Blessen C Joseph

Aditya Nigam

The world was slowly emerging from the cocoon of the first COVID-19 wave. Manali, once a bustling hill station, was now a quieter, almost ethereal place. The heavy silence was occasionally broken by the laughter of few visitors who, like you, had ventured out to find a sense of normalcy amidst the breathtaking landscapes. You had embarked on a motorcycle trip from Delhi, seeking solace in the solitude of the mountains. The plan was simple: a three-day adventure to escape the confines of city life and rediscover a bit of freedom. Little did you know that this trip would evolve into a transformative journey of the heart. Manali welcomed you with open arms, its crisp air and scenic beauty offering a balm to your weary soul. You were lost in the wonder of the mountains when fate intervened. Priya, a spirited young woman with a keen sense for both adventure and tranquility, was on a workcation. She had chosen Manali as her temporary haven, aiming to blend her professional life with a much-needed escape. The first time you saw Priya was on a sunlit morning, as she strolled along the River Beas, her laughter mingling with the soft murmur of the water. There was an immediate connection, a sense that your paths were destined to intertwine. What began as a brief encounter soon became an invitation to explore Manali together. The once fleeting three-day trip stretched into two months of shared experiences, laughter, and deep conversations. Days turned into weeks as you both navigated the meandering trails, discovered hidden cafes, and soaked in the charm of Manali. It was during these moments that you realized how seamlessly your lives were syncing. The mountains, once a backdrop, became a witness to the blossoming of a beautiful relationship. --- With Manali as the foundation of your relationship, you both were eager to continue exploring the world together. Your journeys became a series of adventures, each destination adding a new chapter to your story. Amritsar, From the sacred to the vibrant, your travels took you to Pushkar, where the colors of the desert seemed to echo the colors of your shared experiences. The annual Pushkar Fair, with its lively energy and cultural richness, was a celebration of both the festival and the newfound joy in your lives.The rugged terrains of **Lahaul-Spiti,Kashmir, with its enchanting beauty, was another gem in your journey.Ladakh, with its high-altitude beauty and rugged landscapes, was a grand adventure.International adventures beckoned next. Thailand offered a vibrant contrast to the mountainous regions you had explored. With every new destination, you were not just discovering new places but also uncovering more about each other. Your mutual love for exploration became a metaphor for your relationship—an endless journey of discovery and growth. And we decided to get married on 4th of may 2022 with lot many explorations in future and we are still exploring places together

Richa Rabara

Exploring cultures around the world can be a fascinating journey, offering unique insights into the customs, traditions, and ways of life that define different societies. I would like to visit Vietnam because Vietnam has a rich and diverse culture shaped by its history, geography, and ethnic diversity. I personally like the traditional dress for women in Vietnam also like the iconic conical hat, which symbolizes Vietnamese agricultural life. I like to explore beautiful landscapes in Vietnam.

Chandrika Khirani

If I Had Wings, I’d Fly to Vietnam: A Bird Watcher’s Dream The early morning light filters through the canopy, painting the forest floor with flecks of gold. My heart pounds with anticipation as I navigate a narrow trail deep in the heart of Vietnam’s Ke Go Nature Reserve. In the quiet stillness, the forest breathes, alive with the subtle rustle of leaves and the faint, melodious songs of unseen birds. This is no ordinary trip for me. As a devoted bird watcher and photographer, I’ve traveled to many corners of the world in pursuit of feathered wonders. Yet Vietnam, with its remarkable biodiversity and endemic treasures, has always been my dream—a destination where my passion for birds and photography could soar to new heights. Vietnam is a tapestry of habitats. From the towering limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to the mist-laden highlands of Dalat, the country offers an unparalleled variety of ecosystems. Each habitat is a stage, and the birds are its vibrant performers. It’s here that I hope to catch a glimpse of the elusive Edwards's Pheasant, a bird so rare it feels like a whispered legend. As I step deeper into the forest, a flash of emerald catches my eye. My breath catches—it’s a Vietnamese Greenfinch, its feathers shimmering like sunlight on jade. I lift my camera, fingers trembling with excitement, and capture the moment. Later, in the dense mangroves of Can Gio, I spot a Spoon-billed Sandpiper wading delicately in the shallow waters. Its distinct bill—a spoon-shaped marvel—is a reminder of nature’s whimsical ingenuity. Watching this critically endangered bird feels like holding a fleeting piece of magic, a connection to a world that feels increasingly fragile. But the true marvel comes on my last day in the highlands of Bach Ma National Park. The morning mist clings to the trees as I settle near a clearing, camera at the ready. A low, haunting call cuts through the silence. Suddenly, from the undergrowth, emerges the Orange-breasted Laughingthrush. Its vibrant plumage glows against the muted greens of the forest, and its laughter-like call feels like nature’s purest joy. Vietnam isn’t just a destination for bird watchers; it’s a sanctuary for the soul. Its avian wonders remind me of the beauty and fragility of our natural world. Each bird I encounter here is a testament to resilience and grace, an inspiration to cherish and protect these treasures for generations to come. If I had wings, I’d fly to Vietnam without hesitation. Until then, I’ll carry these dreams, forever soaring on the wind of possibility.