The Motorcycle Diaries...

The Motorcycle Diaries chronicles the adventures of Alberto Granada and young Ernesto Guevara (who went on to become the inspirational revolutionary “Che” Guevara). It’s about their travels across the vast realms of South America , traversing geographical and cultural boundaries and ultimately becoming a voyage of self-discovery for both of them. Right, you can read more about that on Wikipedia... my intention was not to write a movie review…

Most people who know me would not believe it but my most cherished dream is to do just what they did in the movie. I’ve discussed it with my closest friends (and have not so much as mentioned it to my parents because they will suffer a cardiac arrest), but it’s something I really really really want to do and have wanted to do for a long time... 4 years, to be exact.

It started when I worked as a Research Assistant for Dr. Sufia Uddin, who was conducting research on the religious beliefs held by the natives of the Sunderbans in West Bengal . As part of the project, I accompanied her to the Sunderbans, where we roamed around a lot, met and interviewed the villagers and learned quite a bit.

Sufia Di told me that travelling is essential to learning. She said that in the US it is very common for groups of students to go backpacking – they carry little luggage and roam about, surviving on a very meager budget, no expensive hotels or travelling – and somehow, the idea just caught on to me and never let go.

And I started dreaming. Picturing it right down to the tiniest details when I had nothing else to do. The idea took over everything. I wanted to work and earn enough money to go on my trip round India (not too ambitious, you can see, I did not think Europe … hehe…). I imagined exploring the route, the different modes of transport (including roofs of buses, trucks with haystacks, trains, bullock cart, boats etc.)

My wiser friends pointed out: “that’s all fine, but you’re a girl…” (so I made a mental note to myself – I’d have to go with a group of people, some of who should preferably be skilled in kickboxing, karate or any other martial art and we could carry knives or something for self defense). Then I also heard a lot of, “That’s all fine abroad – not a good idea in India ” (which is bullshit... Sufia di went backpacking with another girl in India ; besides I would have kick-boxers and karate black-belts with me..).

Then I moved to Bangalore , started working. Life took unexpected turns and I completely forgot about my backpacking daydreams. Until last week - I saw the Motorcycle Diaries and all of it came rushing back to me. Once again I feel that thirst for the unknown, the urge to travel (like, wander-lust, maybe), the desire to have the wind brush my cheeks, to have the open sky above me with nothing to stop or bind me. And that is all I can think about... I can’t wait to get into a good college and then put this plan into action... have already convinced 2 of my friends (but I still need to make friends who know kickboxing/karate/judo). I have no idea how, when and where this will materialize, but it’s a promise to myself. I’ll make sure it happens.