and went straight to the stream – camera in hand. Balancing over a few smooth stones –I sat on one listening to all that nature had to tell. The song was pleasant and the tune was peaceful. Dinesh’s daughter had joined me and we sat there till it started drizzling. Back to cottage to get the jacket on – I saw Karthik was awake and so we went for one nice morning walk by the stream and the mountain and the green grass that surrounded us. If I was an actor – there would have been a song – maybe “ Suhana Safar aur yeh mausam haseen, humme dar hai hum kho na jaaye kahin’….but god saved the cows and drakensburg.
After one walk - Karthik joined the guys for some cricket and freesbie , while I tried my hand at the swing and walked up another hill. The other families were awake and each family took its own route – posing here and there – capturing everything that one could see through the naked eye and the camera. For now and for eternity.
It was 11 am by now and it was time to leave. Renu, Siri, Ravi , Vivek, Karthik and I just managed to cross the stream and walk up half way to the hill on the other side when we got a call that it was time to go. We gave ourselves five minutes and sprinted up till we could – bare foot and sprinted down again, crossed the stream and ran back to the cottage. A quick shower, a quicker breakfast and we set out to return back to the city – to Johannesburg . It was Sunday afternoon. Photos were clicked in all poses imaginable and unimaginable.
Drive back home was quite. There were small whispers among families that we ought to come back to this cottage again and just spend the weekend here. Quietly we drove back to end our trip safely. We reached home by 10:00pm – tired physically but fresh mentally and spiritually..
How will I describe the trip – Well, I got to be in what I would call – Mother nature’s lap - hearing to her sweet lullaby and smelling her fresh breath, feeling her cool and gentle touch.
My travelogue of my trip to Drakensburg.
On the 3rd Oct – Friday – we left to Underberg, Drakensburg, Sani Pass and Lesotho …. 2873 mtrs above sea level. Fresh beautiful air, mountains, jungle, streams flowing, cows grazing, mist falling, beautiful sunrise and sunset, valleys……. Hello…what else can one ask for. There was Heaven!
On Thursday- the ladies (4 of us – Geetha, Geetha, Shikha and I) met to put the menu for the trip. I made 15 methi rotis and seasoning for the curd rice. We left on Friday by 3pm. Three Nissan X-trails and one ford fiesta started together. The Nissan X trail had the sunroof…….. and I was happy !…… we reached the main road and got stuck in a heavy traffic jam that took us one hour to just get out of Joburg. Once out of Joburg – I couldn’t resist the temptation. The sunset was amazing and travelling at 110kmph was too much. The sun roof opened – I stood up to feel the wind blast my face. Remembered Jackie chan in the movie where the wind blows on his face. I called Geetha to feel the view and saw Ravi doing the same in the other Nissan. He sat back decently and I continued to feel the wind - the universe. One could hear the wind but within 5 minutes one also heard the siren of the police car. One sign by his finger and we were asked to stop our car in the side. A small oh – oh…..and Karthik and Govind stepped out to meet these guys. They reminded me of Laurel and Hardy...one fat and short and the other thin and tall. They spoke, looked at geetha and me and spoke again. A nod of head in disapproval, grim faces and some glances at us again. So we had screwed it up big time – or so it was. By this time the other three cars arrives and all of them parked one behind the other – not too close but not to far also.
The four bachelors – the first to arrive on the scene joined K and G. Geetha and I could make out a series of sorries going round…till Laurel let out a half smile. Relief. Grim faces dispersed and K and G came back in the car. None of us spoke – not until the police car went ahead of us. Then a small smile and the sigh of relief gave way to the happenings. Standing and sticking your neck out of a moving vehicle is an offence in SA. (Then why do u keep such cars. Where is the sense of adventure???)… Kids especially are NOT allowed to stand. (He called me a kid for which apparently Karthik took great offence and clarified that I was his wife and not a kid). Pay up 2000rands or Geetha and I had to got to the police station and spend the weekend counting the bars…(I wonder what would have been going on his mind then. 2000 rands – you must be joking- take my wife;) )……..
Anyway- the series of sorries was for that. Everyone realised that wife and money – both were hard to get. So we were left with a warning and we started our journey again.
The first stop at a gas station. We were to reach Harrismith – our first stop over for the night by 8pm – but reached mid way only by 9pm. Stopped at an Engen gas station and ate there. We had some packed food which we gobbled down. The slight drizzle and chillness in the air said a lot. But we dint quite interpret it all. We knew that there was rain and it was night driving. What we dint know was that we were climbing altitude and were surrounded by valleys, mountains and heavy fog. Within 5 minutes of being back in the road – all that we could see was one feet of road ahead. Nothing else. There was rain, fog and trucks on the road. Karthik was on the wheel and the other cars had Vivek, basava and Dinesh. Geetha had to lie down because of a bad stomach. We were driving at 20kmph at times. No place to stop when you are on the highway. But the excellent road signs made it possible to be on road. We then let a mini truck overtake us and followed him in his taillight. The constant lighting was spectacular. Spread across the sky – they came and went in quick succession.
We reached Harrimith, thanks to the GPS in our car, and the small and homely Oak cottage by 12 midnight .Geetha and I shared a room. Basava, Shikha and Dinesh’s family had a room each and the bachelors and Govind and Karthik shared two rooms.
Up by 4 next morning, we hit the road by 5:30am to reach Underburg. This was another beautiful country side. The morning mist, chirping of the birds and the dawn was breathtaking. How much can one take in at one stretch? That morning reminded me of the Chandigarh- Delhi morning drive.. Sipping some hot masala chai in a road-side dabba was all that was needed..
After filling gas – we drove straight to Underburg from where we were to take a bus to Sani Pass and Lesotho – the highest pub in Africa . You drive up the mountain to reach 2873 mtrs above sea level and have beer. (Well, we just dint have beer)… Actually, chai and pav would have been better than beer. We had to get our passports stamped at both Sani pass and Lesotho . Two stamps. We decided that if any one of us did not get a stamping to go back – we would set up a tea stall there. Fortunately for Africa- we all got our passports stamped back.
Lesotho – the highest peak in Africa was as expected - Awesome. Standing in between the clouds – you wonder that if life was so beautiful then why do people stress and ruin their lives in the busy hassle of the city. The crowd, the sweat, the lack of one inch of space and anything close to fresh air – Is this life??? Can’t life and your purpose in this world be justified by living on a mountain top and tending your own garden and teaching kids in your own small school?
One felt like filling up bottles with oxygen. As Karthik said – that was pollution for us. It felt like there is so much of fresh air and it is all going waste. We could spend only an hour up there which was a pity - but it was beautiful. Sitting there and looking at the mountains and the clouds passing by, enclosing you – nice. One could easily spend one full day just sitting there and watching nature in its nature.
The driver called us back to the bus and we reluctantly followed. I mean what was his hurry. After all our VISA stamp said we could be there for 14 days and he was not even ready to let us stay there for two hours. So we came back to the bus and started our journey back down. Journey back down was filled with prayers that we don’t reach straight up. Like totally up. It was a steep down, with the tyres just unsettling a few pebbles on the edge of the path.
We reached back to the base of the mountain and drove back to our cottage for the night – Umzimkulu River Lodge. Wow……. Was the word. Wooden floors. A big chess table with pieces as big as my palm, every single edition of the National Geographic, a nice kitchen with all the cutlery, nice beds, a big snugly couch, TV, music system, a nice balcony – that place was rich and had all the class and comfort. You should go there with family – it was like if Taj had a separate ‘cultural’ cottage – it would be like this. We did not realize it but the morning awakened us to one spectacular sight. One was gently awakened by the chirping of the birds, the soft mooing of the cow faraway and the gentle lapping of the stream. Despite being able to sleep only by 2 – I was awake by 6. The mist was settling down and the Shepard had let his herd to graze. The cows were grazing slowly and coming towards the stream from the other side of a small hill in front of our cottage.
A quick description of the place – There were six to seven small green hills joining hands and forming a circle. Our cottage was on one hill and we had this stream a few meters down. The stream itself was around 24 meters in width and had a small hill on its other side. So while we were on this side of the stream – the cows were coming down the hill to the stream from the other side. Once they finished grazing they went back.
Karthik was in his room with the guys so I slowly tiptoed out and went straight to the stream – camera in hand. Balancing over a few smooth stones –I sat on one listening to all that nature had to tell. The song was pleasant and the tune was peaceful. Dinesh’s daughter had joined me and we sat there till it started drizzling. Back to cottage to get the jacket on – I saw Karthik was awake and so we went for one nice morning walk by the stream and the mountain and the green grass that surrounded us. If I was an actor – there would have been a song – maybe “ Suhana Safar aur yeh mausam haseen, humme dar hai hum kho na jaaye kahin’….but god saved the cows and drakensburg.
After one walk - Karthik joined the guys for some cricket and freesbie , while I tried my hand at the swing and walked up another hill. The other families were awake and each family took its own route – posing here and there – capturing everything that one could see through the naked eye and the camera. For now and for eternity.
It was 11 am by now and it was time to leave. Renu, Siri, Ravi , Vivek, Karthik and I just managed to cross the stream and walk up half way to the hill on the other side when we got a call that it was time to go. We gave ourselves five minutes and sprinted up till we could – bare foot and sprinted down again, crossed the stream and ran back to the cottage. A quick shower, a quicker breakfast and we set out to return back to the city – to Johannesburg . It was Sunday afternoon. Photos were clicked in all poses imaginable and unimaginable.
Drive back home was quite. There were small whispers among families that we ought to come back to this cottage again and just spend the weekend here. Quietly we drove back to end our trip safely. We reached home by 10:00pm – tired physically but fresh mentally and spiritually..
How will I describe the trip – Well, I got to be in what I would call – Mother nature’s lap - hearing to her sweet lullaby and smelling her fresh breath, feeling her cool and gentle touch.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)