FEELINGS OF BLISS: ALIBAUG

I sat cross-legged in the middle of the sea (or tried to *ahem* short legs *ahem*) and looked around the empty beach we had found ourselves on, treading through muddy waters, the sand tricking you like a naughty boy. Every second a new wave washed over me leaving behind an unexplainable feeling of relaxation. Had it been hours or just minutes, I couldn't quite tell by the disappearing shore line. And I in a very 'epiphany-esq' moment realised that the rush of excitement, of getting over your fears and finally doing something you've only heard other people do, is a dizzy and brain fuzzing high in itself...

It was quite a 'spur-of-the-moment' thing that we decided to head over to Alibaug. It was but natural that I walk ten minutes from my house, catch the morning ferry, miss the free bus (seriously, who knew there was a free bus!), hang from a tum tum, get yelled at by the ticket guy, hang from another tum tum and then another auto to reach the very beautiful Nagaon. And then proceed to find out that all hotels are booked. It's only natural, right?

The place we did find, a little walk away from the main beach, was if I can be allowed to say – Godsend! A tiny pathway lined with flowers and void of people led to a section of the beach completely cut-off from the main hustle. If you had met us there, you'd find us with slippers in hand and mud between our toes, staring at the floor for crabs or scouting for seashells.

We hopped from one auto to another, eyes transfixed on the changing scenery around. Dusk at Alibaug beach accompanied by the smell of fresh food and the laughter of people escaping city life is as serene as it sounds. We sifted through tiny bookstores, scouted for souvenirs, feasted on ice-creams, shopped for mangoes and served as entertainment for passer-bys as we photographed each other in the middle of the road.

I felt so inspired here. Made dreams, talked for hours about new projects, observed people passing by. Alibaug -- I promise that i will try and visit as soon as i can!