Thursday, September 6, 2012

Joys of travel


Striking conversations with strangers has never been a problem for me.
During a recent one-day bus trip to Agra from Delhi to see Taj Mahal, I had made friends with almost all co-passengers by noon. Young Mohammed told me he was a farmer from Gujarat and I hugged him. I have huge respect for farmers. “How come you speak fluent English in western style?” I asked and his wife replied, “We studied in Britain.”
One Nair of Kerala took the role of a guide and explained all he knew about Delhi. An engineer’s family wanted me to click photos repeatedly and my irritated wife gave me a sly look.
We noticed two young western girls sticking to themselves. When the driver announced a short break for purchases, I casually told one of them, “Return fast or we will leave you here.” They giggled and we introduced each other while entering a shop. Both were Americans, one of Indian origin. “I am a nutrition specialist,” said Jennifer, while Renuka said she was a media student. “Hey mediaaa! Join my gang,” I screamed in excitement prompting a shopkeeper to give a “get out” look. Plain jealousy seeing three youngsters chatting merrily!
Air passengers are perceived as unfriendly, but I had a different experience. On my flight from Delhi to Mumbai, the plane experienced turbulence. I was stunned by the shaking of the plane. An old woman sitting next consoled me, “Don’t worry, we will not die.” I reacted, “I have seen more turbulence at home,” only to get a painful pinch from my wife.
A passenger on the front seat turned and I asked him, “Are you worried too?”
He smiled and replied: “I just remembered my mother-in-law was supposed to accompany me.”

16 comments:

  1. :) glad you reached safe and sound :)

    Bikram's

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  2. Leaves me grinning from ear to ear...

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  3. you r so funny!
    .... hope we will have fun time on your blog :P

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  4. Seems,you have not yet got over your trip to India

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  5. seems you had great time back in India and missing those wonderful moments a lot.....

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  6. Hello.
    You sound like me...I'm a talker and make friends wherever I go (lol). I'm glad you arrived at your destination safely. Thanks for the entertaining post and for the visit too. Much appreciated. Enjoy the weekend & stop by again soon!

    Thoughts Of Beauty In The Stillness Of Dawn...

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  7. 3 youngsters?? lol!
    I had caleld you but your number was out of coverage and then later I forgot :(

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  8. LOL...! Seems like you had one hell of an experience :)

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  9. welcome back yar!
    Your video doesn't open.

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  10. wow...funny experiences....and im sure you would come up and chat with me if we ever happen to bump into each other in a flight or bus travel!!

    http://sushmita-smile.blogspot.in/

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  11. Very interesting. The Air turbulance reminded me of my own experience at Hyderabad. The plane started rolling towards the main runway with only one engine on. My neighbour was inquisitive. I had seen him praying in the Christian way. I simply told him that only one engine is working. I was surprised when he started screaming and enjoyed it.

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  12. ha ha..the post was funny towards the end!!

    And yes, you are an open minded extrovert, so its very easy for you to mix with people and make friends - am sure they all must be proud to have me a nice person.

    And yes, you are a youngster!!

    Good luck bro, Cheers!! :)

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  13. Great post, I couldn't help but think about the saying that strangers are simply friends you have yet to meet.

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