The unknown intrigues, fascinates and urges one to explore. One such trip that actually tripped me in a wonderfully exciting way was the trip to the ecological wonder laden with rich history, exciting treks and scenic beauty - the pachmarhi.
I use 'the' with pachmarhi as it was way so special that it made me invest in a better gear to record my wanderings in future. I usually used to carry a beginner level dslr just to create memories of my visits and collect pics for school documentation and publishing work. The one thing that made me invest in a better gear was that for the first time I realized that I was not being able to do justice to the documentation work, i found my gear wanting of upgradation a number of times, (sometimes in terms of camera body and other times in terms of lenses). I mean to say i was only being able to gather a fraction of the actual experience pachmarhi had to offer and this set me thinking, thinking because, a govt school teacher in middle age has to choose between pursuing a hobby and supporting a family in these challenging times.
Incubating on the idea for a couple of months and a lot of sleepless nights planning the decision, the dream finally fructified and I purchased a better machine on installments from a friends bajaj finserv card, hahahha..... and later two more lenses.
I have an understanding that besides a job and a family one must have a few hobbies that not only help you excel but also motivate your children, friends and onlookers besides spreading the joy u experience in pursuit of your hobby/ies.
Being a teacher my students are curious about photography and I do share my little know how with them to the extent that the school has purchased entry level dslr's for developing photography skills in the children.
Just one trip can set a person thinking, but the decision to follow that very thought and develop it into reality rests completely with the individual, whether to to let it wither into thin air or to harness its potential and churn it into reality spreading joy and learning for everyone.