Living in the wild

Our drive to Masinagudi was breathtaking. It was different, for sure, than what we’d been expecting to see, but beautiful in different shades, all the same. Looking out the window, one could imagine bright flames devouring the forest’s greenery to reduce it to the shades of grey and ashy black that it was now. With the baby blue sky as a backdrop, the trees twisted into beautiful shapes and intricate sculptures, it was hard to believe that they were not purposely carved that way. The bamboo limbs remained grey all the way to their sky high tips, but the yellow of certain flowering trees splashed the picturesque scenes with color. 

The resort was similarly fascinating, with the bamboo trees constantly shedding their yellow tinged leaves, covering the grounds with fluffy mattresses. The abundance of swings and hammocks were satisfying, and the hammocks made perfect retreats when the rooms felt a little stuffy. We walked across the stone lined pavements, to a cozy little cottage and threw open the door. 

The bed was white and fluffy, inviting. There was a foldable, small bad on the floor, but this was all normal. There was one thing missing.  The T.V! This was probably the biggest shock we received on the entire trip, so far, at least. We weren’t really sure how we’d survive our three days of holiday, with no T.V.  Now, thinking back, it isn’t such a big deal, but back then, at the moment, it was. After moping about the fact, we decided that we’d manage with a net connection, and watch on the tab.  Unfortunately, and much to our disappointment, we found out that WiFi was only accessible from the main lobby, and not from our little cottage. We walked in happy, joking, and walked out to lunch dejected, and sad.

The trip took a turn for the better when we got over the initial shock of having to live isolated from the civilized world, we explored the place, laughing when our feet sank in the leaves further than we expected. We also went swimming as the pool seemed to be calling out to us,despite being tired from waking up early and the car journey, and the next day was one to remember.

The next day, we had planned to drive upto ooty, and spend the day there, leaving for the resort shortly after lunch. We debated on what to wear, and wore our medium length shorts, and sleeveless shirts, and set out, while the sun beat down on us mercilessly. The people of ooty were bundled up, much to our amusement, and we were giddy about not having to needlessly throw on heavy sweaters in the deadly heat. We walked into shop after shop, our hands tiring from every new addition of colorful bags we carried. The bags were all the same, in a variety of colors, interestingly lacking plastic. One shop was particularly thrilling, with its pretty vintage jackets, and printed jeans. After making our buys from the shop, we had just stepped out, and were bombarded with not tiny droplets of rain, but huge bucketfuls at a time. Each rain drop assaulted us, as we scurried around with our bags, in search of shelter. We had just stepped into another shop as the rain ceased as suddenly as it started. With shocking trust in this odd weather system, we stepped out again, thinking this was just one of the weatherman’s moods, and the rain was over for good. Needless to say, the rain began its course again, except this time, even after we spent half an hour at lunch, it hadn’t stopped. So, with steely determination, and utter neglect to our freezing fingers and feet, we stepped out into the rain and ran, like we were being chased. It was most amusing, not only to us, as it turned out, but also to the heavily bundled up locals. All the same, we were laughing, splashing through the puddles, avoiding particularly large drops of rain. By the time we reached our car we were dripping, with not only our hair plastered all over our faces, but also large grins that had worked their ways onto our faces despite our chattering teeth.

Our resort had not been spared by the rain. The hammocks were wet, but what was a little water to stop us from climbing into those comfy, invited hammocks? With a towel, a pillow, and a book, the hammocks were transformed into captivating retreats.

The last day was a day for the family. We spent the day together, doing nothing but talking, and discussing a book that turned out to be deeply spiritual. Pictures were taken galore as the camera was held at every possible angle to capture as much beauty as possible in a mere picture. The hammocks remained occupied that day, as we all sat together and recounted old events. Though we did not do much physically that day, it was possibly the best day we’d all spent together in a very long time. We went to sleep early as we had to set out early the next day, to come back home.

The way home was marked by assurances that we were indeed, going the right way, despite the sudden greenery of the landscape telling us different. It was surprising how one sudden shower had covered the trees in dense canopies of fresh, green leaves. The deer were taking full advantage of the fresh green shoots that had just poked their heads out of the damp ground. Herd after herd were received by us with delighted exclamations as we scrambled to open and turn on the camera. By the time we got home, we were delighted with our grabs in both, pictures, and experiences. 

  

- Ashu (2014)