A Journey through the Heart of UK & Ireland: Ajit Parlikar’s Thrillophilia Trip Review
There’s something special about traveling solo, especially when you are a senior citizen and your routine for the past few decades has revolved around managing a team and meeting deadlines.
Hello! I’m Ajit Parlikar, and this year, I decided to take a leap.
It was a solo journey across the UK and Ireland, a trip I had been dreaming about for years but never quite had the time to execute. But now, with my children settled and my career nearing its twilight, it seemed like the perfect time to step out of the ordinary and dive into the extraordinary.
It wasn’t about ticking off destinations or racing through a jam-packed itinerary. At 65, you look at the world differently. This wasn’t just a vacation; it was a reconnection with life, a rediscovery of freedom, and a celebration of the time I now had to enjoy the little things.
I remember standing at Heathrow Airport, my backpack slung over one shoulder, and my mind buzzing with excitement. I hadn’t felt this free in years, this was my adventure.
London, my first stop, greeted me with its usual glam. But this time, I wasn’t visiting as a tourist ticking off Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London from a checklist. I wandered around the city, sat in Hyde Park with a book, took random strolls down charming side streets, and sipped on cups of coffee in tiny, aesthetic cafes. There’s something liberating about being on your own, having no one to report to, and no schedules to meet except your own.
One evening, while having fish and chips in Covent Garden, I overheard a group of young travelers planning their next move. I smiled to myself as they discussed hostels and nightclubs. I had been there once, eager and excited for every thrill. But now, I was more content observing the world go by, soaking in the atmosphere, and cherishing quiet moments of solitude.
"At 65, you're not too old to explore, you're just experienced enough to know what you're looking for."
As I moved from London to Cambridge, York, and Durham, each city had its unique charm. Cambridge was filled with intellectual energy, while York had its own medieval history. Durham’s riverside was calm, and that reminded me how sometimes, it’s not the grand destinations that stick with you, but the quiet moments in between.
It was during my train ride to Edinburgh that I found myself lost in thought. Gazing out of the window at the hills and expanding landscapes, I felt a sense of gratitude. There’s something about traveling that gives you perspective- about life, about time, and about what really matters. I realized that all these years spent working long hours in front of a computer screen had made me forget what it felt like to truly live. But now, I was awake, alive, and deeply connected to every passing moment.
Edinburgh, with its gothic spires and rich history, was an absolute wonder. I walked the Royal Mile, explored the castle, and indulged in a hearty Scottish breakfast. But what made this city special wasn’t just the landmarks; it was the people I met along the way. Conversations with fellow travelers and locals reminded me that the world is full of stories, and we are all, in our own way, storytellers.
Another magical experience was the drive through the Scottish Highlands. Loch Ness was as mysterious as I had imagined, Inverness, Glasgow, and the northern towns passed by like a dream. Each stop felt like a new chapter in the story I was writing for myself.
Ireland was where I truly let go of any inhibitions. Dublin’s lively streets and the warmth of the Irish people made me feel right at home, even though I was miles away from my actual one.
One of the other highlights of my trip was visiting Powerscourt Gardens and walking along the Cliffs of Moher. Standing on the edge of those cliffs, with the wind passing through my hair and the vast ocean stretching out before me, I felt a rush of freedom. It was as if I was letting go of the weight of all my years and starting anew.
At this age, you think you’ve seen and experienced it all, but this trip taught me that there’s always something new to learn, a new perspective to see things. From the quaint town of Kinsale to the vibrant city of Galway, Ireland surprised me at every turn. The history, the landscapes, the people- it all made me realize that life is a journey best enjoyed when you slow down and appreciate each moment.
The journey back to the UK, with stops in Liverpool, Stratford, and Oxford, felt like coming full circle. Each place added a layer of experience, but it wasn’t the destinations that made the trip memorable- it was the entire journey itself.
As I boarded my flight back to New Delhi, I couldn’t help but look back on how much I had gained from this solo adventure. It was about rediscovering myself, learning to enjoy my own company, and realizing that age is just a number when it comes to seeking new experiences.
Therefore, my dear folks! Don’t overthink it, don’t let fear or age hold you back. The world is waiting, and it has so much to offer- at any stage in life.
Read more: Europe Reviews