The non metropolitan break

Not intended to put off the reader or with any deliberate intention to sound bombastic, the above title is a rare experience in the lives of any resident of metros who's fallen the trap of the daily rigour.

Reads: A break for the mind is the best break. Oh! That was exactly my thought!

As my train leaves the Chennai metro and rushes out up and westwards from spanning the entire width of the Deccan and chugging its way up and around the eastern and western ghats to Lonavala, I am surprised afresh even after doing the length for over 8 years in the past.

Greeen! So green. No Camera could capture

that verdant a green- nature's flourish!

The myriad of old heritage, and new swanky and untidy constructions are left behind and the eyes and the heart are elated at the sights of dispersed, low rise, a handful of houses interspersed with large expanses of greens. Abetted with a few passing showers from a few days before, it is a simple, earthy delight to see the dull, cloudy skies with a cool breeze and to actually be able to see crops swaying in the winds. A rare sight along any of my regular routes to work, play, gym or recreation-movies and malls!

I feel so small and uninformed when I wonder at the occupation, education, entertainment options of folks whose houses and towns rush past. I learn that the national electric grid is owned, run and maintained by the Central Government from a short distance traveller in my coach. I use multiple electronic devices, work in highly overcooled offices pushing for an ISO certification, always use air-conditioned vehicles to navigate the city, curse when power
cuts happen due to rains, winds and lightning, and swear at electricity officials who don't turn up to set it right. Yet the same rains in vast verdant fields lightens my heart and I feel small for not knowing where all the power I consume comes from or who works hard to provide that to me.

Well, it was time a fantastic time to learn basic, oft-ignored basic information from new folks I met while soaking in the freshness of the greens.