2019 marks the beginning of adventures I had never even dreamt I would be part of.
A little more than few weeks back, we decided to move back to India and were planning what we should do during the few months break before we finally move back. So it was, one morning, while I was walking about the house, planning my very normal move from one continent to another, that M stopped me.
He sprang the question in his inimitable style:
You know a couple of years ago, I was reading a book.
I mean nothing new in that – right? That is all he does all day anyway…
So?
I bit back the rest.. of the sentence – So What’s new!
The book talked about Humboldt travelling by ship from Europe to South America. Darwin took inspiration and later did the same himself. You know, via the Panama Canal..
… Yes… this I remember. When planning our trip to Ecuador in 2017, we had read about Darwin and Galapagos.
I would love to do that one day… and right now, we can have a few weeks time to be able to do that.
… Oh! A cruise ship travel from Europe to South America… Not really sure whether I want to do that. It is not something I have really wanted to do even when my parents have raised the question a few times before.
I had checked at that time for possibilities and there are some container ships…
and there came the question… would I consider taking a container ship from Europe to South America? A friend joked later when he came to our farewell party, that M was pretty sure I would say no and so he was kind of stuck when I enthusiastically said yes. In any case, we have been excitedly (and with a bit of apprehension), planning this trip.
A couple of weeks back, started our journey to Singapore where we will board our ship, the CMA CGM Rodolphe.
Wait a minute, Singapore? Did I not just say Europe to South America? Well, by the time we got around to our booking and confirming that this is really what we wanted to do, all ships from Europe, in the timeframe we wanted were booked out.
A lot of our friends asked us how they can follow our trip and we hope this will help us to communicate back to the world. So this is how this blog came to be about. Now, there is nothing like cousins to bring you to normal ground as soon as you are floating in the air. So here I was at dinner a couple of weeks ago with my cousins discussing about how I am going communicate back to the world.
… and you have a name for your blog “Life of Payi”…
and they rolled in laughter… and we discussed which animals to take on board. For the uninitiated, my family calls me “Payi” and now that is what this blog is.
So here we are in Singapore, waiting for our ship, preparing to be on the ship and in the next week, while we wait, you will get to hear more about how this journey evolved or is evolving…
Life of P(ay)i 
Wow, will wait to hear more about your adventure. Very relevant topic for us! My husband prasad keeps talking about different ways of traveling across continents, I might say yes some day š we are tracking your ship Rodolphe ..
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Dear Madhavi, I am amazed that you are already aware of this way of travel. I had not even heard about it till M proposed it. Surely looking forward to meeting you and sharing our experiences and to hearing about Prasad’s ideas.
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I am super excited Paru to hear more about your adventures. Will be following this blog for my own inspiration
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Dear Venki, thank you so much for the encouraging words…
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It’s interesting Payi but it’s going to be a long travel in the sea. I’m sure, inspite of that it must be exciting too. Please do let us know how it goes. this is the first time I have heard about a holiday in a container ship. My nephew is the captain of a container ship and travels from India to Japan frequently. If I was not claustrophobic, perhaps I could have requested him to take me in the next time.Have safe and exciting journey Payi and Manohar.
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Dear Binaaunty, indeed yes, it is going to be a long travel and that makes me nervous. Will surely let you know and keep sending in updates via the blog. Once we have the email address, we will share that too. Thank you so much for your prayers and greetings.
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Already excited to read your next post. You are giving us ideas too. Keep it going. Ms PI š
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Thank you Rogs… I will let you know how it goes – hope it will be a positive experience, else everyone will hear a lot of whining š
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Wow. I mean, just wow! I can’t imagine how it will be. I need 20 million pictures and roughly 200 million words please.
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ha ha ha!!!! I hope I am able to post pictures at all… Now you have given me a word goal – Thank you! The idea is to find my longer blog writing and reading habits back.
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So excited for Manohar and yourself. Enjoy and have the time of your life. I will be following you for sure in this adventure through your blog. Anjana
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Thank you Anjanachechi… do comment as well so I can read it all after I am off the ship.
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You both are total #goals š You deserve the time of your lives. Can’t wait to follow you virtually!
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Thank you dear Nandu!!!!! You both are my bigger inspirations… looking forward to coming back and connecting back.
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Fabulous! Wish you both life’s best adventures at sea!
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Thank you so much! I hope it will be positive adventures…
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Wow! All the best, P and M! Enjoy and have the time of your life…. Will be following your experiences – so do blog about it – long, descriptive posts pls. Cheers, Harini
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So good to hear from you!!! And it is – by the way- interesting to read- as well;-)
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Just came across this while browsing facebook.. wow Paru & Manu.. hope you have the time of your lives! A year of change indeed and mighty adventure. Sending lots of love.
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