Road to Delhi

Travelling is something that satisfies the soul! I was never this desperate about anything before. When, from our respected teacher (Mr. Md. Wasiuzzaman),  we first got the idea of going on an excursion and that it would take place outside the country, it felt like something especial. I felt like, this has to happen whatever the situation is! We will not leave it at all until it’s done! And let me tell you, one must follow one’s passion! If you are devoted to your dream, you will have it. This is true about everything in life. We really worked hard to turn our dream into reality! We did every possible thing and sometimes beyond our ability to make this tour happen. We went here and there, we failed for a couple of times yet never lost hope. This was the best part. Me, Nikhat and Riba – we really put an effort that is worth appreciation, honestly! And we can’t thank enough Maswood Sir (Dr. A F M Maswood Akhter). He was the one because of whom we never felt helpless, hopeless or depressed. We had a low budget from the beginning and he just suggested, “Don’t leave it, whatever you have you can make it”. We salute you, Sir. We are really grateful to you. We cannot forget our honorable teacher, Md. Sakhawat Hossain, for the ways in which he helped us to get financial support from potential sponsors and donors. Sir was with us throughout the whole process. When the D-day came, it was like a dream come true. Every moment was countable: from Rajshahi to Bangladeshi Customs, and then the crossing of borders, and our scream “Border ke us paar”, and finally, the formalities at the Indian Customs – all of it was memorable.

 Here I must thank my friend Nikhat’s Mother and her Cousin Shahin dada who handled every situation so well that those phases ended easily. Nikhat’s family also invited us to their house for lunch. Our lunch was total “Shahi Lunch”. There were so many delicious authentic Indian dishes that I can still feel the taste. It was finger licking delicious. From there, saying “thanks” from the bottom of our hearts, we left for the Farakka Railway Station where our journey to Delhi began. Ahh! I enjoyed each and every moment! Let me give you an advice here: whenever you are on a journey always keep only one point in your mind, that is - “Whatever it is, it’s the best.” And then you will never ever feel insecure, bored or disturbed. Your trip will be the best then. The best of this 35 hours journey was exploring different parts of India from the train. 

I can’t thank enough our four male friends Rafi, Kalyan, Sumon and Kazal at this point. They have been more than real brothers. The way they helped us, listened to our every demand and took care of the food arrangements - that really amazed me. On the way, we saw Mughalsarai, Kashi, Varanasi, Kanpur and Lucknow in glimpses from the train. I just fell in love with Lucknow city! It was so amazing and beautiful! We got to see the biggest Shiv Mandir, Red Fort and also Agra Fort from the train. Those were just glimpses but we were overjoyed. We got off the train whenever it stopped at the stations, got scolded sweetly by Shahnaz mam, and still took the risk (laugh) and clicked selfies from the train. 

Our discussions, sitting together on the train, sharing the food and exploring everything together completed the journey. I felt like I could pass another 35 hours in the train easily. We never felt bored for a single moment there as we were all together. Being on the train was like a picnic on the way.  But there are some things that you should have to follow before you get into a train for long hours. (These are only for those who won’t travel in AC compartments. In an air conditioned train, they treat you like a guest from a bridegroom’s party - ha ha ha! And it’s impossible to enjoy the scenery outside if you travel in these closed compartments. But one’s journey should be made to enrich one’s experience. This also becomes part of treasured memory). So the cautions are:

1. You have to buy a chain for the safety of your trolley.    
2. Always try to be confident and cordial.
3.       In case of choosing food, do not choose in haste.
4.     Try to eat fruits as they are very cheap and healthy, and as Indian spicy food may not suit your health always.
5.       In the train, you should have a big water bottle with you for drinking water. Do not waste drinking water.
6.       Stuffs like a shawl, a mobile charger, toothpaste, tooth brush, tissue-papers, clothes for change, snacks, flat shoes, a facewash, a towel and some amount of money should be carried in a backpack so that you do not have to unlock your heavy trolley again and again.
7.       Do not forget to carry a first aid kit with you, especially containing medicines like paracetamol and domperidone (lessens motion sickness), a painkiller, an ointment, band-aids, necessary antibiotics etc.

That’s all. Go for it wherever you want to go. Enjoy. Do travel, as travelling is the most amazing thing in the world. Wait for my next post how was Delhi Tour. Keep reading.