Carpe Diem

After coming to India, I had promised myself that I would ride on top of a bus. On Sunday, I kept that promise.

A colleague suggested that we take a day trip to Mandawa to see the havelis [these Indian mansions are especially famous in the Shekhawati region and are characterized by the wall paintings]. So, after stocking up with Mridul water, sunblock, and an extra set clothes (in case we found the elusive Mandawa swimming pool), seven of us set off.

Upon arriving in Mandawa, we opted to not hire a guide. We were very fortunate to find people at each stop who were ready to show us around. One guide was the owner of the haveli who happened to be visiting Mandawa for a few hours. He was extremely excited to see us because he usually shows foreigners around - very few Indians have shown interest in the havelis. He also gave us an aloe vera plant that has been planted in our garden.

It was around 8:00 by the time we decided to head back. But there were no buses! Continuing with our lucky streak, we ran into a bus driver and conductor who were finishing up their route for the night, but agreed to take us until Jhunjhunu.

And this is where I saw my chance! The bus was practically empty and was not in any particular hurry. I asked the conductor if we could sit on the top of the bus - a place usually reserved for men when the bus is extremely full. Naturally the conductor thought we were strange, but he agreed. So up we went!

By this point, the camera we had brought along had run out of battery. But the image is still clear and focused in my memory: the expanse of the road ahead of us, the moon draped in cloud-mist, the quick glimpses I got of the jhompdis [Rajasthani huts] on the side of the road as we whizzed by...

It was a special moment for me because one thing I have been trying to adopt is a sense of fearlessness - no, I'm not going to start going bungee-jumping every chance I get. Rather, I'm trying to adopt a state of mind that allows me to avoid those "what if" moments. I wasn't scared about sitting on top of the bus. But the fact that I just went for it; that I recognized the moment and grabbed it...that's pretty momentous for me.

As if nature could feel my adrenaline levels bursting, it sent some crazy weather our way. We spent another night in a sandstorm. To top it off, there was also hail! In May! In Rajasthan! Did I make my point?

I am determined to incorporate the doctrine of carpe diem into my life. Naturally, it's a scary transition. But Sunday was proof that it is worth it.

No regrets.