I had a flyover in Rotterdam with 4 hours of free time between the flights. So friend who was living there suggested for me to get out of the plane and visit Amsterdam. This all during the 4 hour stop between the flights. We took train from Amsterdam, had a long walk there and on the way back i was told that i’m late – apparently one has to be in airport 45 minutes before the flight and i was 10 minutes late. That meant that my check-in luggage had left for Mumbai.
So i booked a new flight 10 days later and spent some beautidul time in Rotterdam with some coffee, chess and good company.
The initial impact of India is not to be underestimated. The thick hot air, bright light, the acute smell of… life! The suns rays seemed to penetrate deep into the skin. I step out from the airport and sat on the edge of the sidewalk to take it all in. Felt like another planet!
The ride to Arambol was incredible. The travellers were obviously suicidal. The driver kept the thumb on the signal for half ot the time, veering on and off the road to dodge from incoming traffic, cows, pedestrians, dogs. One can not prepare for it.
Ended up being living in tiny small house right at the beach. Along side with two wonderful roommates and all sort of new animals and birds to keep me company.
It was completely different kind of life, one that felt totally unimaginable, despite my previous travels around the world. But i was yet to find my groove.