While in Pushkar, India; one day, I decided to get away from the main tourist attractions and the supposed places “worth” visiting. Rented a motorbike, took the first dirt road I found and ventured into the countryside to visit whatever I found in the way. Not knowing where I was going or what I was going to find. No expectations, no preconceived idea. Just open to the excitement of the unexpected.
It turned out to be an amazing day. Talked and hanged out with the people working on the fields. Learnt about the life of people in the rural India. Entered a wooden factory and met all the happy and smiling workers. Had tea in the house of a sadhu (holy man) while talking about life and his vision of society. Met many people who were really happy and excited to see me and confused at the same time to see a tourist where no one goes, and where is “nothing” to see. In a remote village, I ended being invited to lunch in the house of a very humble man with his wife, who lived in a very small shack made out of tree branches and leaves. He invited me to some of the most spicy curry I´ve ever tried and chai tea of course, while he showed me with enthusiasm the tecnique he used to craft by hand musical instruments for a living.
When I got back to Pushkar I had the feeling of having experienced, seen and learnt so much that day. One of those days which remind you what´s traveling about: the people and experiences that come your way while on the road. Hence, pure travel experiences can be anywhere and everywhere where you have an open mind to simply experience, see and be amazed. Ready for the unexpected.
