TRAVEL - Travails Of Travel

Chugging down the memory track, I would like to share some of my experiences of travels. Travelling was, sometimes fun and most of the time it was a nightmare. 

Travel was many times either to attend some family functions, like marriage. Or 

house warming etc. Going for holiday was uncommon then. 

 Other problems were getting reservation in trains. And for that too you had to go to the station. Travelling by general compartment was a punishment. Especially when trains or reservations were cancelled. Struggle for seat was a tug of war. And if that was not possible then sit on the floor either near the door or toilet. That was very nauseating. 

 Then other problems were the huge luggage. Beddings, suitcases, baskets full of snacks, lunch or dinner, were carried, either ourself or coolie. But we enjoyed our food. Aloo, puri, pickles, buns, jam, sweets, sandwiches. It was some thing like picnic for kids. We had to keep them engaged with their games or food. Carrying a thermos full of coffee was always welcome. 

The chaiwala on the station platform, the pakodas from pheriwalas were enjoyable.

 Every station boasted of the specialty in that region or state. Like Agra ke pethha, Mathura ke pedhe. Or if you are crossing Madhya Pradesh, then Ujjain ki Kachori, and poha. Passengers would be waiting eagerly at the door for the train to reach the platform. They would jump down and rush to buy these, when the train slowed down. Whoever got these first, entered the compartment, pretended victorious, as if they won a trophy. 

 

 Then after few years the reservation agents were in the city. So that was a big relief. Gradually travel agents started mushrooming.  Suddenly there was a boom in travel industry. People, confined to homes started moving, and exploring places.  Travelling became more comfortable. Hotels, resorts, homestays were easily available. 

Computerization has brought a revolution in this field. Luxury buses, A. C.Taxis we're affordable. 

There were times Air travel was a distant dream. Guests and a relative who arrived by flight was considered an angel descending from heaven above. And from a foreign country, gifting chocolates to their relatives or friends was seen like a 

Supreme being. 

 But now air travels have become accessible to every common man. Now air travel is not reserved for The Elite class only. 

Every aspect or detail of traveling has become easy and affordable. 

 So my friends enjoy travelling.