Travel like Water is often the unsung hero in our life. We consume it in adequate quantities, yet, we are quick to compliment a food dish or drink that satiates or satisfies our taste buds. As we all know, without water life will be a challenge.Same goes for peregrinating! We learn much, while vacationing. The knowledge gained during our `encounters’ is often equivalent to half a term of school life, learning.

During our travels, we view places in three dimensions, unlike while reading or watching it on screen. The reality of places is exposed; a third dimension `depth’ is immediately added. Thereby it increases the sense of wonderment in our lives. Off late, drone views offer some consolation; what changes is the perspective & angle, adding curiosity value and compelling us to visit a destination. Then there are smells and sounds which we experience on our expeditions. Can we smell `fresh air’ at a location when watching a travel show. For sure, it’s a big no!!

Most importantly travel silently increases our knowledge, something we don’t bargain for. On my first visit to Germany in early 90’s, I was astounded to find one of the most developed countries in the world followed a system of reserving one third of the total area for nature. Greenery in abundance was food for thought for me!! I often read about bullfights in Spain including the great matadors - Manolete, Joselito & El Cordobes. Somewhere in the year 1997, I was invited by a dear friend to watch a bull fight at Plaza Des Torres in Madrid - a renowned arena in Spain. The excitement was palpable during one of the rounds, when the bull cornered the matador. The banderillos had to step in to rescue him. Here again, though I had read about it; the suspense was unbearable. Catching a bull by the horns, here I watched the bull do likewise!!

The magnitude as well as greatness can only felt when experiencing a location. I read about the Big Temple at Thanjavur; on visiting it last July I finally comprehended the size of the temple & its complex. We humans, were dwarfed by the size of magnificent stone structures. Then there is the intricacy and symmetry, something I never comprehended. A personal visit changed the perception. Ditto while visiting Tiger Reserves in India on many occasions. I don’t remember having read about it, but Tigers are more accommodating during the summer months when water is scarce making many visit the same man made water holes; territories are forgotten, one-upmanship is laid to rest!!!

Summers can be unbearable for us humans as well. Few authors can describe a torrid summers day. This I experienced when visiting Kolkatta (then Calcutta) many summers ago. The humidity was unbearable, to this day. Be it Romania, Bhutan, Ladakh, I was fortunate to experience the kindness of locals at high altitudes. Soft spoken and timid, locals extended assistance when needed and didn’t make a fuss about it. No artificially carved out smiles, it was genuine warmth, I stumbled upon. Best views of snow clad mountains can be had on winter days, as well. This I experienced during a visit to the Lower Himalayas in the month of February, freezing to the bone we watched a perfect sunrise, later during the day we were dumbstruck with amazement watching pristine white mountains in full glaze of the mid-day sun.

On a different note, I have been treated to historical & architectural forms in different parts of the world, but more so in India. Be it the majestic beauty of the Taj Mahal or intricate craftsmanship of CST Railway Station at Mumbai comprising of three different architectural styles, personal visits vastly improved understanding & learning of period architectural styles, not forgetting the joy & exuberance on discovering these gems of unparalleled excellence. Truly, Travels plays no mean part in enhancing one’s own knowledge & understanding. Like Water it is the lifeline, but hardly ever making a show of it!!