The Deviation- Written and return Journey

While on route to Kochi, I was thinking of going to Mumbai, Through Kozikode, Mangalore and Goa.. But I guess it was already time, time to complete the journey. It was time I return home. 

As I named the unknown ride *The Written and Return journey*

The intended smile was driven, next we thought of catching up with Dr. Syed Safiullah , he was there. On a road trip too.. Its in our family, *The driving bug*, as he shortly described this craziness.. lol and I inherited it too.. grin emoticon

So we decided to touch Munnar, Kerala, before we retire at Hyderabad..

I'm so thankful to him for bringing up Munnar in my crazy road trip.. I mean the place, that's the place where I learned the biggest lesson throughout this journey, which I shall always recall wherever required..

That was the night drive at ghats, it was around 12AM, as we drove along the hill, After passing through Muttupetty dam, we drove till forest reserves in search of wild animals but in vain.. (Khargosh dikha khaali) tongue emoticon

But, lesson was the ghat road itself, The hair pin bends, the curves, the rights and lefts, the ups and downs, the track and speed, the craziness and discipline, the thrill and fun. As if like, the road itself was teaching me life.. Every sharp curve was like a problem and steering through it with determination was an achievement. I was living it, Fearless and firm.. 

I loved it.. smile emoticon ‪#‎Life‬

And that's Khadar bhai, the owner of Rapsy restaurant "mataam Halaal". He is MAshaAllah...so kind and fun loving guy! he served us Kerala dishes in hyderabadi style..lol..and that banana lassi..Aah!

Mai, Meri Masti, Bhanumathi aur Diamond..

From the travel Journals of Areeb Ahmed

The Smile - Writen and return Jurney (5)

》THE SMILE tongue emoticon 《

It was around 5:00 AM..

After driving through NH7, NH47 and NH48, Crossing through and feeling small villages, towns, suburbs around and the calmness of those sleeping roads which always stay crowded with commuters everyday..Along the south western coastline of India.

As I stop, a halt near the road, that lead towards the waters (Arabian Sea) of Kochi.. I Came out of Bhanumathi to stretch a little.. The moon still shining bright.. and Fasi hibernating..

Myself, With trucks passing by.. I was happy.. I did it !! I drove that "Smile" on the south Indian Map.. from south eastern coastlines to south western coastlines of India.. hahahahaha... this feeling.. again..It was "Speechless" Alhamdulillah..

Aaah.. Yes.. It was worth.. 

Me, Masti, Bhaanumathi aur Diamond!!

From the travel Journals of Areeb Ahmed

The Smile - Written and return Journey (4)

The Sun, retiring from its duty. And the moon resuming it's. 

That was the time....when the sun was setting..that full moon was opposite to it, rising and reflecting the sun's light...kinda like, helping the sun to perform his duty while the earth rotates for the humans and the other creations to experience the same! SubhanAllah!

The various chirping of returning birds and the blows of *still hyper excited* wind. The supper at Sparsa's, where we were served fresh King Fish, Squids and prawns from the waters of the confluence itself. tongue emoticon Alhamdulillah!

We set out to explore the local market near the sea shore. The handicrafts made from rose wood were marvellous. And this guy *Riyaz* selling us Conch shells was also amazing at blowing them too.. grin emoticon

Lol, Fasi Ahmed , little more practice and you can beat a monk with your skills.. tongue emoticon

Anyways, the whole Kanyakumari slept around 22:30-23:00. And the corrupt mind of mine !! Wide awake.. wink emoticon sooo.. We hit the road again.. hahahahahaha

Mai, Meri Masti, Bhaanumathi aur Diamond

From the travel Journals of Areeb Ahmed

The Smile - Written and return Journey (3)

So ! where was I.. @ Madurai, with Mr Kumar.

Umm.. He was bit worried and insisting us to spend the night at his home. tongue emoticonAs I expressed the desire of travelling to the next destination, of which I wasn't sure when this journey started. But he understood,when I told.. "Kumar sahab, .. I'm sorry.. We shall depart now.. I want to see him as he wakes up, I want to see him rise"... "You are really crazy Areeb, have fun and drive safe", he laughingly said. "Assalamualaikum Mr Kumar" and we left the place.

We were about to hit the NH7 (National Highway). But Bhanumathi received Mom's call. Ah, I was prepared with a lie to counter her worries. I'm sorry maa, I had to.. I told her that I won't be driving at night but I had already started, Towards the end of this unplanned journey, towards the southernmost part of this country, *Kanyakumari!*

Just to experience, the Sun, the rise, from the tip and at the confluence. Where Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea meet..

Few Hours down, on the road, it was still dark and we finally reached a place where they are guided by Isa A.S.

After climbing a watchtower, waiting eagerly for that moment. That's when he started to yawn, in that dense blanket of clouds. He woke up.. people gathered around cheering loud as he rose.. Splendid and Speechless time it was, When I again heard and this time it was loud "Fabi ayyi aala'I rabbikuma tukazzibaaaan"

Aaah.. I made it.. I was there.. I saw that sunrise. One of a kind.. smile emoticon

Then, we switched off the GPS, to stroll around the place. Surprisingly, we found a land, a beach with nobody around.. as if like, the whole place was abandoned for us,to meet the confluence itself. The whole place was consumed with one voice, The roar, those huge water bodies together, yet so calm..

I was wondering, making the most of this feeling. Which I still cherish..Childishly, as I saw myself standing at the tip of India, facing the open waters tongue emoticon.

It was the moment, welcoming me with that touch, caressing my feet.. Ah, it was something.. And yes, it was worth !

But still, the question remains.. Areeb, What's next?

Mai, Meri Masti, Bhaanumathi aur Diamond..

From the travel Journals of Areeb Ahmed..

The Smile - Written and return Journey (2)

Day 4:

After leaving Trichi, we headed towards Madurai to meet Mr. Utthayya Kumar and family.. While on our way, for breakfast, we had Mushroom Dosa at Appa Dhaba.. The thought of it still waters my mouth.. tongue emoticon

Lmao !!! I can never forget this moment, where Fasi was controlling his nerves because we couldn't reach Madurai ASAP for his nature's call and that song "Mujhe Chordo mere haal pe, Zinda Hun Yaar.. Kaafi hai" in the background.. hahahahahaha

Anyways, Though, Mr Kumar, was bit disappointed because I couldn't make it to his daughter's wedding in Madurai and also missed the reception in Bangalore (lol, because, he forgot to collect his cell phone while departing to Bangalore and we couldn't coordinate :p)

But,Alhamdulillah. He was too happy to receive us at his home.smile emoticon

You know what, the best part, Apart from meeting them, during lunch, we were served chicken biryani in a south indian thaali.. smile emoticon and Chicken korma masala with Dosa and Idly for dinner.. That was awwwsommee Mrs. Kumar.. hahaha I can never forget this gesture of your's in this life !! grin emoticon MashaAllah..

I was also taken back when Mr Kumar's mother expressed her happiness while she sat in ‪#‎Bhaanumathi‬. tongue emoticon
We were dropping her to see other sons. Since she was leaving to Kerela the other day.. MashaAllah !

Then the Sun, Retiring from his Duty, at our place, got my corrupt mind thinking about our next destination.. and we.. Err.. Hahaha

Ps: Mr Kumar, you are unfailingly kind and considerate. MashaAllah.. How you went out of your comfort zone to find us Halaal chicken. And your family, i mean all of them, including your brothers and their families.. The way, you all welcomed us with your kind heart smile emoticon

Alhamdulillah, Thank You so much for everything.Hope to see you soon in Turkmenistan. Assalamualaikum..

Me, My masti, Bhanumathi and a Diamond..

From the travel journals of Areeb Ahmed

The Smile - Written and return Journey

Day 1 : 

28th January 2015

03:00 A.M

You feel so amused when your crazy ideas come together. smile emoticonand you feel happy.. 
Who thought, just packing the bags and leaving for a road trip would also be fun. 
And specially, when you are driving all the way alone.. tongue emoticon

Alhamdulillah.. 

Parents OK with the masti and a constant voice in my head *Fabi ayyi aala'I rabbikuma tukazzibaan* , steering through NH4 and NH7. 
learning and being inspired by everything i see around. IT IS SOME FUN! Lol. Specially the funny and emotional lines written on Indian Lory(Trucks).

Though I reached Bangalore to catchup with Mr Kumar's (a colleague) daughter's reception but in vain.. tongue emoticon but I have some good friends here too.. and the fun continued...

 Stoppped at my friend's place...still wondering, what were the cats really expecting in my bag.. haha

So where was I, Bangalore !.. Where am I heading to Chennnnai..

Invisible you. But, I know you're there.. right beside me. You flowing beautiful and calm. Parallel to you, I am ! Driving along..@ Vellore-Chennai Highway

Day 2:

Ok ! Did I just drove 1100KM in two days to reach Chennai via Bangalore..lol yes !This is craziness.. and I'm loving it..

Day 3:

Hmm.. Ditching! Puducherry/Pondicherry for a friend.. Lol.. we continue more deep, down south ! 

Looking for Adventure!!!




Stay Tuned!!!

From the travel journals of Areeb Ahmed

Chennai and The Marina

This is what is called destiny! I have been pestering my mom for the past one month to take me somewhere..and this pestering was because I am not permitted to travel alone for security reasons and I don't mind obliging keeping in view certain events. Anyway my experience has been good [Alhamdulillah]. This dream of travelling has 'just begun'. I like travelling places where I get to see a different city, different people, different lifestyle... I have observed that it is those people with less wages who hold on to the tradition more strongly. They dont change with fashion. They are themselves and are true representatives of a place. When you look at them you dont see a sign of discomfort and to me they are the ones who carry on the tradition of the place with pride! This is a minute observation but holds lots of sense. Speaking of Chennai, it's green, clean...and very humid!! I am used to that kind of weather as I have lived in a coastal area for almost 8 years of my life..that's in Abu Dhabi. So, the humid weather didn't bother me much. I must appreciate the efforts taken to keep the city so clean and green. Since I was a tourist out there I observed every small detail with great delight. Everything I saw seemed to amuse me. From the way food was served to the way they drank coffee. The way they spoke to the way they dressed! The first place I wanted to visit was the very famous Marina Beach!

But first I would like to begin with the food. I am not much of a foodie but I found some facts I was not aware of. They may seem insignificant but I would like to write at least some lines about it. We were treated to the 'specialty' of Chennai. Thankfully we had a relative who knew most of the stuff and took us around. Dosa no doubt is famous down south and to have something that is the specialty of the place....trust me.. nothing like it! We had this roast dosa and what amused me the most was the way it was presented. It appeared like a tower and to look at you knew it would take ample of time to complete it! Well not exactly but it did appear that tall as you can see in the picture. No doubt about the taste!

What I loved about this place was the coffee. Man! Nothing like it!!!!!! I am a coffee lover, not an addict but I like the aroma. Believe me when I say I haven't drank such a coffee in the best of the baristas! Be it from the roadside stall or a hotel u can bet nothing can beat this hot drink! And the way it is served may look a bit awkward to those who are used to drinking coffee in a cup and saucer. This steel cup comes placed in a katora where you have to mix up the sugar by transferring coffee from the cup to the katora and then back...for 2-3 times till the sugar gets mixed up and yes, the coffeee gets a bit cooler too. And your most tasty coffee is ready to be enjoyed! yummmm!! Nothing like its aroma and nothing like its taste!

As the visit to the Marina Beach was the most awaited one, I was counting on every second till I reached there! The very first glimpse of Marina made me so exited! I could see the long coastline and the vast beach. The coastline seemed to be far away from the road I was travelling on. Once we reached there I knew wishes 'do' come true! I had walk for quite a while till I reached the shore. I was just looking at the waves. Powerful, uniform, beautiful are some of the adjectives I would use for the waves that looked so eager to greet the shore. I had just one thing in my mind and that was I just want to stand at the edge of the shore, just where the waves splash at your feet. I reached the shore and stood there waiting for the waves. And there came the first one which touched my feet soflty and returned back. I moved a bit further..I was a bit scared looking at the power of the waves but I wanted to experience what it looks like to face the might of the seas. And then I knew there was someone much Stronger, much Mightier, The One who created the 'mysterious' seas was guarding me. So I stood there and as the time passed by the waves became even more stronger and quite obvious as they hit me I almost moved from my place. Hmmmm mighty seas indeed! Why I call them mysterious? ..That should be because I 'like' to associate that word with the seas. It just looks so apt! You don't know what is hidden beneath and you sure don't know when and how they are going to be. They can be so peaceful and the next moment just the opposite! I returned back at the beach after spending ample of time with the waves. A vendor was busy displaying the shells and pearls which he claimed he found from the depths of the seas. He said the shells get stuck up in the net and that's how they get most of them. And about the pearls, they dive in to get them. I just wondered, it must be soo tiresome but at the same time it must be such a good feeling to discover something so beautiful. the feeling must be 'WoW'. Not because I like pearls...but just imagine....or you can leave that for me.. You just read on ! I also liked the footprints that left a mark on the shore but the very next instant got washed away by the waves! Well, so is the case with life.. the footprints got washed away leaving no trace of its existence. And that's how exactly we will leave this world.. .. .. Anyway, on my way back to the car I realised I missed the most important thing I do every time I am on a beach..........collect shells!!! And well, this time I had something else in my mind... to collect it for someone realllly special - my fiance. Crazy, romantic????..well! That's me. You can expect just anything! Lol! I could find small shells......and collected around 44 of them...then I thought I would loose them and well that is what happened with the small shells!! I didn't loose them but they got broken while travelling! Nothing to be sad about coz the next day we went to Kollam beach [I am not sure about the spelling and pronunciation!] And here I loved the shore!!! It seemed to be more of a fisherman's colony. There were no tourists like you get to see at Marina and definitely no garbage!! Here I found treasure! well.........big shells!! [don't laugh!] So I have quite a lot of them...and here I did a bit of artwork with the shells and the sand. Check out the pic. Our actual idea for the next day was to visit Mahabalipuram where the sculpture carve figures out of stone of the caves. Interesting artwork but we couldn't get down over there as everyone except me thought it wasn't a very good idea!. Well I had to give up, as they say majority wins! But the drive to Mahabalipuram was all worth it. I really liked the scenic beauty on both sides of the roads. They appeared to be farms of some tall trees. I couldn't make out. But they looked beautiful and that is what mattered!

On my way back to Hyderabad I made sure I got the window seat in the airplane. I had missed out when going to Chennai, but made it up while returning. I just wanted to do one thing experience the same feeling I had when I looked at the clouds from the window when I was really young. And I felt so good and so happy!I cant explain what it feels like. The clouds appear like a long path covered with soft cotton. It looks so appealing to the eyes. The variation of that is exhibited between the troposphere and the stratosphere is beautiful!. So many variations of the blue colour that you cant believe your eyes! And then you feel like you are on cloud 9!..And yes you actually are!! Now I know what that means....its so rightly used as the highest degree of happiness. That's exactly how you feel when you see clouds below you and some passing through your window.

Over all I must say it was a wonderful trip. Short and sweet! I was there for 2 days and I enjoyed myself thoroughly! Another beautiful page added to the diary of my life.. Hope to experience many such 'trips' which will add happiness and fun to my life and help me to ponder over Allah's creations and His blessings.I thank Him for all that He has blessed me with.

Happy Reading!