If you don’t follow me on Instagram, or you’re new there, you might know this. But ever since the lockdown began, there’s only been one way to keep my sanity intact for me - and that’s been parks!
When travelling came to a halt and all of us got cooped up in our four concrete walls, I started feeling a lot like the narrator in The Yellow Wallpaper, staring at my walls, imagining them talk to me. But thankfully I’m not ~hysterical~ woman in 19th century America. After several mental breakdowns and crying at said walls, I finally found solace in the greenery of my neighbourhood parks. Greenery, only at the eye level. Around your feet you find a hundred dozen plastic pieces strewn around carelessly. But that’s not what I’m here to talk about.
The simple 10 minutes walk from my house to the park with my dog pulling on the leash ruthlessly became something I’d look forward to every day - and continue to do so today. For at the end of that walk, would be an hour-long respite from staring at luminescent lighting all day. We made friends with a male calf and two streeties who were residents of the park and over the months, our crew has only grown. We are now up to 10 dogs and 2 humans (the calf got injured and had to be sent a gaushala for treatment). We even made friends with another regular (human) visitor at the park and it feels like my own little community.
I have learned to climb trees in this park. I have seen the seasons change at this park. From the riot of bougainvillaea colours and mulberry bushes in spring to the unforgiving heat of the summers, followed by the Java plum (jamun) lining up the walking track - this park became to me this lockdown what mountains used to be pre-COVID. My escape from days after days of monotony. It’s been six whole months and autumn is almost here. Before I know it, the bougainvillaea will announce the arrival of spring yet again and I’ve now learned to be okay with it.
Why am I telling you this? I’m not sure. Perhaps to inspire you to find your solace if you haven’t already found it. Animal trials for Covaxin may have been successful and we might just be getting a COVID vaccine soon enough, but it never hurts to be happy in the city you call home - despite how terrible and polluted it may be.
WHAT ELSE?
I wrote a new blog post!
This time, last year, I was cruising through the roads of Nubra Valley, sitting pillion on a Royal Enfield Himalayan bike! I wrote a blog about it and it should’ve have reached your inbox a couple of days ago, but in case you missed it, check it out here:
Apart from the blog…
I’ve also started rock climbing every weekend with a super chill and fun community who’s work is play and play is work - the life we all dream of! With insanely beautiful locations amidst the Aravallis, just 50 odd kilometres from Delhi and 30 from Faridabad and Gurgaon, this is something so accessible and enjoyable near “home” that I had no idea existed up until a few weeks ago!
The best part? You can join me too!
These rock climbing sessions are open to anyone up and willing. If you’re interested in joining along, DM me on Instagram and I’ll send over the details. (We can carpool also if possible!)
Hope to see you on the crags one day!
Lastly, some astronomy!
August was the month of the Neowise Comet that was visible to most of the world with a naked eye. But because of the pandemic lockdown coupled with Indian monsoons, city folks missed out on this once in a lifetime phenomenon.
But we still have time to experience the Epsilon-Perseid Meteor Shower - provided we’re away from the city with clear, dark skies. September is also the month for the Autumn Equinox amidst other things. Skygazers and astronomers, get your calendars in order!
Happy travelling (or staying at home)
Love,
Avantika