Padma signed up for a trip to Sikkim with a group of senior citizens, expecting to explore new landscapes, but the experience turned out to be far more enriching than she anticipated
Padma, a resident of Bengaluru, joined a group for senior citizens through an app. When she learned about their trip to Sikkim, she could not resist enrolling in it. Having been part of the group for about two and a half years through virtual Zoom meetings, she felt comfortable travelling with few of those familiar faces.
Reflecting on the journey, she says, “I knew I couldn't miss the opportunity to embark on a thrilling journey to Sikkim. The allure of setting foot on the majestic Himalayan Mountains was a dream come true for me. Without hesitation, I registered for the trip, ready to embrace every moment that awaited me”.
The mesmerising Himalayas, charming villages, and enchanting beauty of Sikkim etched unforgettable memories in her mind. “My Sikkim holiday was nothing short of extraordinary. It was an off-beat, exotic, and adventurous experience that fulfilled my wildest dreams. We embarked on treks, strolled through Himalayan villages, and witnessed the awe-inspiring beauty of Himalayan rivers, gorges, valleys, and mountain ranges.”
“Visiting the vibrant monasteries perched atop peaks was a surreal and spiritual encounter. Our itinerary allowed us to savour the local cuisine, learn to cook traditional dishes, engage in heartfelt conversations with the locals, and even share joyful moments with the local children”.
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She along with her co-travellers engaged in things she had never done before, and remembers it as a ‘carefree getaway’. “We indulged in carefree activities like buying lottery tickets in Sikkim, hoping to strike it rich and win One Crore! These lighthearted moments made us feel like carefree teenagers again.”
The carefree spree included delightful picnic breakfasts on the serene banks of the Teesta River, surrounded by the picturesque landscape of Sikkim, where they danced and sang to their hearts' content, reliving carefree childhood days without any inhibitions, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Travelling helps in opening up the mind, understanding different perspectives, getting to know other people, and most important of all, coming out of one’s comfort zone and trying something new. The same happened with Padma, as she describes, “It was a beautiful opportunity to meet individuals from different corners of the country, each with their unique cultures and backgrounds. As we shared our life experiences, we formed bonds that enriched our well-being. The carefree atmosphere of being on holiday with new friends allowed us to look out for one another, create unforgettable moments, and establish deep connections that made parting difficult”.
Padma likes taking and making friends and thus traveling with a few unknowns didn’t bother her. Rather she embraced the experience and enjoyed the company of strangers. “Just like when we travel alone on public transportation, embracing the company of strangers fosters a sense of togetherness and shared experiences. The camaraderie and comfort we found with each other were truly remarkable. Making new friends along the way added an extra layer of excitement and enrichment to the journey”.
The bonding developed by spending time together cannot be ignored. Padma says, “Our journey was marked by numerous heartwarming experiences, filled with laughter, care, and awe-inspiring moments. One of the most memorable aspects was the strong bond we formed with our fellow travellers. While trekking through the mountainous terrain, we held hands and supported each other, conquering challenges together”.
For Padma, who took the plunge to come out of her comfort zone and travel with a new group of people, the trip proved to be a lifetime memory, of making new friends, sharing joys, overcoming challenges, and making life a tad more beautiful. She wishes the same for everyone who wants to travel.
The article is contributed by the GetSetUp team