Day 1 — Wandering into the Unknown: A Solo Traveler’s Story

The hum of conversations around me fades as I sit in a bustling Chandigarh mall, waiting for my midnight bus to Bir. This journey isn’t just about exploring a new destination—it’s about exploring myself. After months of emotional turbulence, I knew I needed a break, a fresh start. So here I am, typing away, turning my thoughts into words, and wondering—could this be more than just a passion?

Life had been chaotic, filled with questions I couldn’t answer. But then I asked myself—do I even need answers? Or have they always been within me, waiting to be acknowledged? We often seek validation from others, hoping they’ll tell us what we already know deep down. But why waste time overthinking when I can channel that energy into something I’ve always wanted to do? And so, here I am—living my dream, feeling more alive than ever, and finally ready to act without waiting for anyone’s approval.

As I always say, I’m here to enjoy and embrace my journey. It has started on a confident note, and honestly, I’m loving it. This trip is for me—just me. I’m not looking for miracles because I’ve realized they were always within me. And with this positive mindset, I’m finally taking my first step towards something I’ve long desired.

A Journey Begins

For the longest time, I’ve wanted to write about my travels—to share my stories in a way that resonates with others. But fear and self-doubt always held me back. Not this time. This solo trip to Bir is my chance to commit to my writing, to see if I can turn it into something more than just a hobby. This is the beginning of that journey—both on the road and within myself.

With that thought, my journey from Mumbai to Chandigarh began with a flight. As always, my father—my biggest constant—came to drop me at the airport. He has never given up on me, and lately, he has become even more supportive, showing the confidence in me that I once craved from him. But hey, it’s never too late. This has become our little ritual—whenever I travel, he drops me off, sometimes even picks me up. And, of course, we clicked a selfie before I walked into the airport.

Now, thanks to my last-minute habits, I was running late—again. I hate that about myself, but somehow, I managed to board on time. As I stepped onto the plane, my dreamy self half-expected to meet someone interesting, but, well, that’s not how my life works! Instead, I found myself seated next to a sweet lady in her seventies. I smiled, settled into my window seat, and before I knew it, exhaustion took over. I fell asleep even before takeoff.

When I woke up mid-flight, I looked out of the window, and the view reminded me why spending time alone is so worth it. The sky displayed multiple shades—each one more mesmerizing than the last. I couldn’t stop myself from clicking endless pictures. Then came a little in-flight indulgence—an IndiGo Airlines’ Jungli Sandwich and a hot cup of masala chai. Sitting 35,000 feet above the ground, I realized that spending a little extra on ourselves isn’t a bad thing. We should do it more often, just to remind ourselves of our worth.

After landing safely in Chandigarh, I had a six-hour wait before my bus to Bir. I sat at the airport, wondering if I could explore something in the city, but it was late, and safety was a concern. I asked for suggestions at the information counter, and the staff advised me to head to a nearby mall, which was also close to my bus stop. Sounded like a plan.

I booked a cab, and the driver, a kind soul, even guided me on how to get to the bus stop later. At the mall, I had to figure out how to kill time. That’s when I decided to sit in a café and do something I had wanted to for so long—write.

I ordered a fancy Vietnamese cold brew and a lemon-flavored muffin—the perfect combination. Sitting in a cozy corner with my laptop, I finally felt like a professional writer, and I swear, I loved it. Writing, traveling, and just being in the moment—it all felt right.

This is how my Day 1 unfolded—not over yet, as I still have two more hours before heading to the bus station. Here’s hoping that my overnight journey to Bir goes smoothly, without any surprises. But even if it doesn’t, I guess that’s what makes travel exciting, right?