Our brain is a complex amalgamation of neural networks, neurochemicals, and grey matter. Despite remarkable progress being made in the area of neurosciences, there are very few aspects of the brain that have been understood. And the most perplexing – is the one – that affects 4 out of 5 people on the planet. What makes perfectly sane and sensible people want imitate their simian cousins? What causes that sudden rush, accompanied with palpitations and cold feet? The chemistry of ‘love’ is rarely understood. And yet, it seems to afflict more than half of the planet, with alarming proportions, towards mid February.
What’s our take on ‘love’? It’s like a giant lashing wave that takes you by surprise and knocks you down. Before you know what struck you, it’s too late to turn back, for you’ve already surrendered to its force. Since there is no known cure for this affliction, it’s best to play along. Chances are you’ll be a natural. Chances are you’ll be miserable. Whatever the odds, there are few foolproof ways of knowing, if you’ll stick together or not.
Take the Map Test
There are few joys that can compete with the joy of buying your first car. I remember, the plans we made and the trips we swore to. It was the time when we didn’t have GPS on our phones. I remember writing down directions and taking printouts of maps. I’m not sure if it was all fun. We lost our way couple of times and had to ask locals for directions. By the next birthday, I gifted Basil a GPS for our car.
Ditch the Swanky Hotel Room
We’ve never really stayed in swanky hotel rooms – on a trip. Depending on the duration and budget of our trip; we’ve chosen to spend more on exploring the place than a pricey hotel room. In Sarchu (en route Leh, India), we had to make do with a makeshift loo. By night, in the darkness, we were shivering in our cloth tent, covered with three fur blankets and waiting for the sun to come. At an altitude of 14,000 ft, the palpitations wouldn’t stop. Sometimes, it works for the best. I wasn’t sure about camping in Iceland. Turns out, it was the room with the best view.
Walk Until Your Legs Drop
I’m glad I love to walk and started walking early in life (back from school). For years later, when I would meet Basil, it would be one of the few things we’d have in common – besides travel. Wherever we’ve gone, we make it a point to walk. The best way to discover a place, is when, you have all the time in the world and your two loyal feet.
Get Lost
This one isn’t my idea of a perfect trip. Basil’s the one who likes getting lost. If there’s a straight route, he’ll take the winding alley. This one’s only for seasoned travellers. It’s the one test that can seriously stress your relationship with your travel partner. When you’re in the middle of nowhere, in a strange country, hungry, and lost – it’s not the best feeling. But, the only way to make it through, is to work together.
Reimagine Your Life in a Far Flung Place
I think this one is, by far, the toughest of them all. It’s always been our goal, to head out to the mountains and start a life – very different from the life we lead today. We’ve had brief stints in China and South Korea – giving us a taste of living a different life. It’s not been easy to adjust to a new place, language, and people. The moments of isolation can get to you. But, if you survive this one, you’d have a long innings to look forward to.
We’ve been on multiple trips with a diverse set of people. And we’ve learned that it can make or break a friendship. We remember many of our drivers – who ferried us – along the northern Himalayan passes. Some fondly and some not so. A trip can be a defining point in any relationship. In those dull, lifeless moments of everyday life – our bucket-list gives us the fortitude to go on. This month, we complete two years of twobrownfeet. We’d like to thank everyone who followed us and took time to comment on our travel journey.
I love this entry, especially the part about “Walk Until Your Legs Drop” ! the picture of the stairs with the red all around is amazing !
Been waiting for a while to post this. Hehe! Vist Japan during ‘kouyou’ (fall). It’s fantastic! I wish I could visit Japan again. 🙂
It’s the perfect timing with valentine’s day ahead of us 🙂
You bet! 🙂
Great Post
Thanks a bunch! 🙂
welcome
Wonderful! Beautiful!
Thanks Ann! 🙂
What a wonderful post with some inspiring photos. As a traveler and lover of the great outdoors it was a post I could really resonate with. Thank you so much.
Thanks you, Miriam. It’s always fun to look through our album and cherish our memories. 🙂
I actually reblogged this. Thought it was a wonderful read. 🙂
Aww! Thanks so much! 🙂
My pleasure.
Reblogged this on Out an' About and commented:
As a traveler and lover of all things outdoors and with Valentines Day approaching this post really resonated with me. Had to share, a wonderful read.
Your photography is outstanding!
“Love” the science spin on this!
Thanks a bunch! Basil and I, are Physics post graduates. I guess, that’s why, we find it hard to leave behind our science roots. Although, currently, we’ve drifted into very different fields. It’s great to come across science bloggers! We share a similar wide-eye wonder for the universe and the natural world. Thanks for stopping by!
Great post.
Thanks, Don! 🙂
You two are really living up your life to the full.. I love your stories! Wonderful photos 🙂
Truly appreciate your words of praise! 🙂 Basil’s photography gets better with each trip!
Great ideas and the photos, they’re amazing!
Thank you! Thought it would be perfect with the weekend’s festivity! 🙂
How beautiful on many levels! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Tiffany! 🙂
🙂 Anytime! I call it like I see it! Have a great day!
Have a great week! 🙂
Loved this, beautiful images – did you really have these views? Amazing! Oh if I could travel the world for two years…sign. me. up! Great blog!
Thank you, Amanda! 🙂 Yup! We did have these views. It’s the best of the lot. But, these trips are a collection on a decade (soon to be) journey. The blog is two years old. 🙂 It doesn’t take much to start traveling. Once you start – you will find it hard to stop. Thanks for stopping by! Have a good week.