When at night I'm reading a book, which brings a smile to my face (The Art of Travel for sure!), I hope you notice that smile, the happiness in my eyes, and kiss me on my shoulder to acknowledge that you've noticed my reactions while reading a book more often.... :)
I don't know if my eyes fall under the category of 'expressive eyes', but I do hope that you will understand the language that my kajal-laden eyes sometimes speak... And even if you don't, you'll learn over time, won't you? :)
Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains
Shenandoah River -
Life is old there
Older than the trees
Younger than the mountains
Growin' like a breeze
Country Roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads
Well, this is the song ringing in my head, as I've been missing my small vacation in Coonoor. The break I was craving for, just time to do what I want. Do nothing. Though I planned my itinerary, I told my cousin that I might chuck all the plans of going sight-seeing and just relax at the hotel. He can go wherever he wants to! To begin with, I knew this trip was destined (yes it was!). And hence I was destined to just sit back and relax as well, while having meaningful conversations.
As I landed in Ooty, it was evening and dark already. On my way to Coonoor, I could not see anything of what Coonoor looks like, I had to wait till the next morning to have a look at the place. But the night was so peaceful that I was reminded of my best friend's words, when he had visited Coonoor - "This is life. I can hear myself breathing." I couldn't agree more on those words. There was a light rain and I could hear the pitter-patter of that light rain, and it just lulled me to sleep. Which is what I enjoy, literally. When I woke up the next morning I realised I hadn't slept like that in ages. Deep, peaceful sleep. I couldn't resist going to the balcony and voila! The view was beautiful! Greenery around with a drizzle! Ah! Simple things like breathing in fresh air gave me joy there. And I was all set to go sight-seeing in Coonoor.
After the sight-seeing I was scheduled to meet my friend's uncle. And what a gala time I had there! He was sweet enough to offer me to stay with the family, and I couldn't say no. The company, the house, the view - it was a lucrative offer. And by the time we finished our conversations, it was way past midnight. So the next task was only to check-out from the hotel. It was life as I always wanted. Getting into conversations right from the time we wake-up which continue on lunch tables, away from it while gazing into the hills... The best picture that my mind could capture was the changing view. The clouds kept passing by, making it zero visibility beyond the fence, and the next moment it would be clear with the Nilgiris in sight. And I just kept gasping!
My friend's uncle was no less than a story teller. The conversations involved of his experiences, and went on till early morning everyday. These are one of those moments when you realise that conversations are knowledgeable indeed. Where you get to hear so much, ask questions, keep things in your mind, laugh over it.... Day in and day out, we just talked. One day was dedicated to watching documentaries, followed by discussions and more discussions! That was just awesome!
The house! Gosh! A beauty in itself! It was a dream house, to say the least. To wake up in that home everyday was no less than bliss. It's that perfect home where you would wake up and just head out to take in the morning air and most of all, to feel the untouched surroundings.
The garden of the house
Hope you're able to spot the Nilgiris behind the trees :) Wouldn't you want a cup of tea, a book and a few drinks in the evening here? Serene!
The garden
The garden
The garden
And it left me craving. Craving for more of the life I led there for 3 days. For simple and obvious reasons. It also made me realise how we have fiddled so much with nature. Every place I visited in Coonoor looked untouched. The monsoons just added to my love for the place.
The leisure trip assures that I go back to Coonoor soon - for the lovely family I stayed with, for the place, for the conversations, for the life! I'm grateful to my friend's family for providing me with luxury during my stay :)
Life is old there, Older than the trees...
Younger than the mountains, Growin' like a breeze...
Yes, country roads took me home... To the place I belonged...
