So, its no surprise then that I stayed away from ' Eat. Pray, Love' and even switched channels when the author was being interviewed on Oprah. I just did not need or want another book which claimed to be an eye- opener ( am yet to discover how one reads with both eyes shut), or which would touch my life in more ways than one. The more the friends who suggested the book, the more I decided stubbornly that this one particular book was never going to disgrace my esteemed bookshelf. However, on one of my trips to Cochin, I walked into my favourite book shop and happened to see a sequel by the same author. In my mind I was chiding all the other readers who had brought millions to the writer; so successful had she become that she had even published a sequel, which resembled the first book in its cover. Anyways, I know how expensive' the flavor or must read of the month' can be and I was so sure that the book would be over 500 bucks. Imagine my surprise when the price tag on the book proudly stated Rs 350 only. I hesitated for just a second and bought the book, all the while thinking that it was probably going to end up as a gift to a friend.
I recently opened the book, not knowing what to expect. I found it interesting that the writer had jotted down details of her trip to India, but as expected from foreigners who have been enticed by India's spiritual side for ages; I must say it put me off. I much prefer a Shantaram, which does complete justice to the complex nature of the country which can put a smile on your face and irritate you all at the same time. I hate admitting I'm wrong when it comes to books, but Eat, Pray, Love was going to revive something in me. What I love about the book is the way the writer with no hint of shame at all, says that she went to Italy just to study Italian and to enjoy their food. And she has zero regret about the 11 pounds she gained either. The book make me realise something. Half of our lifetime goes in living life according to others expectations and demands. When you get married, you make certain sacrifices ( I mean would you really get out of bed and take a morning flight to anywhere, without telling your spouse?) and when the kids come, its easy to lose yourself in the daily nitty gritties of life. I loved the way the writer goes to Italy, just because she wants to learn the language properly, converse with the real people in it until she can roll the words and say just about anything she wants. I love the freedom associated with the whole situation- I mean she could have studied Italian sitting in the States, or done an online course but she took the adventure even further. I fell in love with the idea of doing something just for the heck of it, just because you wanted to and NOT because you were asked to, made to or because it was the logical thing to do.
The last time I did something for the heck of it and I didn't care if it was on the other side of the world, was when I wanted to attend a library book fair ( and that was BEFORE reading the book). In short, library books for bring sold for 2 dollars each and although I couldn't stay for long ( what with a toddler trying to break his pram seat belt); it still felt great. I wasn't done giving myself an extra dose of happiness, and so off I went to Ikea and proceeded to treat myself to not one but TWO chocolate mousses. Simply because chocolate mousse is my favouritest dessert in the world, and I couldn't have cared less if I had put on 3 kg just enjoying my treat. Of course, being a woman with an additional helping of feel guilty hormones ensured that by the end of the day I was wondering what demon had possessed me to eat two mousses at the same time. But when I looked into the mirror, I giggled. Because it had been ages since I had done something crazy, unwanted and absolutely logic defying especially when you note that I'm the same ass who slogs away in the gym every single day. But the moment felt great. Simply out of this world. And made me feel like a young kid again. So, I thought of a few things I really want to do in life someday. Am sure that somebody will remind me that there's no logic to it and there are better options but i want to do it all the same-- Backpack across Europe. Avoid all the fancy hotels, stay in lodges and walk till my feet bleed. But I want to experience Europe and capture it all in a book of delicious memories.
- Walking into the Sistine Chapel and the St Peter's Basilica, and just being moved to tears by the sheer mastery and art around me. I just want to sit in silence and stare at the ceiling and frescoes, so that anytime I wish I can transport myself back to that place like a trip back in time.
- Standing in a corner of the street at Times Square and watching all the activity around me. The last time I visited Time Square, I swear it, it was a living paradise for a writer like me. There was a group of kids having a rap song contest on one side, Eminem was recording in the MTV studio, a crowd of fans were holding up banners for him, a squad of police were evacuating a building and I saw real guns for the first time ever. And in spite of all that, people walked around and cars went by like it was just another ordinary day. For me, it was anything but.
- I want to do a course in art with a specialization in Da Vinci and Michaelangelo. And a course in Shakespeare as well. I have no clue how it will help me, but its been on my mind forever.
- I want to attend a proper arts and painting course as well as a course in poetry and short stories. I have always felt a certain degree of lacking since I'm utterly useless at painting- personally I feel learning to paint could help me express better.
- Attend the Edinburgh Festival and also be part of a class thats taken by one of my favourite authors. Can you believe it? I was in Scotland at the time the Festival was held, and I missed the biggest gathering of writers, poets and books held anywhere in the world. And all because I wasn't confident enough of travelling alone or having fun by myself. I haven;t stopped kicking myself ever since. :-(
- Learn Spanish, Italian and revise my French. If there was one wish I could be granted, I would ask for the gift of languages. To be able to speak with anybody in any part of the world. And I also want to learn how to prepare these cuisines too.
- To stay in the most expensive hotel in the world. I just want to see what the big fuss is all about.
- Cook with Nigella Lawson. I love this dame. She's plump, makes cooking look so easy and enjoys eating. Finally an expert in food, who likes what she cooks. For that matter, a class with Jamie Oliver would do just as fine too.
- Go on an archaeological expedition somewhere in the world. Dig up dinosaur bones. Or discover something new about the Aztecs.
I have loads of other thoughts in my head and I realise that if I went ahead and did all that; my day would be very different from what it is now.. If you had the chance to do anything you wanted for yourself, what would it be?
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