A
trip to India
trip to India
I
recall a quote by Mark Twain read during my school age,“Twenty
years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do
than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe
harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover”
which I later began to take serious by doing things I wanted, going where I
tended, eating, wearing, writing what I would ever aspire in fact I began to
color my each moment with paints relieving my soul and being. I have opted rather
party-boy kinda attitude partying with family, friends and colleagues no matter
what occasion, be it simple or mega but tempted to celebrate each moment for I
don’t weep for more time when reaching life climax.
recall a quote by Mark Twain read during my school age,“Twenty
years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do
than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe
harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover”
which I later began to take serious by doing things I wanted, going where I
tended, eating, wearing, writing what I would ever aspire in fact I began to
color my each moment with paints relieving my soul and being. I have opted rather
party-boy kinda attitude partying with family, friends and colleagues no matter
what occasion, be it simple or mega but tempted to celebrate each moment for I
don’t weep for more time when reaching life climax.
I
had a chance to visit India and thought to make most of it though for health purposes
and for shorter period. Taj Mahal had always been on my list of pilgrimage but
when never knew and there it was all for me… I had a wonderful 8 days trip to
India (famously known as land of Love) which I fantasized about very often and
reality was what I happened to reveal. Few of my many friends have been there
having experienced new shapes of life and many will to experience in their life
span so here I bring to you a glimpse of what I experienced in India in rather
casual way. Mind not the language as being more informal tone but I bet you
would enjoy the journey through these lines.
had a chance to visit India and thought to make most of it though for health purposes
and for shorter period. Taj Mahal had always been on my list of pilgrimage but
when never knew and there it was all for me… I had a wonderful 8 days trip to
India (famously known as land of Love) which I fantasized about very often and
reality was what I happened to reveal. Few of my many friends have been there
having experienced new shapes of life and many will to experience in their life
span so here I bring to you a glimpse of what I experienced in India in rather
casual way. Mind not the language as being more informal tone but I bet you
would enjoy the journey through these lines.
Anon: What single word would you use describing your trip?
JJahid: Again!
Anon: A single statement about your trip?
JJahid: Spiritually touched by life diversity but next time with family or
friends and I would quote Susan Heller’s “When preparing to
travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes
and twice the money.”
friends and I would quote Susan Heller’s “When preparing to
travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes
and twice the money.”
Anon: What was new to you and how did you take it?
JJahid:
Very lately I wished to visit a church
(in Italy for instance), a Buddhist temple (in Tibet for instance) and luckily
the Easter (the annual celebration of resurrection of Jesus) was being
celebrated in Churches all around India and Sacred Heart Cathedral was in the
vicinity of hotel I was staying in. I attended almost full sermon by the priest
talking more of global peace, harmony, brotherhood and services to fellow
beings. I think all religions better promote message of peace and brotherhood
which the world needs the most when clashes of thoughts end up in war usually
turning into global catastrophe. Happily I will avail visiting Tibet by any
chance to feel the warmth and essence of Buddhism on my own because there is
the whole world to explore and many things to learn in order to become better
human being. How well James Michener quoted, “If you reject the
food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might
better stay at home.”
Very lately I wished to visit a church
(in Italy for instance), a Buddhist temple (in Tibet for instance) and luckily
the Easter (the annual celebration of resurrection of Jesus) was being
celebrated in Churches all around India and Sacred Heart Cathedral was in the
vicinity of hotel I was staying in. I attended almost full sermon by the priest
talking more of global peace, harmony, brotherhood and services to fellow
beings. I think all religions better promote message of peace and brotherhood
which the world needs the most when clashes of thoughts end up in war usually
turning into global catastrophe. Happily I will avail visiting Tibet by any
chance to feel the warmth and essence of Buddhism on my own because there is
the whole world to explore and many things to learn in order to become better
human being. How well James Michener quoted, “If you reject the
food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might
better stay at home.”
Things I did for the
first time: International flight, travel by metro, 3D
movie (GI Joe retaliation), Limca cold drink, sweet lassi (awesome taste!),
used only one jeans throughout my trip, so on so forth.
first time: International flight, travel by metro, 3D
movie (GI Joe retaliation), Limca cold drink, sweet lassi (awesome taste!),
used only one jeans throughout my trip, so on so forth.
Anon: How
did you find the Indians? Any bad/good memory?
did you find the Indians? Any bad/good memory?
JJahid: Hmmm,
it varies which part of the city you visit as people in the downtown are
disciplined, neat and educated treating visitors no more different than normal
human beings; for instance, go to markets, restaurants, cinemas in New Delhi
while middle class people in Old Delhi for example leave no stones un-turned in
earning their livings who with less food volume (one third of normal meal) try
dawn to dusk to make living possible for their children and themselves.
Generally, people are peaceful, welcoming and hospitable to visitors and to
each other. I found them respectful to women as women work as labors, shop
keepers, drivers and every duty they can make some earnings. As Afghan I never
felt humiliated by my identity and each person I came into contact with treated
me no more than a guest from. When travelling to Agra from Delhi by Nagpur bus I
had to change my bus at a place I don’t recall and it was around 3 morning when
there was nothing but only deserted road so taking a direction I walked for
almost 10 minutes when I spotted people worshiping their god (Budh) on
religious tunes while some young boys giving a cup of tea & biscuit to
whoever would pass by. One man inquired about my destination, my country and
why all alone that late with two bags and Agra was the destination I told him
and waiting for bus to get to main city. In a minute or two 3 more men came to
me who already found enough about my country, destination, etc. and offered me
a cup of tea which I happily accepted as was trembling in cold. To my surprise,
they did not agree on my getting a car that late as were afraid of me being
robbed by some thugs and asked me to wait till 4:30. On my insistence, the 3
got on the road to get me a taxi or auto (Rakshaw) which they managed in 10 to
15 minutes after some test of patience. It did not end here, they told the auto
driver to get 5 rupees not 10 or even more as to them I was a guest and earnest
gratitude I had to pay for making me feel secured and making my trip a safe
one. How peaceful my an 30 – 40 minutes stay with them was with their
unconditional support and care for a stranger and me never felt lost. I have
preserved the peaceful memory!
it varies which part of the city you visit as people in the downtown are
disciplined, neat and educated treating visitors no more different than normal
human beings; for instance, go to markets, restaurants, cinemas in New Delhi
while middle class people in Old Delhi for example leave no stones un-turned in
earning their livings who with less food volume (one third of normal meal) try
dawn to dusk to make living possible for their children and themselves.
Generally, people are peaceful, welcoming and hospitable to visitors and to
each other. I found them respectful to women as women work as labors, shop
keepers, drivers and every duty they can make some earnings. As Afghan I never
felt humiliated by my identity and each person I came into contact with treated
me no more than a guest from. When travelling to Agra from Delhi by Nagpur bus I
had to change my bus at a place I don’t recall and it was around 3 morning when
there was nothing but only deserted road so taking a direction I walked for
almost 10 minutes when I spotted people worshiping their god (Budh) on
religious tunes while some young boys giving a cup of tea & biscuit to
whoever would pass by. One man inquired about my destination, my country and
why all alone that late with two bags and Agra was the destination I told him
and waiting for bus to get to main city. In a minute or two 3 more men came to
me who already found enough about my country, destination, etc. and offered me
a cup of tea which I happily accepted as was trembling in cold. To my surprise,
they did not agree on my getting a car that late as were afraid of me being
robbed by some thugs and asked me to wait till 4:30. On my insistence, the 3
got on the road to get me a taxi or auto (Rakshaw) which they managed in 10 to
15 minutes after some test of patience. It did not end here, they told the auto
driver to get 5 rupees not 10 or even more as to them I was a guest and earnest
gratitude I had to pay for making me feel secured and making my trip a safe
one. How peaceful my an 30 – 40 minutes stay with them was with their
unconditional support and care for a stranger and me never felt lost. I have
preserved the peaceful memory!
In short, there had been
questions in my mind on my smooth & friendly interaction with the Indians
but openly I passed on each one _instinctively we are all same!
questions in my mind on my smooth & friendly interaction with the Indians
but openly I passed on each one _instinctively we are all same!
JJahid: Mind
not if you are questioned on your travel purpose, stay location, duration, etc.
at FRRO to get your police registration as we are inherited this treatment by
the dark history of war & violence our ancestors brought on ourselves and
our neighboring countries.
not if you are questioned on your travel purpose, stay location, duration, etc.
at FRRO to get your police registration as we are inherited this treatment by
the dark history of war & violence our ancestors brought on ourselves and
our neighboring countries.
Anon: Every
trip has some embarrassing experiences so what was yours?
trip has some embarrassing experiences so what was yours?
JJahid: I knew
you would ask, so had done my homework. On the third day of my stay after my appointment
with doctor I walked around Connaught Place where shops of all kinds locate
with obviously bars & restaurants and cinemas. Having decided to watch a
movie I got a ticket but had an hour & half before the movie starts and had
not had my lunch. So I looked for restaurants which I found many. I went to one
without having read the board which said “Bar & Restaurant” where people don’t only
visit for meal but also get drunk. So I ordered pineapple juice and an Italian
food which I don’t remember. While having my lunch I noticed bottles of drinks
on each table and I childishly was having juice so hurriedly I finished my meal
and I was outta there. Guys having no experience of drinks never go to bar or
else you are on your own – embarrassed!
you would ask, so had done my homework. On the third day of my stay after my appointment
with doctor I walked around Connaught Place where shops of all kinds locate
with obviously bars & restaurants and cinemas. Having decided to watch a
movie I got a ticket but had an hour & half before the movie starts and had
not had my lunch. So I looked for restaurants which I found many. I went to one
without having read the board which said “Bar & Restaurant” where people don’t only
visit for meal but also get drunk. So I ordered pineapple juice and an Italian
food which I don’t remember. While having my lunch I noticed bottles of drinks
on each table and I childishly was having juice so hurriedly I finished my meal
and I was outta there. Guys having no experience of drinks never go to bar or
else you are on your own – embarrassed!
Anon: What place
(s) did you enjoy visiting and WHY?
(s) did you enjoy visiting and WHY?
JJahid: I
would start respond with Jawahar lal Nehru’s quote “We live in a wonderful
world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the
adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open” because each
site has its own charm. In the short span of my trip I visited limited number
of places but enjoyed each visit to the utmost extent. The places I had chance
to visit in Delhi were India Gate, President House, Lal Qala, Connaught Place,
Lajpat Nagar Center Market, Kalkaji, Gurgaon, Nehru City Mall, Nai Sarak (Old
Delhi), Odeon Cinema and in Agra I went to the great symbol of LOVE “Taj
Mahal”, Agra bazaar, shopping center and cinema names of which I don’t recall.
Taj Mahal has always been inspirational place to see masterpiece architecture
of Mughul King Shah Jahan in the memory of his third beloved wife Mumtaz who
had died while giving birth to a child. The name Taj Mahal means the “Crown of
Palaces” which has been one of the wonders of the world. Despite no bigger
budget and mega starred cast movies were released during my initial stay
period, I went for Joly LLB with cast like Arshad Warsi, Booman Irani and
Amrita Rao because of the wonderful films by these 3 great stars. Though Booman’s
Houseful 2 was a total crap to me, mind not a single flop acting of super stars
and I enjoyed watching on bigger screen at late night show.
would start respond with Jawahar lal Nehru’s quote “We live in a wonderful
world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the
adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open” because each
site has its own charm. In the short span of my trip I visited limited number
of places but enjoyed each visit to the utmost extent. The places I had chance
to visit in Delhi were India Gate, President House, Lal Qala, Connaught Place,
Lajpat Nagar Center Market, Kalkaji, Gurgaon, Nehru City Mall, Nai Sarak (Old
Delhi), Odeon Cinema and in Agra I went to the great symbol of LOVE “Taj
Mahal”, Agra bazaar, shopping center and cinema names of which I don’t recall.
Taj Mahal has always been inspirational place to see masterpiece architecture
of Mughul King Shah Jahan in the memory of his third beloved wife Mumtaz who
had died while giving birth to a child. The name Taj Mahal means the “Crown of
Palaces” which has been one of the wonders of the world. Despite no bigger
budget and mega starred cast movies were released during my initial stay
period, I went for Joly LLB with cast like Arshad Warsi, Booman Irani and
Amrita Rao because of the wonderful films by these 3 great stars. Though Booman’s
Houseful 2 was a total crap to me, mind not a single flop acting of super stars
and I enjoyed watching on bigger screen at late night show.
I am always inspired to visit a monument built in the memory of national
heroes and how would I miss India Gate which I enjoyed visiting despite being
all alone. You will see Chinese, Iranians, Westerns and Indians from other states
visiting this marvelous site. When you visit Lal Qala (Red Fort), there is
special concession for Afghans as we are members of SAARC countries and get
ticket at local rates but remember Police may trick you for being foreign
visitor. Anyhow, the Red Fort was built by Shah Jahan when shifting his
empire’s capital from Agra to Delhi in 17th century AD. The term red
is used as red sandstones is used extensively for the fort construction.
Believe me you will remember Mandavi on your visit to Sarak Nai in Old Delhi as
I had to purchase some tutorial CD’s for a colleague of mine.
heroes and how would I miss India Gate which I enjoyed visiting despite being
all alone. You will see Chinese, Iranians, Westerns and Indians from other states
visiting this marvelous site. When you visit Lal Qala (Red Fort), there is
special concession for Afghans as we are members of SAARC countries and get
ticket at local rates but remember Police may trick you for being foreign
visitor. Anyhow, the Red Fort was built by Shah Jahan when shifting his
empire’s capital from Agra to Delhi in 17th century AD. The term red
is used as red sandstones is used extensively for the fort construction.
Believe me you will remember Mandavi on your visit to Sarak Nai in Old Delhi as
I had to purchase some tutorial CD’s for a colleague of mine.
Anon: Did
you have any surprises during your trip which you had not expected?
you have any surprises during your trip which you had not expected?
JJahid: When
waiting for the start of movie at Odeon theater, I thought to get myself a
wrist watch which may range 4000 – 5000 rupees and entered a shop where the
watch I liked the most cost 6500 USD which never would I afford, so did not
bother to look for another one. I got myself and Raha (my friend who joined
me in Agra and my return to Delhi from Jaipur where he studies BBA in Jaipur
University) ice-cream which I
thought to get 2 cups but to my question on price, the single cup was 1100
rupees and we had to have only one sharing both of us. I never knew ice-cream
would be that expensive, thankfully I had plenty to pay or who knows…
waiting for the start of movie at Odeon theater, I thought to get myself a
wrist watch which may range 4000 – 5000 rupees and entered a shop where the
watch I liked the most cost 6500 USD which never would I afford, so did not
bother to look for another one. I got myself and Raha (my friend who joined
me in Agra and my return to Delhi from Jaipur where he studies BBA in Jaipur
University) ice-cream which I
thought to get 2 cups but to my question on price, the single cup was 1100
rupees and we had to have only one sharing both of us. I never knew ice-cream
would be that expensive, thankfully I had plenty to pay or who knows…
Anon: Something
you can never forget?
you can never forget?
JJahid: The
gentleness of people who helped me get auto for Agra bazaar, the decency of waiters
at KFC’s, MaCdonalds, Cinemas, the openness of drivers, the hospitality of Aman
Hotel Inn staff, polite attitude and generous help of Delhi airport crew and
amazing communication skills of shop keepers, etc.
gentleness of people who helped me get auto for Agra bazaar, the decency of waiters
at KFC’s, MaCdonalds, Cinemas, the openness of drivers, the hospitality of Aman
Hotel Inn staff, polite attitude and generous help of Delhi airport crew and
amazing communication skills of shop keepers, etc.
Anon: Any
regrets?
regrets?
Missed to attend the opening
ceremony of Indian Premier League (IPL) as my appointment with doctor
coincided, missed dance floor as was scared to death of going all alone, could
not go to Goa with short trip duration, etc.
ceremony of Indian Premier League (IPL) as my appointment with doctor
coincided, missed dance floor as was scared to death of going all alone, could
not go to Goa with short trip duration, etc.
Anon:
Any message?
Any message?
JJahid:
Plan to go in February or March to enjoy
fully! And an inspiring poem from a movie for all of you
Plan to go in February or March to enjoy
fully! And an inspiring poem from a movie for all of you
Live your life to the full
Jawad
Jahid – April 17, 2013
Jahid – April 17, 2013
