THE FORECAST couldn’t have been gloomier. December 12: rain. December 13: rain. December 14, the day of the solar eclipse I’d traveled 8,851 kilometers to see: more rain. I’d flown on the 11th, mid-pandemic, sitting masked up on a tense flight from New York to Santiago, then on to Temuco, in southern Chile. Of course, I had registered the dour weather predictions before boarding, but after nine months of house bondage, I didn’t care. The idea of perfect conditions or a perfect experience had long since fallen off the menu.
Throughout history, eclipses have been interpreted as cosmic, spiritual resets. Folklore from Scandinavia and Asia to the Americas depicts these events as a battle between light and dark, with the moon (or other malevolent actors like wolves, bears, frogs, or dragons) seeking to depose the diurnal status quo. Though the forces of light invariably triumph, the terror brought on by the sudden, surreal inversion of time, space, and the temperature was typically interpreted by soothsayers and medicine men as a warning: Pay heed. Take nothing for granted.
That said, my ambitions for the trip were far from profound. At the end of a long and brutal year, I wanted to gauge what I’d lost in lockdown. The pandemic had disrupted— obliterated, even—the daily flow of stimuli by which I apprehended the world, and by which I understood myself in relation to it. How bad a hit had my senses taken? Had the experience done away with my capacity for wonder?
This story is from the July 2021 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2021 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE COAST IS CLEAR
Ingrid Rojas Contreras dives deep to uncover the raw, unspoiled beauty of Costalegre, Mexico. Photographs by Anne Menke
Treasures of the Tide
In the tidal pools and coastal forests of Canada's Vancouver Island, Jen Murphy discovers a marine environment that's both minuscule and magical.
The North Remembers
The Pohjola Route in Finland is a blend of the country's finest landscapes, from reindeer farms to riverine islands and majestic alpine forests and fells. Lakshmi Sharath embarks on a journey that feels straight out of a fairy tale.
Through Time and Tide
From the historic trails of Muharraq to the fleeting sands of Jarada Island, Bahrain echoes with the resilience of its erstwhile pearl divers, discovers Adila Matra.
The Man Behind The Persona
With a career spanning decades and a repertoire that crosses languages and genres, R Madhavan is a beacon of cinematic excellence. In a candid conversation with the charismatic actor, BAYAR JAIN discovers the secrets behind his enduring relevance and success.
Dancing To Her Tunes
A celebrated classical Indian dancer and a fervent activist, Mallika Sarabhai utilises her art form to address societal issues and advocate for change. In a conversation with Bayar Jain at the Kerala Literature Festival 2024, the Padma Bhushan awardwinning artist talks about using the creative field for starting thought-provoking conversations.
To The Moon And Beyond
Associate project director and second-in-command for Chandrayaan-3 mission, K Kalpana played a pivotal role in India's successful and historic soft-landing on the moon. The scientist speaks to Shibani Bawa about the project, gender insignificance at ISRO, and more.
Sky Is The Limit
Flight lieutenant Shivangi Singh is India's first female Rafale fighter pilot. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi, Singh joined the Indian Air Force in 2017. Her journeyfrom the rigorous training grounds to the skies-is a testament to her determination and resilience. In a conversation with Bayar Jain, she reveals the challenges and rewards of being a fighter pilot.
Wheels Of Change
Virali Modi's advocacy journey began when she survived a life-threatening illness that left her paralysed from the chest down. The activist speaks to Adila Matra about the challenges she faces as a wheelchair user and her efforts to drive meaningful change through initiatives like the #MyTrain Too campaign.
Aisle Artistry
Masaba Gupta's luxury label 'The Masaba Bride' is all about redefining bridal stereotypes with a refreshing narrative.