Stop Stand Stare

One of the greatest things I love about travel is slowing down, looking around, observing and allowing time to control me. The interaction that comes with this experience is precious. Sometimes, there’s no conversation and often, none needed.

During a trip to Ranchi last year, I visited the Hundru Falls. Gorgeous place.

I spent three hours just taking in nature, listening to the waterfalls. The sound of the water cascading down from a great height is both mesmerizing and fascinating. I just sat there on a rock feeling totally at peace.

Before setting back, a little stall with an interesting person offered a welcome green tea with lemon and honey. Feeling powered up after a well-spent 6 am to 9 am, it was time to head back.

On the way to the parking lot – it was an 800 step terrain and a most enjoyable trek (here’s where I met the girls mentioned in Girl Power), I once again stopped at the vantage point from which the falls were visible. For a last fifteen-minute look. The view from there is incredible – all kinds of trees, some lush, some bare, both beautiful, pebbles all over with water trickling or rushing through, and plenty of bird sound, though not many were visible. All blessed by the gentle sunlight shining down on them.

Finally I could linger no longer and reluctantly retraced my steps back to the car, when just off the track, I noticed a flash of red. Two children had come out to play.

It is always wonderful to watch children, and this occasion was no exception. I simply had to stop and look.

They were absolutely in harmony, enjoying the mud. Siblings.

The older kid, while keeping an eye on the little one, sat comfortably, sifting through the mud. Naturally, I had to get a closer look.

She turned to look and her expression was priceless.

In the meantime, the little one struggled to climb the step to the area where her sister played.

So cute to see her wobble there before attempting to go.

I loved that the older one did not help the younger one and patiently waited while she crawled, slid back, tried again, and again.

….and finally made it – stood victoriously and shook the mud off her hands.

They did notice me watching them but weren’t bothered about it. I was hoping to catch them smiling, but they were too busy with their own activity – raising mini dust storms and generally having a great time.

Of course, the older girl turned to look at me every once in a while.

I confess I worried about all the mud they got on themselves and thought – oh, their woolens will have to be washed. Their mum would probably scold them. But probably also laugh it off. She would not stop them from enjoying their play, anyway and somehow I was sure about that.

What a pleasant experience to watch children do their thing.

How wonderful to stop, stand stare.

Life moves pretty fast. If you dont stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.

What are you doing about it?

Do you take time to stop stand and stare?