Women's odyssey.

 

Woman, even if you are one, you would agree, cannot be put into a certain mould. She is different from you in many a ways yet similar to you in some or the other way. And when you travel with a bunch of such assorted ladies, its dire fun. Don't give grammar replete significance always. Yes I know that's irony right there....'dire' 'fun'? But you must experience it to understand. And if you haven't experienced yet, get together and plan an all women's tour. 

It starts from shopping for the journey. Well yes, women plan a shopping tour, however they love to shop ahead of the tour too. Just another reason to meet and also to confirm what the counterpart is carrying along. She shouldn't miss what others are wearing...right? Moreover repeating costumes for every trip is a strict no! The unsaid rule is; you click pictures and they should look distinct, never redundant. 

She tries several colours and multiple fits. Shorts shouldn't be too short and full lengths shouldn't make you look older. The decision on types of outfits to be bought also needs a rigorous brainstorming, many-a-times right there at the venue, meaning the mall or the outlet. Then there's a bit of drama involved if someone's suggestion isn't entertained. Zero-ing on homogeneous choices is rare but not unfeasible. After the outfits are finalised, special attention to makeup accessories is likewise essential. Your sunscreens, lip balms, foundations, mascara etc. etc. how can you overpass? Once your cart is full and your budget is just shy of exceeding, you announce that your task is accomplished. But women with you could be wanting to shop more or would not be very happy with what's in their cart. They may come back the next day to return or exchange some stuff. And as women, it is natural. Even in a bunch, the characteristics could be disparate and that's what is amusing. 

Now that your bags are packed, hopefully within the ambit of baggage limits, you are good to go. Else you better get recommendations from your gang as to what can be excluded. What to eliminate is another conflict and your brain literally exhausts from the discorded thoughts. 

So hoping that you are good to go, you reach the airport (considering an international travel). From sharing an Uber/Ola to stuffing your bags into the boot, you are a team. The enthusiasm, the thumping of heart (when it's your first 'only women's' trip) and the adrenaline, goose bumps!

Now from the minute you enter the airport starts the marathon. You have to look for yourself at the same time be there for your friend. See to it that she gets safely through the security check, immigration, while you do you too. Fingers crossed, no item is asked to be excavated from the bags. Hush! That calls for a party now. Devouring your favourite snacks, passing the tiffins brought and when you like the preparation, inquiring the recipes. Even if woman is on a break, she doesn't fail to reminisce her kitchen, where, she knows, she needs to return to toil yet again. But there are some who refuse to indulge in such talks, sticking to their escapade mood. Let's enjoy the moment we are in!

Presently, some airport shopping, while you wait for the boarding to start. Some may suggest to pre-book things so as to avoid augmenting the weight of your luggage. While others may go head on to buy what they like, then and there, without much ado.

Woman's brain is difficult to analyse. What one woman thinks doesn't necessarily reflect in another woman's psyche. The contemplation may vary according to the mood, situation or even influence. 

So now, the gates are announced and you drag your carry-ons to the desired location, ready with passports and boarding passes. But someone suggests that we shoot a reel to commence the journey together. And then the chaos sets in. The permutations and combinations of women in a certain frame and the steps or actions to be done, choreographed then and there, Goodness! What a sight. But somehow you accomplish the task, of course some like the outcome and some barely agree. 

Finally, you are set to board.

Happy to have got seats together, while some faces grumpy if the seats are afar. But the woman that you are, you eloquently convince the person seated near you to swap seats. Yay! Triumph. 

The airplane takes off summating your excitement, ultimately certifying your plan. Now, you are settled and comfortable, you want to catch some sleep. But few of your friends have other plan. They won't let their group have a single dull moment and they rush to each of your seats to make sure nobody dozes off. And you keep hearing a honeyed squeal of "Good Morning" in between of your naps that you barely manage to take. Appending to the agony the crew comes into action. The lights are switched on, illuminating the entire aircraft, as if dazzling like a disco. The otherwise not so interested crew, now, pushing the carts with utmost vigour, acing the smile, as they hand over the food packages. You stuff your mouth with the unpalatable food as you've lack of choice. And giving back the same fake smile to the crew to handover the (unwillingly)finished pack, you take a look around. Half the crowd is sleeping, without bothering the cacophony. I always envy such people who can overlook the mishmash and conk out, wherever, whenever. Trying hard to match these mates, tossing and turning in the skimpy place, you somehow manage to drowse for an hour or so, only to wake up at the well lit ambience, Hurray! In the country you are visiting the sun comes alive way too early. Your watch still showing you home country's time, as per which, you could've been cosily cuddled up in your blanket, on the favourite side of your bed. But thanks to the recently acquired 'Hodophilia' virus, you ought to condone. 

Your poetic head is full of thoughts like......

"I wanna go to places where the poets wrote their famous poems,

Be with the spirits that inspired all the famous artists,

Sit on the bench where the dove left a single feather,

Stare at the clouds with a cricket resting on my finger......Hodophilia....Hodopholia...."

-- Waylen Elrod.

Interrupting your poetic thoughts, the captain, in his husky mutter, instructs the crew to return to their stations and we all are prepared for landing. You can hear your herd hooting, even if softly, showing their enthusiasm that we are finally here.

Tired as we are, sleep deprived, but as we enter this new country our spirits are uplifted magically. New reels, pictures, soft screams and exhilaration. Women who in ancient times, were not allowed to do certain things, now, can voluntarily explore anything and everything, this deliberation makes me elated.

Women gang settle in the bus, after helping the guide to load the luggage. There's chit chatting, singing, planning and a lot of frolic, as we transit to the hotel. Itinerary is scanned, altered, taking votes as to what new things one wants to do. Women are adventurous. Some suggest skydiving, paragliding, undersea walks, clicking pictures with crocodiles, tigers, feeding the tigers and elephants. Some take a step back, to just relax and enjoy the me time. 

But when it comes to shopping, no step goes backwards. Splitting in groups, each go their own way to shop according to their convenience. Once you get the feel of the new place nothing stops you. You can wander on your own, considering the pros and cons. Also you could get lashed out by fellow women if you run wild in the unknown country without thinking about the consequences. Considering a group travel, it is the responsibility of each individual to take care of each other and to obey and follow certain rules, not mandatory but tacit. That's why I love being with such women who consider themselves liable for the counterparts. 

When you are friends for years, you can guess what the other likes. As you pass by certain shops you call that friend who you're sure would love the stuff there. So you ain't just shopping for yourself, but, you are also mindful of your friends. "Hey take a look, I'm sure you gonna love this!".

When she mumbles in your ears, "Don't buy anything here, there's a cheaper shop ahead", you smirk and let her know she's the best. 

Sharing rooms with your friends brings you closer. Minding what the other likes or dislikes, making a cup of coffee for the other, knowing exactly how she likes it, waiting for the other to finish her food, or get ready, helping with her bags, clicking candid pictures, taking into account what the other wants to do. All this happens naturally when you appreciate your fellows, and mind you, it's mutual.

You've your bags full and hearts brimming with all the fun moments you spent together. You took few things with you but while you return, your trove spills with experiences, some ordeals, many happy encounters and souls gratified.

Women's odyssey brings out all that is hidden in her mind. You learn new things about your friends that you may have never thought or had slipped your knowledge. At times, you could be angered or at times even humbled by certain gestures. But what I feel is that it adds up to the testimony about the person you wish to be friends with life long. Accepting her with her confines, while expecting her do the same when it comes to your constraints. Someone somewhere will always be lacking. But giving it a benefit of doubt and enhancing the boundaries of your amity, is the right thing to do.

Happy travels dear women, hope you get enlightened in the course of your odyssey!

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