Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Experience of a Life Time!

 I have read it some where that - Travel makes one Modest , You see what a tiny place you occupy in the World! How true and thought provoking. Don't you think so?

This picture belongs to
www.swatisworldofthoughts.com and reuse is strictly not permitted

One thing I have realized over a period of time that the kind of happiness, an experience can bring on to the table, no materialist thing can ever bring. And I truly believe that focus should never be on destination but the experience you gain throughout the journey is what matters the most.

Today I want to share my happiness with the world by sharing my most memorable Travel ๐Ÿ˜Š

This was in the year 2016 when Times Group came up with their first ever overnight TSD rally (Bengaluru to Goa) for women with a noble cause of Breast Cancer awareness. I wasn't sure of being a part of this but my better half kind of pushed me into it and I can't thank him enough for doing that. I have made some beautiful memories along the journey. 

Now let me welcome you to the world of reliability rallying also commonly known as TSD (Time Speed Distance) rallying. The word rallying brings about images of incredibly fast driven machines but within rallying there is a class that is not about speed alone and to be frank that was the reason I was part of it. Leaving two kids behind and going for a rally was not that easy a choice. But with family support anything is possible.

This picture belongs to
 http://www.swatisworldofthoughts.com/ and reuse is strictly not permitted

Navigation is an integral part of TSD rally. The route for the course is a secret and you have to use the road book to reach the end. Sounds interesting right..it was indeed. During the course, a speed limit is imposed in different parts that needs to be adhered strictly and along the way secret checkpoints note the time and then compute whether you are driving fast or slow. Penalty points are applied accordingly. The best part is penalties for going faster than stipulated time are double than going slow. The route is covered by the crew to calculate the ideal time. Now this part of the rallying makes it even more exciting and adventurous. There were times when the whole road was empty and we were driving at the speed of 20 km/hr. People passing by were amazed and were starring at us as if we have gone crazy. 

At the start of the rally, each team is handed over a Tulip chart, speed chart and time chart. Tulip chart gives the direction to be followed but with no clear name of the location. So the idea is, you get the route, you get the average speed you need to maintained in different sections of the drive, on the basis of which the navigator is expected to calculate the time needed to reach the destination.  Prizes were organised for various categories like, best decorated car, best dressed team etc. that has made it even more exciting and competitive.Every team wanted to give their best, so we decorated our car and wore identical clothes as if we were twins.

This picture belongs to
http://www.swatisworldofthoughts.com/ and reuse is strictly not permitted

The rally started 7 AM in the morning and we reached Hubli around 5 PM in the evening. We were exhausted but our whole tiredness vanished when we reached our destination "The Taj Gateway", what a stunning looking hotel with exceptional hospitality.We were welcomed and treated like a VIP and had lavished dinner with all the participants . I made some great friends and spent my most memorable time with them. On the way we interacted with the villagers and spread awareness on breast cancer. That was the intention and sole purpose of the rally , how could we forget that. Villagers were so astonished looking at us and our car but then they were happy to stop by and listen to all our instructions very carefully. We took some pictures with them as well.
If you are wondering where am I in the picture, well I am on the driver's seat๐Ÿ˜€

This picture belongs to
 http://www.swatisworldofthoughts.com/ and reuse is strictly not permitted

After reaching our destination the most unexpected thing took place-  First I was received by my kids and my hubby who had reached Goa a day before to give me a wonderful surprise, I was almost in tears. And, the second surprise was a spectacular party which was thrown by the Times group in one of the most lavish hotel. We danced our heart out ,as if there was no tomorrow. Well that was not it, we were given lots of goodies which included Hidesign bag , JBL speakers, other merchandise and lot of candies. This was an experience of a life time which I will cherish through out of my life. 

This picture belongs to
http://www.swatisworldofthoughts.com/and reuse is strictly not permitted

The greatest legacy we can leave with our children is our experience with the world..so pack your bags and create your own memorable stories! ~ SwatiMathur

@SwatiMathur


This blog post is written for SpeakEasy Blogging Challenge 2.1 hosted by Ruchi and Dipika

#SpeakEasyWithRuchiNDips






34 comments:

  1. Wow!! What a journey! I have read stories on rally and watched in TV but first I am reading a true rally adventure! Hats of to you dear for this great adventure. Loved reading it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thank you so much..Appreciate your lovely comment.

      Delete
  2. What an inspiring post. Seriously travel makes one humble and modest. The more we travel the more we know that how miniscule we all are. Hats off for taking such initiative and kudos to your husband for supporting you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am so glad you liked it..Indeed it was an awesome experience.

      Delete
  3. I am sure must be an amazing journey and memorable trip...I really wish to take such challenges !!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the surprise part most and can imagine how happy you be at that moment. also, the rally for breast cancer awareness sounds inspiring and I would love to be a part of that kind of initiative someday in future. love the post Swati.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Surbhi.. This rally takes place every year..so do take part..its an amazing experience

      Delete
  5. Super inspirational travel story, your car rally made me remember Lavasa Women's Car Rally that I experienced in Pune.Before you Kudos to your family who motivated you to actively participate into this and holding your back throughout. More power to you girl and the noble cause that made you to took the plunge.

    Archana Srivastava
    archusblog

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow, never knew that you took part in rally's. That must be a really awesome adventure. An inspiring one indeed

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow, this is so exciting and for such a important cause. Its so adventurous of you to participate. I am inspired by you.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What an inspiring incident for the travel prompt. You seem to have the date devil in you. Driving from Bangalore to Goa seems amazing due to the beautiful journey and the stops that you took. Great going!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow that's an experience I would love to have. I'm not a road person but I will be if I'm driving... Though I'll make sure I'll be in all the pictures too hahaha

    ReplyDelete
  10. Amazing and hattss of to you for participating in such rally. Such an inspiration travel story. Driving from Bangalore to Goa need lot of courage. You are such a inspiration to us.

    ReplyDelete
  11. So glad your spouse made you take part. What a wonderful trip it sounds like. I was imagining your expression when you must have seen your family waiting for you. Such a beautiful memory and post, Swati.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes without him it would not have been possible

      Delete
  12. WOW! what an amazing journey and experience!! and the family showing up to surprise you is the sweetest gesture!
    I really like that Speed was not the motive, and rather it was about the journey itself!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Bangalore to Goa, wow what a beautiful and long route it is. So good to read about your experiences

    ReplyDelete
  14. Surprises by family always make us emotional and enjoyable. I could feel the enjoyment in your writing while you narrate your experience.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow, a rally for breast cancer awareness sounds amazing with so many surprise elements. I can totally imagine your excitement & what a lovely surprise by your family to meet you at Goa. Thanks for sharing such a memorable experience with us.

    ReplyDelete
  16. The rally, the cause, the sweet surprise accounts to making this your most cherished memory.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Beautiful experience, Swati! I was smiling reading all the surprises you received upon reaching Goa.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Manisha - I felt so happy to read this post and your journey. It is one kind of a lifetime experience and reading about it first hand gave a good feel.

    ReplyDelete
  19. This indeed seems like a journey for a nobel cause. Loved reading about your experience of this journey and I could imagine how you must have been happy to have your family in Goa with you

    ReplyDelete
  20. Awesome! Rallies like this are experience of the lifetime. You travelled with support from the family- cooperation. You spread awareness- Your growth!

    ReplyDelete
  21. It must have been a great experience. Loved reading it. your family must be proud of u.

    ReplyDelete
  22. WoW! Wonderful post! I have heard so many exciting stories about the Times rally and yours is one of the best! Thank you for explaining the TSD concept so beautifully!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I have read about awareness rallies but never heard a first hand experience from someone. This sounds exciting and inspiring at the same time.

    ReplyDelete