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
, 2nd 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.
