The Trips n Travel Transcribe: Sea Waves

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Beach visit at night

That night before sleeping, I got a mood to experience the night time sea, especially after knowing that the sea was just 10 kms walk from where we stayed. P also got interested. Leaving the other two in the "ashram", we two set out.

We had to walk through a silent but well inhabited lane. It was a small village in fact. Most of the people already had their lights off by then while one or two were enjoying the breeze outside before going to bed. Those few didn't bother much as to who we were as they might have got used to tourists moving around the place very often. In fact we came across a group of foreign hikers near one house or maybe it was some inn or lodge. Then I noticed one female hiker splitting up from the group and disappeared into one of the small meandering roads.

On our way, we saw few newly constructed small houses beside the lane. These were built as relief work for those who had lost their homes and family in the Tsunami disaster that hit most of the southern shores on 26th December 2004. We proceeded slowly towards the beach side. It wasn't much of an eye appealing sight. This part of the beach was used by the fishermen which was apparent from the smell of sea fish all around. There were also few rowing boats and
rafts with fish nets around which were scattered some dead small sea fishes.

We went near the waves. P went in to feel and get his feet wet. He was overjoyed. I have seen beaches a lot but the feel of being there at night is totally different. Its only you and the sea and not any other soul to disturb your peace. We could see the strong halogen lights far away in

the distance along the coast. It created a wonderful view. Also just about a kilometer or so from this place was another private beach & resort whose lights dimly illuminated the place where we were standing. We two then got onto one of the boats anchored in the sands and clicked few snaps. It felt very peaceful being there listening only to the waves and no other artificial noise. We sat on the boat edges and just listened to the silence. I could have slept there itself feeling the nature. But all good things have to come to an end, if they are to be cherished. Being filled too much of feel good factor, we decided to get to bed. That night I had a sound sleep.

Friday, November 23, 2007

First day evening time

Place to Stay…… There was already a large crowd of people from different places who had flocked in for the New Year like us by evening. Done with the relaxing, R and J inquired about hotels and luckily got an autorickshaw driver who knew a few hotels. Usually most such drivers would have knowledge of accommodation for tourists. So those two went with the driver, while I and P walked along the rocks and explored a bit of the shore.

We clicked some snaps with the sea waves rising to as high as 7-8 feet when struck on the sharp rocks. The rocks are so sharp and slippery near the sea due to the continuous striking by the sea waves that one has to be very careful when exploring that area. P had never seen any sea or Ocean before and so here he was completely enjoying the Arabian Sea and its breeze.

We then walked along the street Goubert Avenue which goes along the shore. The whole landscape was filled with families, kids and boyfriends-girlfriends. It was just a place to sit and feel the breeze. Apart from watching the ships and boats in the distance, it was only about gazing at the horizon as far as possible. There was the crowd almost along the full stretch of the shore. To break out, I and P went in one of the lanes.

There was the Aurobindo Museum just a few footsteps away and there was a moderate crowd here too. The museum was basically the showplace of the life and work of Sri Aurobindo who had settled in Pondicherry when he was released from jail during the independence time. Both of us were curious to see inside. The shoes had to be removed outside and then we were in
queue to go in to take the museum tour. All had to keep silence and there was strictly no photography allowed inside. We toured around the rooms which had books, paintings and other such antique items for display. At the center of the building was a tomb. Around that we saw few aged and middle aged men and women praying and sitting in a Samadhi. It was surprising to see few of them even weeping. I didn’t know why and didn’t bother as well. The tour included walking around the tomb and then it was over. The museum wasn’t much large. It wasn’t much appealing for us as well. May be we were too young to appreciate the peace and calm nature inside. Within 15 minutes we came out and again put our shoes on. We went back towards the shore and waited for the other two to return.

Those two were back in less than an hour. That itself was too long for a place like this. They had reserved a hotel a bit far towards the north. That was good news.

We four then walked along the Goubert Avenue from the French War Memorial to Place de la Republique where there was a life size statue of Gandhiji. This place was filled with lots of kids who were playing with the slopes along the pedestal of the statue. It was sheer fun for the jovial kids. Around the statue were eight tall pillars. This brought a wonderful look to the whole landscape. A few steps ahead was a small park.