Traveling has been and still continues to be an integral part of my life and the urge to visit new places keeps me moving. My family is always a part in all my quests and ever supportive of it. We have traveled the length and breadth of India by air, road and rail.
What makes a trip memorable is not only the moments we cherish along but also the people we meet at various stops of our journey. These people are strangers to start with, but some of them etches an everlasting impression in your memory for the rest of your life.Of the many such trips that I undertook, one which is always dear to me is the 10 days journey thorough the Royal Land of Rajasthan. We camped in Jaisalmer for nearly two days and our guide took us to cenotaphs just on the out-skirts of Jaisalmer. That was the last destination of the day after covering the Golden Fort earlier in the day. Our body and soul were already tired and ready to retire for the day.
At this point an old man from nowhere appeared and sat just in front of us with his musical instrument. We did not give much attention to him as we were in a hurry to reach the hotel. He began to sing folklore to the accompaniment of his instrument. His music was so soothing to the ears and we had no option other than staying back listening to him. We were rooted to the spot. He played the music so beautifully that we cannot forget this moment forever. In no time all the tiredness vanished and we were revitalized. He really showed light to us for rest of the trip.
All things said and done, this fragile old man with his age old instrument has stood with me in all my wanderings. He has re freshened me whenever I felt tired, he has cheered me to continue my journey and he has boosted my morale endlessly. His music lingers in my ears throughout my travelings.
What makes a trip memorable is not only the moments we cherish along but also the people we meet at various stops of our journey. These people are strangers to start with, but some of them etches an everlasting impression in your memory for the rest of your life.Of the many such trips that I undertook, one which is always dear to me is the 10 days journey thorough the Royal Land of Rajasthan. We camped in Jaisalmer for nearly two days and our guide took us to cenotaphs just on the out-skirts of Jaisalmer. That was the last destination of the day after covering the Golden Fort earlier in the day. Our body and soul were already tired and ready to retire for the day.
At this point an old man from nowhere appeared and sat just in front of us with his musical instrument. We did not give much attention to him as we were in a hurry to reach the hotel. He began to sing folklore to the accompaniment of his instrument. His music was so soothing to the ears and we had no option other than staying back listening to him. We were rooted to the spot. He played the music so beautifully that we cannot forget this moment forever. In no time all the tiredness vanished and we were revitalized. He really showed light to us for rest of the trip.
All things said and done, this fragile old man with his age old instrument has stood with me in all my wanderings. He has re freshened me whenever I felt tired, he has cheered me to continue my journey and he has boosted my morale endlessly. His music lingers in my ears throughout my travelings.
46 comments:
Nice ! Reading your experience itself was a pleasure. And what was that instrument's name?
This is good sum up on traveling, and sometimes we find somebody that inspires us and gives us the urge of continuing our discovery!
yes they can create magic
A magical moment like that can make a trip!
This is a charming story. We all get some of the greatest blessings from unexpected encounters with strangers we meet.
Such a simple yet such a touching post.. The picture just says it all, How I wish I could hear him someday too...
All the Best for the contest :)
Very soothing ..
this is a real journey- so full of life.
cheers
sush
What a wonderful post. There is something very special about meeting another human being who is able to bring joy to our hearts without asking anything in return (other than a bit of money - sometimes)...
You are fortunate to be able to travel and I, for one, feel fortunate to share in those travels via your wonderful photographs and commentaries!
Wonderful photos! Thanks for sharing...
Dear Rajesh, this is by no means my favorite post of your to date.
Such beautiful thoughts you express here and describe the very essence of the experiences that traveling leaves within us. I so could relate to the sentiments here and also recognize those unforgettable moments, that come out of nowhere and stay etched in our perception forever.
I once wrote down this quote: "The world is a book and those who stay at home read only the first page."
Happy travels my friend,
xoxo
Beautiful pictures. Traveling and meeting interesting people along the way does leave us with their ever-lasting memories. :)
Jaisalmer, lovely ! captured in its glory!
We had a nice time there way back in 2003.
Thanks for reminding.
Vetrimagal/Gardenerat60
Beautiful pictures...hope you enjoyed a lot
Sometimes the things we first see as insignificant are those that mark us.
That's interesting part of your trip and I'm sure the old man and his instrument might be remarkable! Wonderful shots esp. the middle one is marvelous.
What a wonderful friend to have and what fantastic trips you have been able to make and the incredible places you have seen! Thank you for sharing them with us, Rajesh! I always look forward to your posts! Have a wonderful weekend!
Sylvia
We are lucky to get the benefit of your travel photography.
Really good post and photos again,Rajesh!
Wonderful post!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
A great portrait of an interesting man. I will pin it for my map "people"
All the best!
Wonderful post.
Surely the music of that old man is magical.
Regards and best wishes
What wonderful adventures you always seem to have. That you can still 'hear' the old man's music makes it seem like he was meant to help send you on your way that day.
i totally agree with what you said about travelling. those are my same exact sentiments.
My sky is here
love your pictures, its so good that we can travel around the world via blogs
Lovely photos, and I enjoyed reading your last paragraph. Great post. Have a wonderful weekend!
a wonderful trip...with lifelong memories!
Nice account on Jaisalmar. I've loved the city, but missed my opportunity to visit them.
Wow the landscape is beautiful. Love it!
SWF
Thanks for sharing with us,this moment you have cherished.
wonderful post...that old man is grt.....
You and your family have ventured so many trips and I love the photos and the history you shared!
Wow! This fort is huge.
Such a wonderful post. I can imagine how rewarding each journey must be..... truly an awesome experience, that is unique and refreshing.
Brief and beautiful!!.. wonderful pictures btw :)...
Wonderful shots. But as you say, it's the people who really make the journey memorable.
Nice pictures, yes, I like to have a spirit like yours traveler. Greetings and happy weekend.
Hi Rajesh! Sorry for the absence, but time has been at a premium here... ;)
Jisalmer is on my list!! It looks lovely from your post... and also from my daughter's pictures made there...
Blogtrotter Two has reached April 2011; no trips, and posting delay is shortening... ;). Enjoy and have a great weekend!!!
Such beautiful captures. The place is so beautiful.
Have a great weekend.
Thank you all. The experience was magical.
A beautiful post Rajesh! I think that man was sent to you as a spiritual travel guide!
A musical post indeed. I fully endorse your views.
Lovely Pics!
I love a typical Rajasthani music performance. Its a pleasure to hear it.
PhenoMenon
I haven't been to Rajasthan yet. Hopefully someday soon. Lovely pictures. Somehow Rajasthan and music instruments are synonymous. :)
http://www.whatmycameracaptures.com/thursday-challenge-5/
amazing he plays with a well worn instrument. The older the better?
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