You know what the ship really means? It means freedom - Capt Jack Sparrow
I was browsing through my old album, when I came across the photo you see on the right. Most often, I don't prefer getting on the front of the lens. Most often when I do end up, it's always in a pensive mood that people capture me. But this one is moved from the norm. It reminds me about the trip to Batam. Where I had no destination in mind, nothing planned, not looked forward to do anything particular. Just packed up my back, picked my passport and got on that cruise from Singapore harbour.
High seas and waves and ship do really bring the joy to the body and spirit. I could remember the song from the movie Aayirathil Oruvan (One Amongst a Thousand), starring MGR. There was this song where he swings on those ropes in his ship - Adho Andha Paravai Pola Vaazha Vendum (we need to live like that bird over there). Idho Indha Alaigal Pola Aada Vendum (we should dance like these waves here). I realised what true freedom was when I boarded this cruise with no specific plans. All I knew was I was headed to the nearest port in Indonesia, a tiny Island called Batam. There was no planned itinerary. I didn't know where I'd be staying there. What I could get to eat there. What I will do for the next two days. Just get out of the material world, cried my mind. And the body obliged. And Batam had offered visa on arrival. So it was a perfect weekend with no plans whatsoever. The next 1.5 hours was pure bliss. The cruise was amazing. The winds were really powerful, tossing my hair all around. The mere thrill of just living life as it would come with nothing filled in your calendar was revolting. And as Singapore disappeared in to oblivion and the coast of Batam grew on me, all I could think was just two lines. Adho andha paravai pola vaazha vendum. Idho indha alaigal pola aada vendum. More about Batam in my next blog. For now, I will cherish those 90 minutes of pure freedom!
Mani
