The art of traveling

With over nine trips during last 11 months, I can safely say that I have almost mastered art of traveling, traveling well. I now exactly know how much time it will take to pack the bag, what all things do I need to pick (of course, depending on the duration of the stay and purpose of the visit). I know what kinds of chargers I need to take, for example, mobile phone – PDA – batteries – laptop. I know how soon should I leave from place just to get in time for the flight, how much time does it take to check for the flight and where to get the best coffee and free biscoti on the airport. I can also judge pairs of different clothes needed depending on the weather including but not limited personal clothes.

Well, story does not end over here.

It takes two to tango.

Trip is not successfully complete without unpacking and cleaning. Well, it would be safe to assume that I have streamlined that process as well.

My personal record for packing for domestic flight is 30 minutes before the flight. Fortunately that trip was only for a night and within 36 hours, I was back in Houston.

I remember, taking a flight back in June 2003 to Salt Lake City. I must have had over 4-5 different colors of stickies all over my bedroom about things that I need to do before departing Houston. It must have included packing chargers, checking mail, turning off gas cooking range to locking door before I leave. I think I was just being over conscious then and may be a bit accustomed now.

Fortunately, only thing that has not changed is me! I still get excited about leaving town, same as I did when I used to spend my summer vacations with my grand-ma in Aurangabad or with my cousins in Pune. I still look forward to getting down the bus/car, land from airplane to feel the new city. After all, I feel person should not transform, but how she/he reacts to situation should change.

Still, you will find me talking excitedly next day about things that I saw at the new place with same unworn face and renewed passion.