Ain't No Shakespeare

There is something about losing a loved one that nothing can really heal. The fact that you can no longer bring back, see or talk to the person no matter how hard you try, is just one of them. The worst is probably the feelings of dread and fear it triggers. I lost my grandfather this year in March and since then internally I have been a mess. I would not say that I was the fondest of him all throughout. He has not been the easiest of people to live and adjust with. But losing him and specifically seeing him pass, suddenly, in front of me was traumatic to say the least. And that kind of triggered these emotions – of fear, of vulnerability, of insecurity. Not wanting to lose yet another loved one anytime soon. Which is perhaps why, when I look back at the year, everything else that happened seems to kind of fade in comparison. A year that started off in one of the best possible manner, at my mama-mami’s farmhouse in Pali – a calm, peaceful abode they had bought – a place which my gr...

 Trekking I believe is a very personal experience. And the purpose for going on a trek is quite unique to every individual. For some it is an adventure, for some a form of exercise. It could be a way of exploring mountains, or experiencing nature. It may be someone’s source of livelihood or someone’s way of pursuing a secondary hobby (like photography or vlogging). Up until now, for me trekking has always been an achievement. I’ve been a healthy kid with a below average stamina for most my life. So I’ve been dragged to treks as a part of family outings and while in a brief period I’ve enjoyed them, sometimes I’ve literally cried my way to the top. So completing a trek has always been an accomplishment, a check off my list, a job done! So this trek for me was kind of a boon. It was quite the luxury trek. Our daily trek was on an average 4-5 hours (inspite of all our rest & photography breaks). Our daily backpack consisted merely of water, a poncho, a light jacket & some dry ...

“Hi! Shailesh Kaka is planning a Himalayan Trek in May – do you want to come? I got a text from my cousin a few months ago. I was skeptical.  While I have done a few day treks before, I am not someone who is known for her stamina or trekking skills & it is certainly not my idea of a great summer vacation. But the idea of a long trip with my cousin after many years was too attractive to resist. “Yes sure!” I replied. The 3 months before the trip were full of physical preparations & mental dilemmas. Trekking was not so much the fear as high altitude & almost every day I asked myself what possessed me to say yes to a trek which I was mentally not prepared for. The starting point of the trek was 2 days of flight & road travel into the mountains & by that time we had begun to enjoy the cold weather, the nature around & each other’s company. It was a group of fifteen & while some of us were family, the rest were mere acquaintances with whom 2 days were quite e...