The Backpackers……!

 

I have been forever amazed and fascinated by the backpackers. It was ever since I read a book on hippies. Travelling like a backpacker has been on my wish list since a long time now. Though this dream of mine came true a while ago but only partially because staying in expensive hotels instead of shared accommodation and using hired cabs in place of public transport goes a tad bit towards luxury. Luxury: the word unheard by a backpacker.

When on a vacation, a few months ago I met many backpackers. I started off my vacation at the Andaman’s which was packed with foreigners and their backpacks. One hanging at the back and the other at front, sometimes accompanied by a handbag slung over the shoulder. Carrying around their world with themselves at all times. I had a chat with a few of them and was surprised to find that even though in a group, most of them were travelling alone and had different destinations to follow.

At Batu caves, Malaysia I met group of Indian backpackers. They were moving from South East Asia to the mystic Middle East. They were full of stories and tips for Singapore (my next destination). the places they mentioned did not include the famous tourist hubs and "must see" places but the places where the real culture and living is seen. Where the authentic food and drinks can be savored. A blogo-friend of mine PAN is also a backpacker, his blog post are a reflection of his fun-filled adventures. India is also an extremely popular destination for the backpackers. Himalayas, Kerala and other similar scenic places score huge points.

That's me as a backpacker in Singapore!

Their criterion for the perfect holiday is having loads of peace, a lot of me-time and a total cut-off from the materialistic things like telephone, internet etc. I feel every one should have an experience like this. Wherein you just stay cut-off from the world we know, things like Facebook and gmail. I have seen people (even on vacation) doing there office work via internet. A holiday I feel should be treated like a holiday. It should not be accompanied by the urge to check your mail every 10 seconds! Everyone deserves a break every now and then. But a break is a break only when one makes the most of it by freaking out and having a gala time sans the wireless systems with somehow keep us wired…!