“Travel is the best educator” — you’ve probably heard this one. I believe in it too. Once you travel and move out of your comfort zone, the whole world seems to open up. In fact, the only constant for me has been change. With my father in the Indian Air Force, we moved — life, school, friends, familiarity and identity — every two years. As much as I detested it then, it is this continuous need for adaptation that has moulded me into who I am. Travel forces you to adapt. You are forced to rethink.
I get withdrawal symptoms when I don’t travel as the nomad in me demands adventure every couple of months. My work provides ample opportunity to travel to new destinations and I am so grateful for that.
The last few months have been particularly busy. I went to Austria to detox at the Viva Mayr. Detox of every kind, including digital detox which was not too comfortable at first. But this wi-fi free time forced me to pull out a pen and paper and surprisingly (or not), ideas and new concepts for my business simply flowed.
In contrast, Barcelona was all about connecting, conversing and enjoying the delectable cuisine. I believe those who engage in interesting talks — especially over meals — are the happiest people. I took in the flavours of Spain just as unhurriedly as I savoured the tapas and paellas.
I wish it could last longer, but on to the next destination.
It hasn’t been a week since I returned from Tanzania and the feeling of being in the grandeur of the wild is still fresh in my mind. Some day, I shall relive it.
One of the nicest things about living in Dubai is that it’s so central. Travelling east or west is so easy, convenient and accessible.
There is this great thing in us called “curiosity”. If we don’t use it, we lose it. Nothing will numb our senses more than staying within the known and the familiar. So travel far and wide. Adapt, learn, connect and grow.
— Catch The Uma Show on Colors on Sundays at 7.30pm and on MTV India on Wednesdays at 7pm. Follow Uma on social media on @umagd
