Trip To North India- Jan 2019

Trip To North India- Jan 2019

My work takes to different places across India. Though the travel can be hectic, it is definitely worth it. Seeing new locations, new people broadens ones outlook towards life. Plus one gains a self-confidence, independence streak which one usually dreams about. For me it gives a kick and I come back energised.

Recently I had been to North India sometimes in January where, I had to travel to Delhi, then Bhiwadi (Rajasthan), Dhaduheda (Haryana), Shahjahanpur   (Rajasthan), and Ludhiana (Punjab).

 I had wanted to avoid the dates since the weather would have been cold. Since the travel was fixed and I had no option to postpone, I started preparing for the travel. I shopped for woollens- Thermal, Jacket, sweater, woollen socks, and gloves – All that would be required in these regions. My luggage was already heavy with these woollens and 6 days clothes.

Finally the day came. My flight was in the morning. I had worn the jacket with me since I would require it once I landed to Delhi which is a 2 ½ flight from Bangalore. But when I landed in Delhi it was awfully hot and I was sweating in the jacket. I had a dread feeling that I had unnecessary got the extra luggage with me. I was already cribbing for the whole day and went to the place where my accommodation was booked.

The next day I had to travel to Bhiwadi. But the next day the weather completely changed. It was all gloomy with sky covered with clouds and strong, cold winds blowing. And to top it all I started raining heavily. It was horribly cold weather and what you say in Hindi, “Bin Mausam Barsaat “.  Now I was happy as least my woollens and warm clothes will be fully utilised J .We managed to reach for the meeting in the cab booked which took us to Bhiwadi and Dhaduheda. I had taken my luggage thinking  might have to stay back in either of the 2 locations once meeting gets over and then move on Shahjahanpur from there .

But had a slightly scary experience with the cab booked. The driver who left to fill petrol at 10.30 am did not come back till 2.30 pm.  our attempts to call the driver was not fruitful as he kept saying he is still filling fuel one time, then lost the way , 2^nd time and few times saying on the way and reaching in 10 minutes to not even picking up the call . I was scared of losing my luggage so finally called up the customer care of the cab and lodged a complaint. The cab driver came at 2.45 pm with some silly excuse. We managed to complete the second meeting at Dhaduheda and reached Delhi again.

The next trip to Shahjahanpur went on smoothly without any such adventure though the weather was all foggy and cold wind from morning. We had to travel the next day to Ludhiana and we went by train which was 5 hours journey and reached late night. Ludhiana is one of the industrial location in Punjab but very dirty. I could see garbage everywhere particularly plastic dumbed everywhere and with the rain previous night had made it dirtier.  Ludhiana was colder than Delhi. The water was freezing cold. “Kadake ki sardi aur barf jaisa paani aur us par Tandoori wale Aloo Parathe “. I loved hogging the Aloo Parathe laden with Makhan for breakfast. The lunch was street food of Amritsari Chole and Tandoori Roti.  Uff ! Maza Aa Gaya.  Though the meeting was scheduled in the afternoon, it got preponed to morning and had some time before my train back to Delhi. I stepped into the market (Chaura Bazaar) next to the hotel where I stayed and picked up a few stuffs. Ludhiana is famous for Woollens so I picked a sweater for my mother. And I bought a couple of Juthis at a lesser price. Juthis are famous in Punjab and so is Patiala suit. I bought a couple of materials for myself.

It was time for the train to Delhi.   Had to fly to Bangalore the next day the flight being at evening. I did manage to catch up with few of my school friends after 5 years. The warmth and hospitality shown made me feel back at home since the early 26 years of my life was spent here. It was a beautiful experience reuniting with them.