How was vacation?

How was your vacation? I have answered this question a few hundred times in last week. Mostly I answer, it was great or it was good or it was fun. But any of those answers don't do complete justice, I wished someone asking this question had hours of free time to really hear how the vacations were and I would love to tell. Below is a teaser, a collage of some snapshots on how the vacation was.

Snapshot 1 à

A journey, Many miles on a hilly road with sharp turns, narrow lanes, pot holes and steep inclines.  Sitting in the 3^rd row of a 7 seat SUV. There are 6 adults and 4 children in total in the car. Not packed at all, just comfortably cozy. From the back seat I am enjoying every minute, every turn, and every word that is spoken by any one. Even enjoying the occasional (and at times frequent) shocks caused due to the car moving through an unavoidable pothole or due to unplanned braking to allow the top speed incoming (and at times insane) vehicles to pass by. Enjoying because the 9 others with me make my family. My parents, my kids, my wife, my brother, my sister –in-law and my nephew and niece.  6 days of travelling, living in hotels, stopping at some ethnic road side joints to eat a meal or snacks or just a cup of tea. Those 6 days defined how serene and beautiful life can be.

Snapshot 2à

One restaurant, 4 friends meeting after many years. Their kids meeting each other for the 1^st time, but developing an instantaneous bond, as if the friendship was coded in their DNA. Their respective Spouses gelling so well, in spite of not knowing each other well in the past. And all 4 friends lost in the memories of the good old college days. Remembering past, discussing present and sharing future plans. Shedding off all the social and professional identities that they otherwise carry day in day out; in the name of being professionally successful. Laughing their hearts out, playing pranks like they used to do many years ago. Those 4 hours defined how innocent and wonderful life can be

Snapshot 3à

And then another friend and his family, different date, different place but similar experience. Lots of unrestricted fun and lots of uninhibited laughter. The time flew by, many hours and we didn’t even notice. Those uncounted hours defined how uninhibited and carefree life can be.

Snapshot 4à

Small roadside joint, no place to sit; standing with cousins and eating snacks that have been a favorite many years ago. Everyone extremely busy in their day today life but still making time for that rendezvous. Talking loud (that is family signature) and giggling about silly things that we once did as children. Those 90 minutes defined how simple yet marvelous life can be.

Snapshot 5à

Old house, almost in ruins, looking at the stairs, the rooms (whose roofs are giving in against the rain) and the corners. Thinking of the days many years ago when I was living in this house. Living those memories. Meeting with my uncle who has always been there and missing the two who no longer live there. The cousin who left the weak structure with the hope of finding better prospects outside and the aunt who had been the foundation of this structure for many years and who recently left this world for a better heavenly abode. Those 60 minutes defined how memorable life can be.

These and many more, small things yet too big to fill the heart, that is how the vacation back home was. Hundreds of instances making me feel blessed and grateful for what life is….

PS: I hope to share some details in the next posts. Like always it was awesome to be back with family and friend. There were some deeply cherished times and feelings that I would love to share, if my pen and my heart listen to each other J