I dared to dream about this cross country solo drive and one fine day packed my bags, applied week long leave from office and hit the road in my dolphin. My Dolphin is my confidante, multi purpose vehicle which glides through this world while I imagine to sail in water or fly in air.
Its pure bliss to have dolphin by my side for last 5 years, super comfortable, affordable, reliable companion in every season. When rubber meets the road, road too rises high to meet my dolphin who changes into water floater, road traveler, air flyer. What I imagined, came on screen. I was amazed how AI collects data, modifies images on simple change of prompts.
None the less, this was supposed to be long journey with some wiggle room to modify plans. So, I had my Spotify playlist on, google map to guide me, tank full of gas and a happy go lucky attitude on my sleeves. Whenever my family called, they saw me on the road, hitting gas and singing along. I was even called designated driver whenever I fly back home. But who wants those roads with bumper to bumper ride in jam packed traffic while driving a stick car?
Err, I am not in that game for long drives. I like my cruise mode, lane assistance and a bag full of Cheetos accompanying me in shotgun seat. Did I just say I hate traffic jam? Wow, universe was ready to tease me little with an hour long queue at border.
Alright, finally border check done , bladder emptied, water refilled. Lets hit the road again. I started visiting my memory lanes while singing along. As a child, I would always be nauseated in motion. As car hits the road moving forward, everything in my stomach will churn and move backward in food pipe, finally coming out of my mouth, in need of air fresh as if it felt suffocated to enter intestines. See how time changes, Now I dare to go on solo ride completing about 1500+ miles across borders.
First stop was Toronto at my friend's place. However she had her own solo travels planned to Europe. Since I have already been there earlier; this time my goal was to hit Montreal. I stopped at this Greek restaurant and the waiter started with small talk wondering why am I dining alone or heading to unknown destination by myself. Should have I asked him to accompany? Laughing at this notion...Wondering if people are genuinely concerned or surprised. Good food, happy tummy, kept me moving forward.
Montreal had its vibe, street musicians were singing outside Notre-Dam Basilica, cruise was refreshing, Air BnB host was kind and helpful, got to eat famous Montreal bagel too. Quebec province has French as first language and many sign boards were in French, but technology and Duolingo basics came to my rescue and I was able to travel like local. I met local students in a restaurant and those conversations added few more places in my list to explore. When I got tired, I would find a bench to sit upon and open my kindle. During one such moment, another lady came and sat beside me. Its amazing how you touch many lives whom you might never meet again but they were precisely present at that moment and touched your life. God provides wisdom through gift of experiences.
Though I had booking for Quebec city, I was keeping it optional due to health conditions. However, those cute pictures of the city and the hostel urged me to continue my journey. I am glad I did. Initial parking was a struggle due to which I missed parade, but once settled, I had lot to explore. That German girl in my hostel told about nearby concert happening on Canada Day. I ended up bumping into her again in that huge crowd. Music was flowing in and localities were in full swing to make most of it. Next day three hours of city tour on foot with that hilarious guide gave me another perspective of the city. You get to witness place from some one else's lenses, exchange conversations, get clicked and return favor to fellow explorers and move on to individual journey.
This was my first time spending long hours with myself on road. Towards end leg of the drive, I got opportunity to touch lives of some other friends from my past life of bachelors and masters days. Some plans were made impromptu, others were decided before I started my journey. Overall welcoming friends and their families made me feel at home and I got to eat home made food as well. Can't express enough gratitude to everyone who made my journey so comfortable.
P.S: This was in July 2024, It took ages to jot down my thoughts and land it on my blog. None the less, better late than never. I am not a story teller but the funny thing about story is that it can be told in all sort of length so here I am, giving narration of my experiences.
Would I do it again? Sure! This time I would prefer a partner in crime, a companion to share my eccentricity with, someone having zeal to experience everything in life. On topmost, willingness to experience it together.
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