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Of Goa and Chinese Lanterns

Being stuck in the midst of this global pandemic for well over half a year now, I can't help but go back in time and reminisce on the happy moments of what feels like the good old days, when life was so much better, simpler actually, and we had the freedom to go out and about, do as we please (well, at least sometimes and some of us, anyway), and most importantly, go on trips and travel.  Sadly, this feels like a far-fetched luxury we humans can't afford to have at this point.

Lost in these thoughts, I found myself browsing through my phone gallery earlier today, going through pictures of good times and fond memories of last year, and I happened to find pictures of my trip to Goa, in December 2019, a few weeks before Christmas.

Goa has always been one of my favourite tourist destinations, but for some reason, it's always been the one destination that has always eluded me.  Every trip planned to Goa seemed to get cancelled at the very last minute. Every single time. Cliche, I know.

Well, all of that changed last year, in 2019, when I finally ended up going there twice! The first trip was in the peak of monsoon, June, and that special experience deserves a separate blog post of its very own.

My second visit to Goa, like I mentioned earlier, was in December, during the famous Goan festive season. It was a short but really special trip, the ideal relaxing getaway while enjoying the festive nightlife that Goa has to offer.

Coming back to the topic, as I was going through the pictures, I came across a few photographs and videos of me releasing a Chinese lantern into the Goan beach night sky. This brings back really fond memories of my long-awaited vacation last year. I am sure many of you would have lit many Chinese lanterns before, but in case you haven't, let me tell you, it's a feeling quite unlike anything I have ever experienced.

Just for the sake of those who haven't, let me elaborate a little.  Naturally, it takes a little effort before you can send a Chinese lantern soaring in the air. Firstly, once you have taken it out of its packaging and inflated it, you find a little candle and wick that needs to be attached to the lantern. After you have successfully done this, you light this wick while very carefully holding the lantern upright, being careful not to tear it, since it is pretty fragile.

Then it's basically a waiting game, a bit of patience and anxious anticipation till you feel the lantern has sufficiently inflated and expanded. Now is the the moment of truth - when you  finally release your grip and let go. If the sky and wind Gods favour you and you are blessed with clear skies and a pleasant breeze, your Chinese lantern will soon take flight and go soaring into the sky, in front of your very eyes.

Now is the time you sit back (or stand back, whichever suits you, of course) and relax, and take in the beauty and magic enfolding before your eyes. Trust me friends, it is truly a sight to witness: the lantern rising up to be one with the clouds in the night sky (assuming you choose to release it at night), with the roaring sea waves in the background, providing the perfect symphony. I honestly felt blessed to witness this tranquil scene before my eyes that December night. I felt a sense of being at complete peace with the universe; it was as though I was one with the forces of nature, and nothing else mattered. Not to mention the amazing sight of the lantern being the only source of bright light in the dark sky. 

I know, a few of you may be sceptical of this post, considering the environmental concerns behind releasing balloons and Chinese lanterns. I apologise for it, but in my defence, this was something I have been longing to experience and it was my very first time, and I couldn't help myself. I will try my best to resist the next time over, I assure you. But it was most certainly a beautiful and very memorable experience.

I have attached a video I uploaded recently on my YouTube channel of this event unfolding. You can find the link below. 👇Hope you like it. 😊

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