Written by Jayati Sanan
Here’s a little something I wrote about my holiday to Sri Lanka In December. Interspersed with moments of sadness and joy, I feel as though it bears a resemblance to what we call our ‘reality’ these days. I hope it gives you a little comfort and a little space to daydream especially at a time when are homebound for what seems like the next few weeks (at least). Stay home! Stay Safe! This too shall pass.
Sri Lanka Dec 2019 – Jan 2020
Day 1 (New Delhi – Colombo -Galle)
Upon a bike at dusk, we knew not what was in store
A journey we will remember for years and many more
How it all began, is with a miracle in disguise
The gentleman who approached us, oh! he had a certain style
We arrived at the Fort by midnight, before the clock struck 12
We didn’t lose a slipper but sadly we did lose something else
Day 2 (Galle to Yala via Tangalle)
A lunch so very chic and a sunset by the sea
And a little hesitation, that led us to believe
our plans were all going wrong and we had to set them right
We soon arrived at Yala and our homestay, it wasn’t in sight!
Alas, we found our cottage, it was hidden amongst the trees
We showered in the forest and before we knew it, we were asleep
Day 3 (through Yala to Arugam Bay)
We learnt well from our mistakes
But we hadn’t yet made them all
We were soon chased by an angry cow and, almost had a fall
Finally, when we made it to Arugam Bay, we drank too many beers
Though it was a little lonely, it was not a place to fear.
Day 4 (Arugam Bay to Tangalle)
A time for resolutions, It’s the last day of the year
We mounted our so-called ‘English Bike’
And set forth beneath a sky so clear…
At stop number 4, a new awakening it had dawned
We felt 2020 must be a year of great progress!
So, we sulked as the fireworks lit up the world around us
And we wondered how our problems, we would address…
Day 5 (Tangalle to Ahagama)
The day that is known to determine, how you will spend your entire year
One certainly should try, not to shed even a single tear
Hence, we lay on the sand and, watched the waves in the ocean
And as we relaxed, we turned a blind eye to the world of commotion
A good story when told, always needs a mystery to unfold
But unfortunately, this is all I have, lo and behold!
No bad guys, no schemes, it’s so startlingly simple
Most of our lives may not be grim but sporadically, they do twinkle
Just like that, Day 6 arrived
This is when we say ‘oh time, it flies!’
Now on a journey homeward bound
I felt a flicker of sadness, a pang of fear
Strange things to feel when returning to those who are dear
Back at home, the old worries, they seemed to grow
With speedy strides across the cold floor
But I washed them away with memories so bright
And finally accepted that the occasional struggles, they’re alright!
When you’ve got love, luck and a sense of ambition
Feeling happy is nothing, but a mere decision!
Featured Photo by Oliver Sjöström on Unsplash
All other images by Jayati Sanan
Jayati Sanan – Profile
My name is Jayati and I’ve grown up in the mountains, as a result, I spent a large chunk of my childhood staring into space and daydreaming. From imagining that I lived in a block of cheddar, which existed in the form of a rock outside my house, I went to being a princess with a walk-in-wardrobe lined with the trendiest ball gowns. There was a time I believed I could grow up into a rabbit and luckily, all my crazy ideas were always encouraged by my wonderful family. Be it a picnic with my collection of stuffed toys, all of whom could speak by the way, to evenings of artwork and telling stories.
My first real experience of the city was when I moved to college, at Delhi University. As a proud student of Miranda House, I strolled the streets of North Campus. But that didn’t last long, as it was for many phases that followed. And, ever since, I have moved and moved and moved, fortunately never leaving anything that mattered behind. A passionate educator, an aspiring traveler and a hopeless wanderer is what I would describe myself to be, and through my writing I hope to inspire ideas that will set us all free.
