A train journey

So I was traveling from Pune to Mumbai in a train when the monsoon had just begun. I was excited to see my friends and spend good time with them.

On the way lies the beautiful landscape of Lonavala. It was raining, not heavily though, just enough to sit comfortably at the window seat. For some reason, the train wasn't crowded. I can't express, how surreal the view outside was. Clouds, mountains, the lush green valleys, the river and the soothing music to accompany. What more could I have asked for? (ohh yeah, maybe some extra sweetened tea.)

All of a sudden, the train stopped. It wasn't a station, maybe a hill or meadow. I couldn't see past 20 meters, as it was foggy. I quickly snapped the following picture as the view was breathtaking and I didn't know how long the train will stay there.

At that moment, I felt a strong urge to get down from the train, run into this fog, and find what lies beyond it. Maybe a village of friendly people with interesting stories or just a hut and an animal farm.

Who knows?

The realist me could only see the fear of being stranded in the wild with no help, in bad weather, but the curious me wanted an adventure. Listening to the former, I stayed put.

But since then this picture has become my symbol for "call to adventure".

And, maybe, next time, when the train stops without a station again, when the view outside is equally tempting and my realist voice is more affirming, I will step into the unknown.