Is there such a thing as a perfect friendship?
I’d say yes, since I am blessed with more than a few.
During our recent trip to Chail, we spent quite some time exploring the grounds of the Palace, which is now a heritage hotel and where we stayed.
To say that the surroundings were breathtaking would be an understatement. It was nature at her most beautiful. Tall, towering trees, a variety of flora and fauna. Bird song interrupted by the sounds of silence.
As we walked the paths, admiring the shades of green, fruits we did not recognize but looked gorgeous.
Cut off from the digital world, we happily walked together, admiring everything around us.
We were acutely aware of everything we saw–the vivid colors, the smells, the textures.
I was in awe of the trees that seemed to have their roots in the abyss of the hillside, yet seemed to tower all the way to the sky.
The intricate branches seemed to have a sign language all their own.
We noticed one particular species of tree – we had seen them lining the roads we had traveled to reach this place.
Absolutely straight trunks, with a multitude of branches extending out almost at right angles, as if to facilitate someone climbing them.
They looked so pretty–dark trunks, leaves in shades of green with the sunlight filtering through, dappling the ground around and beneath them, as if playing with the chill in the air. Creepers winding around the tree trunks shimmered gently.
Then we noticed this particular pair.
Standing side by side, somewhat closer together than the other trees, but giving each other space. Their position also appeared as though they were considerate of other trees around them. Compassion is the first word that came to mind. Somehow, they seemed big-hearted. Branches spread wide, yet careful not to tangle with another’s. It seemed like their whispered conversations were high up in the sky, far away.
I felt a sense of reverence as I looked up at these trees, fascinated.
The perfect friendship–that cares, gives the other space to breathe, but stands firm and tall at the side.
Like my own friends.
♥
Here’s a beautiful quote by Khalil Gibran
Congratulations to Parul for her 50th #ThursdayTreeLove post!
Also joining Claudya for Sundays In My City.
17 comments
I loved the tree pictures, Vidya. Those beautiful branches spreading far and wide is such a gorgeous sight. ❤️
Vinitha recently posted…United Branching?#ThursdayTreeLove
Love the quote! Unfortunate, but true.
And those two trees, so so beautiful! Thanks for sharing, Vidya.
Shantala recently posted…Indian Fish Fry | Fried Pomfret Recipe
Such breathtaking pictures of the trees! And that quote about the friendships is true even of certain people in our lives, where we pick up from where we left off and continue without expectations 🙂
I do agree that life offline is all kinds of beautiful. On our recent trip to Mysore, we spent half a day walking around the Bonsai garden. Such a lovely, lush spread of greenery and so soothing too!
On another note, what a pleasant joy it was to bump into you yesterday. More than the event, I enjoyed our Whatsapp conversation during the sessions 😉 SO happy for happenstance and coincidences that bring us together.
Shailaja Vishwanath recently posted…Making time for life
Thank you, Shailaja. Indeed it was nice to meet yesterday!
I saw your photos on Instagram and realized that there’s so much of Mysore I haven’t seen. Must plan a trip soon. Love bonsai.
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Perfect Friendship
Awesome! Your images have captured the branching of the tree very well! Perfect thoughts to go with these images!
Archana recently posted…Survivor (ThursdayTreeLove)
I loved these pictures, Vidya and your philosophical musings too. Just yesterday, met with two old friends. Though we speak over the phone, we met after 1.5 years and we just hit it off like we’d met a day before. Such is the power of good friendships. So happy for your trips to Chail and all the wonderful time you have there.
Your description of the trees is as beautiful as the pictures.
What beautiful photographs. Those vines growing on tree trunks, and those two trees – giving one another space and yet together. Absolutely beautiful!!
Modern Gypsy recently posted…Tarot reading for November 2018
Thank you Shinjini. Somehow I always feel the camera never does justice to what the eyes can see. That place was literally heavenly!
These trees are damn neat Vidya- how observant of you to notice and capture them. I havent seen them or rather didnt notice them during my visit to Chail – must look at this when I am next there.
I love the way you have linked this to two friends giving each other space, yet being there for each other!!
Thank you Shalini.
These trees are near that spot where the path from the palace turns to the right, towards the log cabins.
Total gorgeousness, that place!
Such a true quote. I loved the pictures, Vidya. So natural, so beautiful. Just like you <3
Amazing photos. And that quote gave me chills. It’s eerily beautiful and true. So glad you enjoyed your time. I don’t know many people who wouldn’t spend there time texting about what they saw or otherwise on social media during the experience. Sad, that. Namaste, my dear.
Stunning! I haven’t seen a tree like that. I went to Chail as a 10 year old so I don’t have pictures or memory of what I saw but I know that part of country is beautiful. Looking at those trees I feel like listening to the sounds they make. Like a waterfall. 🙂 I would love to go back again. Thank you for linking up, Vidya.
Parul Thakur recently posted…Gratitude List – October 2018
[…] Vidya shares trees from Chail […]
I have been to Chail many years ago and have happy memories from that trip. It was so peaceful and full of nature. We chose to visit in offseason which was a good decision. Chail palace is surrounded by pine and dedar trees and makes for a great setting.
Found your post through Parul’s TTL
awesome…your articles are awesome and very helpful