A Deep Connect
My inquisitiveness and fascination for the world, its history and the societies has only grown over the years. The curiosity of what lies beyond my purview, the associated boundaries, and even beyond the horizon, has always made me explore more and venture into the world out there. It’s a deep connect between the nature and life in general, and my inner being. Travel is as much a spiritual experience as a sensual pleasure. It’s a deep connect of the inner being with the universe.
In the vastness of the universe, planet earth is such a small place, and the world that we live in is even smaller. Yet human beings are so tiny and our ability to comprehend the universe is so limited that the world around us looks immense! Interestingly though, in spite of its small size, human brain is so complex that it has made this tiny place complex too. The societies and the nation states are extensions of human minds only. They have just become more complex and incomprehensible over time. One way of comprehending the complexity of the world is to travel. Travel is all about “seeing is believing” in one part, and “exploring the unknown” in another. This blog – ‘Stamped Moments’ is an effort to connect with other travelers and people in general who think alike. Let’s reflect, share and learn by exchanging our experiences with each other.
Let me initiate the process by sharing two of my travel thoughts.
Travel: Then vs. Now
I have always been intrigued by the audacious endeavor of the pioneering explorers to discover the world at a time when there was hardly any mode of transportation or facilities for travelers. Can we even imagine how 700 years ago, a young Ibn Battuta in his 20s traveled across Asia, Europe and Africa by road, and how he could cross the Himalayas to reach India! Or, how Columbus or Vasco da Gama left on long sea voyages without a compass! What did it mean for a Buddhist Monk from China- Xuanzang (Hsuan-tsang) 1400 years ago, to reach India after a 17 years’ journey by foot to trace the origins of Buddhism! They had to encounter unfathomable hardships; traveled by foot, without food and water, without a bed to sleep and without almost any information. Their travels were symbols of the indomitable spirit of human endurance.
Modern day travelers hardly face a fraction of the difficulty that these pioneering travelers would have gone through. A few minutes/ hours on the computer, and all the plans for a destination is complete according to one’s budget. The only real problem travelers from developing countries might face is getting a visa! We can today travel to the nooks and corners of the world in a matter of a few months or years that took the pioneers a lifetime!
However, let’s not crib about the lack of challenges in traveling today. Let’s enjoy the experience. That’s what we do at the Stamped Moments.
Travel is the essence of life
We love traveling; there is no reason why we love traveling, like with all things we love. It gives us immense joy, pleasure, peace of mind and happiness. We love all types of travel. Slow travel or, fast travel. Heritage travel or, nature trails. Spiritual immersion or, party on a beach. We love them all. We really have no idea how people choose between Goa and Shimla or, say between Jaipur and Jim Corbett! Every place has its own charm. No place is better than the other. Of course, we have our favorite places where we feel like going back; but not because they are better than any other place.
For us, it’s always important to enjoy the experience, irrespective of where we are. We don’t remember any dull day while travelling. Not a single place that has disappointed us, not a single journey that was uninteresting. It’s all about the moments- Stamped Moments; stamped by our ever-inquisitive minds and ever-joyful hearts. ‘Stamped’ here symbolizes the spirit of travel in a wider sense, and ‘photography/ documentation’ in a narrow sense. Travel for us is not a hobby, it’s not only a passion, and it’s not limited to be an experience. It’s the essence of life. To read more about this, click here.
Purpose of this site
- While planning our trips, we have benefited immensely from others sharing their experiences on various platforms. Now that we have been traveling for quite some time, we think others might benefit from our experiences. Thus, through this site, we are sharing our experiences with you all, especially who love traveling, and are looking for clues, tips or inspirations.
- Second, we intend to use this site as a medium of exchange of ideas, and philosophies of travel. So, we appeal to you that if you have great ideas to share, do reach out to us.
- Further, this world is not an equitable place. Through our experiences of working on community development projects, we have gained some important lessons and expertise. We offer our services to organizations or individuals who want to collaborate on community development through Inclusive Tourism.
- As travel and tourism gains momentum, more and more people are traveling. It’s leading to environmental pollution, and consumerism. Through this site, we will promote Responsible Tourism and Eco-tourism.
Share your
"Stamped Moments"
- If you are reading this page, you most probably have a travel story to tell as well. Please share your “Stamped Moments” with us. We may publish them in one of our posts.
- If you want to know more about us, we will be absolutely delighted to share with you; please let us know.
- If you would like to give us a feedback on how to improve our blog, please do; that will be wonderful.
- If you like our page, or posts, please write to us (email is just down there); we will appreciate your sweet gesture.
