Once you have travelled with different groups of people to the same destination you are bound to compare those two experiences. I've been lucky to have visited a lot of cities with a variety of people with polarizing priorities. Not only do you end up learning more about them as individuals but the same place feels different and if you are a bit more observant, you will see how it can give you a completely different perspective, helping you evolve as a personality.
I travelled to Kasol in the First and again in the third week of June 2015. A village in Parvati Valley, situated on the banks of the river with the same name, It’s a perfect getaway to unwind and relax to the sound of the river gushing through and a Spectacular view of the perfect snow covered mountains. The Town felt very different each time and it gave me a deeper understanding of a city as a living entity.
As groups, we couldn’t be more different. The first time around, I was with my college friends. We'd been working a lot lately, feeling less motivated as the days went by and in one or the other way seeking clarity. The timing seemed perfect and voila, we were on our way. I was taken aback by how gorgeous the town looked, surrounded by tall pines and the sunlight making its way through them. The warmth felt welcoming and we weren't tired anymore. The place was vibrant, full of happy beings having the time of their lives without a thing to worry about. We went out for a stroll later in the evening and as we got to the bridge, we could see groups of flashlights making their way to the bridge from a party, assuming they were in the hands of more happy beings, we crossed over and followed the cemented path making our way through the dark, spooky as it may seem, there's nothing better than walking that stretch at night with the river flowing right next to you, simply mesmerizing.
As an Artist, I am always looking for new places to take Portraits and find inspiration. When you are in a group with similar people, you tend to enjoy the process even more. The Second time it felt more like a village, quiet and earnest. We spent a whole day walking around exploring the villages on the other side of the river, quietly walking past Pine trees, appreciating the picturesque beauty that surrounded us with the harmonious sound of the river passing by at a distance. The Stretch was mostly empty, barring the people who lived there and some Israeli's who are Omnipresent. The extent of silence was enough to hear myself think, and the place charmed its way through with its distinct Individuality. Our Cottage had the best view, and at night you could see the moonlight reflecting off the snow caps, igniting your wanderlust. Once the lights were off, you could just lie down on the grass and embrace the stars as they dance their way to the sunrise.
The Place has spurred my growth, helping me gain an incredible understanding towards my own art and the importance of taking some time out to travel to exquisite places like Kasol. I have learned to appreciate life as a whole and as moments of time stacked together while remaining astonishingly synchronous through and through. To Remember, Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.
