It takes two to tango: solo travel and entrepreneurship

Being with myself Condolim Beach

A couple of weeks ago, I was in Goa for work. When my work was over, I took my rented Activa to check out Goa's dazzling beach life. Here, my 11 km ride begins. I had stopped couple of times to capture the exuberant life of Goa.

It took me 30-35 minutes to reach the destination. And while my destination was just two minutes away, I was figuring out the entry point towards the beach. I saw one small lane going towards the entry point of the beach. When I entered, I got stuck because of a jumble of clay. Suddenly, one person was crossing, and I asked him to help me pull out the activa.

Hell! It took me few more minutes get out of that muddy mess. I asked someone how I could reach the Candolim beach. He replied, “Just take a left from here and that's it.”

Finally, I was near a spot I could spend some time with myself, my mind, and my heart could dance to nature’s acoustic music- water! I was with my beloved new friend, 'the camera.’ The beauty had arrived- I was sitting where the waves could play in my ears, and I could lean into the soothing sound.

After spending more than 30 minutes, I started what I always do: the 'beach walk.' And this time, I was walking very slow enjoying the breeze and sun. I walked so long that I reached the end of the corner of the beach. I realised the time, and walked back towards where I had parked my Activa. When I returned, I forgot the spot I parked it in.

Plague and pinnacle!

It was 6 PM, and the sun was saying bye for the day. For the last half an hour, I had been searching for my bike, and I could barely walk as my legs were swollen. The fear of dark was haunting in my head as there aren't street lights in Goa. I almost checked three exit points, but I couldn't find my bike. Then I realised that while parking my Activa, I’d noticed there was an ice-cream cart. Suddenly, a ray of hope surged in my mind. I found one cart on fourth exit, but my bike wasn't there. I asked ice cream seller and he said that there were only three ice-cream carts on this beach. Here I got one more clue. I decided to check other two carts. But it was 6:15 PM, and I started running towards the other end of the beach where he told me the majority of people park their vehicles. I reached it, and still couldn't find my bike. Now I had only two options: either exit to re-enter or ask for help. I chose the latter as the sun started settling down for the day.

A coconut water seller, whose cart was next to the ice-cream cart, told me to check the last one. I said that if he has a bike then we can go together and check this final place. Initially. he said no, and I totally understood why he wasn't ready on first call. He’d have to leave his cart, which would ultimately mean losing some potential customers. I tried to convince him for five minutes, but he told me to ask other people.

Finally, I convinced him by saying that I would pay him100 bucks. He agreed on the deal. We exited from that lane, and I gave him the landmark from where I passed on. Surprisingly, it was a very sexy landmark: none other than "Kingfisher Villa.” He said, "Arey sir ji, you came so far from that side!” We checked the first entry point, but we couldn't find it. So I told him to check the nearest entry point, and this time I was sure we were gonna get it. He took me to another entry point, and the next moment was breath-taking: I was watching the sunset rather than finding my bike.

My heart knew we were at the correct place. In the blink of an eye, I found my lost bike . I said, “Oh my God! I will surely remember you are my saviour! I promise next time when I'll be in Goa, I’ll come over at your place.”These were the words for him. I immediately took out my wallet, gave him 100 bucks and thanked him a couple of times. He replied, “Sir ji! Achcha hai aapko mil gayi gaadi. Abhi dekho raat hogayi” (sir, it’s good that you got your bike on time. See it’s already dark).

My learnings:

1) Entrepreneurs are always helpful; just ask them for help.

2) Self-belief is another friend, which you should always talk to.

3) Respect the profession. The guy who helped me might be doing a small job, but respect is what they look for. He is a true entrepreneur.

4) Sometimes two teams can also win, so forget the myth that only one can be a winner.

5) Perseverance plays the key role; never ever leave that attitude even if you get the success.

6) There is always gonna be one saviour in your life; remember that.

7) Be a solo traveller at least once in a lifetime, and you'll find ‘you.’

About the author: Hiranand is an ex-entrepreneur, upcoming digital enthusiast, amateur photographer, writer and storyteller. Oh! That’s many hats in a single day. Living life at the fullest is what makes him drive. You can follow him @hiranand.