My son has been traveling since he was 1.5 months old. We have taken him to various beach destinations. But I have always loved mountains a little more than the sea. Last October, after he turned two, my husband and I came up with the idea of a vacation to Shillong and Cherrapunji. Our memorable stay at Ri Kynjai resort, opposite Umiam Lake was followed up by the experience of walking among the clouds in Cherrapunji. The boy loved everything about the trip.
Photo prompt – copyright@soniasmusings
This picture was taken on the way during our road trip from Shillong to Cherrapunji. The windswept Kansh grass caught my attention. I stopped the car and walked outside to get soaked in the beauty of nature. A small house surrounded by hills and slopes was a soothing sight. I stood transfixed for a while before capturing this moment through my lens. This picture is no less than frozen memories of witnessing nature’s beauty at its best for me.
(161 words)
This is the sixth post (nonfiction) written as part of the #MyfriendAlexa campaign on the theme ‘Shades of Perception’. You can read the fourth flash fiction around this picture prompt hereand the fifth one here. For the first three posts, you can click here.
Linking up with Wordless Wednesday created by Esha and Natasha.
I am taking my Alexa rank to the next level with Blogchatter
Who am I?
An erstwhile banker turned blogger/writer/author.
Any qualifications?
A Post-Graduate degree in Chemistry followed by a second Post-Graduate Diploma in Management. I completed a one-year MFA in creative writing course from the Writer's Village University, U.S. in Dec 2020. Though I must admit that I am still trying to figure out how and when I can connect all these dots.
Have I done any real work?
If two years in market research, six years in banking as a branch head, three-plus years of blogging, writing, and publishing a book can be considered as real work, then yes!
Where do I live?
After spending life like a nomad for sixteen years in Delhi, Bangalore & Mysore, I am back to where it all started from - Kolkata.
My favorite things -
Books, coffee, travel, food, and my five-year-old son.
What is this blog about?
Through Sonia's musings, I intend to explore writing in various genres, create social awareness, spread laughter, and give words to emotions.
Anything for readers?
You can check out my book 'Deal of Death' on Amazon Kindle. If you like fast-paced thrillers, this Detective fiction introducing the woman sleuth, Raya Ray could turn out to be your perfect weekend read.
View all posts by Sonia Chatterjee
43 thoughts on “Mesmerized by the beauty of nature”
I can imagine how the moving grasses must have transfixed you . Even through this tiny image I could feel the movement of the grass and feel the vastness of space that is so awe inspiring. I’ve always wanted to go to Cherapunji having learnt about it getting the highest rainfall and all. But I always thought it was in Bangladesh. Isn’t it ?
Cherrapunji is in Meghalaya. This grass called Kansh grass has a special significance in a Bengalis life. On the onset of Durga Puja season, you will find stretches of this grass across Bengal. It is as if they signify that Ma Durga is due to arrive any time soon. I couldn’t belive a route towards the extreme North East part of my country could evoke similar feelings in me.
I can only imagine how the first trip to Cherrapunjee and Shillong must have mesmerized you. It was the same story this side. I am unapologetically in love with Meghalaya. This of course is because I have lived in Guwahati all my life and Shillong was always our summer retreat.
So nice to connect with you. I feel like I have left a part of me in the North East. The journey and stay was so beautiful that I feel like going back soon again.
North East is the only part of India which I could not touch yet and I am so amused to read various blogs and see the pictures of this beauty that I wish to visit it someday. I love the colors popping up in your pic. Grey clouds, green, brown grass with a touch of white.
North East India is beautiful. The scenic beauty is different from rest of India. Green forest, mighty rivers, rolling hills it is ever so enchanting. Thank you for capturing in your camera and by your pen.
That image actually talks Sonia. I felt as if I was teletransported to these wind swept grass, mountains, clouds and that beautiful tiny cottage. As a child I had dreams of living in a small cottage up on the hill, as adults we forget tiny can be beautiful too. Lovely image and beautiful memories of it.
Shillong has been on my bucket list for some time now. Your post makes me want to book my tickets right away. And its so nice that you have been traveeling with your little one from so early in his life. Its a good thing for the kid too. They become very travel savy very quick.
What a beautiful picture…and so nice to know you little one enjoyed this trip. I have never visited this part of India and your post makes me want to plan a trip soon.
I am pretty sure i will. I already am btw, just looking at the gorgeous pictures. Yes, someday soon… And I will gladly take your offer in enlisting your help when i do. Thank you so much.
I experienced your travels through your words. So very heart-warming to hear a baby who loves to travel as much as their parents do. I guess it is all about getting them used to things. Kids are very pliable and can be conditioned to imbibe such wonderful qualities. It is such a great thing that you have inculcated a sense of joy in him for travelling, at such a tender age.
I can imagine how it would have been to gaze at the beauty of the nimbus clouds and the verdant grasslands. Though I do wish your picture was a tad bigger, then it would have captured the essence even better. But having said, that I feel your words do more than justice to this experience, Sonia.
Thank you so much for linking up with us on #WordlessWednesday.
You won’t believe this but I was so sucked in the serenity of the place that I forgot to click a pic initially. It is only after we started driving that I made the driver stop again for a snap. The place is mesmerizing.
Kashe’r phool!! I am seeing this after such a long time. Thanks for sharing this pic. I had visited Shillong when I was in Class 10. Have such beautiful memories.
I can imagine how the moving grasses must have transfixed you . Even through this tiny image I could feel the movement of the grass and feel the vastness of space that is so awe inspiring. I’ve always wanted to go to Cherapunji having learnt about it getting the highest rainfall and all. But I always thought it was in Bangladesh. Isn’t it ?
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Cherrapunji is in Meghalaya. This grass called Kansh grass has a special significance in a Bengalis life. On the onset of Durga Puja season, you will find stretches of this grass across Bengal. It is as if they signify that Ma Durga is due to arrive any time soon. I couldn’t belive a route towards the extreme North East part of my country could evoke similar feelings in me.
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Ok so that’s the significance ! And thanks for the geography lesson . Obviously I need to go back to school 😉
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Ha ha, your desire to learn something new never fails to impress me.
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No, Cherrapunjee is in Meghalaya. Although the highest rainfall actually happens in mawsynram, also in the same state.
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Thanks for the information. My geography is obviously rusty
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I can only imagine how the first trip to Cherrapunjee and Shillong must have mesmerized you. It was the same story this side. I am unapologetically in love with Meghalaya. This of course is because I have lived in Guwahati all my life and Shillong was always our summer retreat.
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So nice to connect with you. I feel like I have left a part of me in the North East. The journey and stay was so beautiful that I feel like going back soon again.
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It is indeed beautiful, often called the Scotland of India. I love it have lived there twice 🌈🙂
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Wow. You lived in one of the most beautiful places in the country. I’m totally in love with north east.
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This must have been a breathtaking view!
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The entire stretch is so picturesque that I couldn’t think of anything else to do except relish the beauty and click pics.
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I can imagine! If I ever happen to be able to take this trip, I’ll reach out to you for tips.
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Please do. I would be happy to help.
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Such a beautiful place and your words have also painted a wonderful picture. It makes me realise there are so many places in India yet to visit.
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Thank you for reading. Glad you liked it.
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I’ve never been to the northeast and this is definitely a mesmerizing place to spend some good time.
https://www.rohankachalia.com/2018/09/payback-part-4/
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Oh yes, you will love a trip with family there. It’s serene.
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I’m connected to nature and serene beaches in Sindhudurg. I could very well connect with this picture 🙂 #vigorousreads #MyFriendAlexa
http://vrag.in/ancient-living-neem-comb/
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So glad that you liked it. Thanks for reading.
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North East is the only part of India which I could not touch yet and I am so amused to read various blogs and see the pictures of this beauty that I wish to visit it someday. I love the colors popping up in your pic. Grey clouds, green, brown grass with a touch of white.
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You will love it Vartika but your daughters will enjoy it more. My son keeps asking about Shillong even after a year. It’s serene.
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I trust you, Sonia. It is on my bucket list, though it is not possible to visit this time dusting my visit to India but yes, one day for sure.
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Let me know whenever you plan. Will be happy to help
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Thanks a lot dear
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Shillong is so beautiful. And Umiam lake on foggy days look absolutely dreamy. It’s wonderful that your boy enjoys traveling with you 😊
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My toddler keeps asking about the next trip to Shillong even after a year. I feel like I have left a piece of myself there. I will return for sure.
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North East India is beautiful. The scenic beauty is different from rest of India. Green forest, mighty rivers, rolling hills it is ever so enchanting. Thank you for capturing in your camera and by your pen.
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I have left a part of me in Shillong. The places mesmerized me. Thank you for reading.
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Beautiful! I was in the North East this April and I have such fond memories of the place. I am sure you all had a beautiful time as a family. 🙂
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I remember seeing all those pictures. Infact I thought of you while posting this. Thank you for reading.
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That’s a nice series.
I wish I could enjoy the trip to mountains like that… I mean, they’re breathtaking but the journey scares me!
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Glad you like the series. I get you. My husband loved beaches but prefers to stay away from steep hills.
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That image actually talks Sonia. I felt as if I was teletransported to these wind swept grass, mountains, clouds and that beautiful tiny cottage. As a child I had dreams of living in a small cottage up on the hill, as adults we forget tiny can be beautiful too. Lovely image and beautiful memories of it.
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Thank you Anshu. I love this picture as well. There’s something about mountains that draws me to their beauty every single time.
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Shillong has been on my bucket list for some time now. Your post makes me want to book my tickets right away. And its so nice that you have been traveeling with your little one from so early in his life. Its a good thing for the kid too. They become very travel savy very quick.
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You must plan a travel. You are going to fall in love with the place.
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What a beautiful picture…and so nice to know you little one enjoyed this trip. I have never visited this part of India and your post makes me want to plan a trip soon.
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You must plan someday. I’ll be happy to help. You will end up falling in love with North east.
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I am pretty sure i will. I already am btw, just looking at the gorgeous pictures. Yes, someday soon… And I will gladly take your offer in enlisting your help when i do. Thank you so much.
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I experienced your travels through your words. So very heart-warming to hear a baby who loves to travel as much as their parents do. I guess it is all about getting them used to things. Kids are very pliable and can be conditioned to imbibe such wonderful qualities. It is such a great thing that you have inculcated a sense of joy in him for travelling, at such a tender age.
I can imagine how it would have been to gaze at the beauty of the nimbus clouds and the verdant grasslands. Though I do wish your picture was a tad bigger, then it would have captured the essence even better. But having said, that I feel your words do more than justice to this experience, Sonia.
Thank you so much for linking up with us on #WordlessWednesday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You won’t believe this but I was so sucked in the serenity of the place that I forgot to click a pic initially. It is only after we started driving that I made the driver stop again for a snap. The place is mesmerizing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kashe’r phool!! I am seeing this after such a long time. Thanks for sharing this pic. I had visited Shillong when I was in Class 10. Have such beautiful memories.
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