A Beautiful Chapter Of My Life-Andamans-Part 2

An Ever-evolving Journey…

It was the 15th of November 2012, and I was on my way to the Andamans for my PADI Dive Master Internship Programme. I had booked myself a one-way ticket. I never knew when I would be returning home.

Here I was, lifting my bags and loading them in our car with an extremely heavy heart. My brain was completely flooded with a plethora of thoughts. It felt as if someone had taken complete control of my mind. I was clueless about what was going around. There was a total turmoil of emotions. 

In this chapter of my life, I was leaving behind a part of me. It felt like a snake shedding its own skin and leaving it behind in search of its brand new identity. 

Leaving the security of my Nest

It was 3.45 am when we left for Pune Airport. While travelling through the city, at every bend, I was having a flashback of memories. All of those memories carved a smile on my face. 

After loading my bags onto the trolley at the airport, I remember my family and friends becoming a little silent. We all were holding on to a lot of emotions. It was like a reality check for each one of us. We all had so many things to say to each other but just couldn’t. That silence spoke volumes.

Before I made my way towards the gates, I just touched my mother’s feet for her blessings. It’s a very common practice in India to touch the feet of your elders before any major life event. In many households, it’s even followed as a daily practice. In return, you are blessed with strength, fame, knowledge, health and prosperity. 

I can still feel my Mom’s soft pat on my back saying “bless you” during this “Charan Sparsh”. By my lights, such blessings from your parents fill you up with positive vibes, giving you a lot of courage and helps in calming your mind from all those “what if” questions. 

My First Flight Experience

I finally gathered the courage and pushed my luggage trolley in the direction of my “First ever Plane Journey”. This Journey will forever remain close to my heart. I was growing as a person with every step I took. 

Being my first ever experience in a plane, out of great excitement, I had got myself a window seat for both the legs of my journey. I would like you to pause for a moment and remember your first journey in an aircraft. I hope thinking about the same brought a smile to your face. Did you opt for a window seat as well? 

My first leg was from Pune to Chennai. I was flying Indigo airlines. I had these tingling little butterflies in my stomach as our bird approached its final turn before hitting the runway. My excitement just went a little overboard when I heard those magical words from our captain saying – “Cabin Crew, we are ready for take-off”. In my mind, I was dancing my heart out. 

As we accelerated at full throttle, I had a sudden rush of adrenaline. I could hear my heart pounding. For a few seconds, I felt as if I were the captain of that plane. In a blink of an eye, we were airborne. For the first half an hour, I was glued to the window. We were cruising at 35,000 feet and I must say, the world appeared to be even more alluring than ever before. The views made me humble. I was filled with a lot of gratitude. Moments like these puncture your ego and makes you realise that we all are nothing but just a tiny little speck on this planet. 

Just when I was admiring those spectacular views, I heard a voice asking me if I would like to have some tea or coffee. Somewhere deep down, I was eagerly waiting for this moment. Even before the air hostess could finish her entire sentence, I had ordered myself a cup of coffee. Little did I know that I would be charged for the coffee. It came to me as a surprise, but I did savour the entire experience that came with it. Imagine you are flying above those white, fluffy cotton-candy clouds, looking at magnificent views and sipping on some delicious coffee. What more could one ask for? 

Chennai to Port-Blair

After Landing in Chennai, I had a lip-smacking breakfast along with a cup of filter coffee at a local South Indian joint. My curious mind did not let me settle down for too long. I went around every nook and corner of the airport. Before I knew it, there was a loud announcement stating Jet Airways Flight 9W 613 is ready for boarding. 

My legs became a little heavy as I made my way towards the gates. I knew that this flight was going to take me even further away from my Country’s mainland to these mysterious islands nestled in the Bay Of Bengal. Today, when I look back, for me personally, those boarding gates were the “Gates of Paradise.”

As soon as our Bird left the ground from Chennai Airport, all I could see was a long and a never-ending stretch of golden tanned beach. Yes, that’s correct, it was the famous Marina Beach, known for being the longest beach in India. As we accelerated into the mighty Bay of Bengal and crossed the Marina beach, I bade my adieu to the Indian Mainland. On this flight, through the corner of my eyes, I was observing the fellow passenger sitting beside me. He introduced me to the magic button that allows you to recline your seat. Now, whenever I sit in a plane and recline my seat, it reminds me of him and my juvenile behaviour throughout that journey. It brings in a big smile on my face every single time I think about the same.

As we approached our final leg towards Port Blair, Andaman, the captain warned us of turbulence as there was a heavy storm approaching the islands. The islands passing by looked so beautiful and pristine from the skies. It was 12.45 pm when my feet landed for the first time on the soils of Port Blair, the capital of Andaman and Nicobar. 

Port-Blair to Havelock

An extremely heart pounding and adventurous part of my Journey was yet to begin.

My new home, which was Havelock islands, was still about two and a half hours away by a ferry. I had to be real quick to make sure I reach the port on time. The last scheduled ferry to Havelock islands was at 2 pm. The journey from Port Blair Airport to Phoenix Bay Jetty was hardly 5 km. It took me somewhere around 10 to 15 min to reach by cab. My cab was this beautiful looking, crystal-white, vintage Ambassador. I must admit that this was the most comfortable ride of my entire journey.  

There was a lot of hustle and bustle at the ferry terminal. The officials dressed in orange were rushing from one pier to the other. A few travel guides were handing over ferry tickets and were explaining the itinerary to their respective groups. A group of backpackers were resting against their bags whilst sipping on some chai and laughing their hearts out.  In this entire chaos, all I could see was this beautiful blend and collision of different cultures and nationalities. 

The weather was deteriorating quite drastically and the wind speeds had started to increase. I could see the ominous clouds brewing and haunting the horizon. The Port Authority had called off the sailing to further off islands due to the storm warning. To our luck, the only ferry operational was the government ferry to Havelock. 

Our ferry looked like an old wrinkled lady having plenty of experience in those waters. I believe her every wrinkle had a story hidden behind it. As she whistled into the air, she disengaged and let go of herself from the grip of her friend – “The Harbour”. It reminded me of Rose and Jack from the movie Titanic.

Probably she knew that today, all her experience was going to be put to test. She indeed had those nerves of steel as she sailed into those rough waters. 

It was raining cats and dogs. The visibility had dropped down to almost zero. Have you ever come across those huge canvas paintings, wherein a lonely boat is battling the rough seas? Yes, it felt very similar to that. Those heavy swells heaved and rocked the ship throughout the journey. The passengers who tried to make their way through the aisles appeared to me like a bunch of drunkards. Many people were hit by seasickness. A family at the far end caught my attention. I saw them bringing their palms together, lowering their heads and praying. I could empathize with them as I was not feeling good either. The howling wind got shivers down my spine. A lot of negativity poured into me.

My mind was flooded with a lot of questions like: Was it a mistake to come here? How would I ever be able to dive in such waters? Should I book my return ticket? All these questions increased the uncertainty in me. I was scared and stressed at the same time. Being all alone, I did not know how to vent out my feelings and emotions. Even though it had only been a few hours having left my house, I was extremely homesick. My eyes welled up thinking about my family and friends. At that moment, everything seemed to be going against me. 

Havelock Jetty to Barefoot Scuba Resort

I could see a bunch of people clapping and hugging it out tight. Taking in a deep breath of fresh air, I made my way towards the entry gate of Havelock. 

At a distance, I could see a decent gather of Rickshaw-Walas and taxi drivers. Everyone seemed to be extremely welcoming. I climbed onto one of the Rickshaws and made my way to Barefoot Scuba Resort. Barefoot Scuba Resort is located on Beach No 3, a ten-minute ride from the Jetty. 

As we made our way towards the resort, my Rickshaw Driver, named “JD”, gave me a small orientation tour of the island. He mentioned to me that the entire island has only 3 roads. One of which goes to the Jetty, the other two to Kala Pathar and Radhanagar beaches respectively. 

He was an extremely kind gentleman. Just by looking at me and listening to my wobbly voice, he knew that I was venturing beyond the security of my nest for the very first time. He showed me where the ATM was, a place where I could buy some groceries, the primary health centre and a chemist. As he dropped me inside the resort, he said, “It’s going to be alright, sir,” and I am always here for you if anything is needed. His comforting nature touched me and stayed with me forever.

I was hurridly yet warmly welcomed by Barefoot Scuba staff. Everyone in the dive shop was busy trying to get in touch with all the guests whose flights and boats were cancelled due to the storm. Only then did I come to know about flights, boats, and all diving activities being cancelled until further notice. 

My Den – A Cozy Little Hut

 I took my keys and went into my hut. My new home was a tiny little “A-frame” hut made up of cane and bamboo. It almost resembled an igloo. It was so small that everyone called it “the chicken hut.”

As I freshened up and sat inside my hut, I was struck hard by homesickness. Although there was a storm outside, I was also battling a storm within me. My vision was blurred with these dark clouds brewing within me. There was so much emotional congestion that I couldn’t stop myself from crying that entire night. Somewhere, I kept telling myself that this is a stepping stone for a larger possibility. 

I believe that whatever you do in life, the first few days are always difficult. Remember the first time a child stands on its feet and tries to walk? Your first day at school, college or at your job? The first day after marriage, when the girl leaves her home and enters her partner’s house. It does take a while to accept such a change in your life. I would love to know about your feelings and your triumphs over such emotional battles. 

From Zero to Hero

Both the storms dissipated in a few days. As the sun shone brightly over those turquoise blue waters, I embarked on the journey towards becoming a dive professional.  I completed all my certifications from Open water diver to being a certified Padi Scuba Instructor. Today, being backed by thousands of dives in different parts of the world and with all those magical experiences that came along with it, I bow down to the Universe. 

I shall pen down all those magical experiences the island and the depths of the Andaman Sea had to offer over time.

By my lights, if you wish to grow and blossom into something beautiful, you have to step out of your routine. Let go of all the inhibitions within you. Rising above your comfort zone is the key to an enhanced life. 

Although my journey on those islands lasted for 3 years, Havelock has left me permanently unsettled.