How would you react, if a simple offer to have 4 backpackers traveling on a budget of USD15/day (completely unknown to you) stop at your home for a short while to do some errands, get connected - somehow transforms into multiple meals, good conversations and having them stay the night and assisting them through a quandary? Sometimes, life IS stranger than fiction!!
So, it started with DH telling me that there were 4 college grads coming to our place on Saturday to get their laundry done. The background given to me was as follows:
- these boys were on a 3 month backpacking trip through India and Nepal
- they had been traveling for a month already
- one of the boys was a nephew of a colleague
And, if like me, you too are married, you will realize that the above information is a LOT to receive from one's spouse!
Anyways, between the kids classes and my own agendas, I sort of forgot about our brief chat (which should not come as a surprise if you have been married for more than single digit years!). Suddenly, my cell rings and Joe (name changed) is on the other end telling me that they are on their way to our place. Yep, I suddenly rush home for some quick clean-up and await the arrival of the boys.
When they walked in, I realized that calling them "boys" was a bit of a misnomer when describing these 6' - 6.4' tall men in their 20s.
So they arrive, settle down in the guest room, get the Wi-Fi password, make their calls, fill up the laundry basket with clothes that are best not described, and go about their business. I offer to make them some breakfast and they reluctantly agree.
Breakfast consists of fresh fruits, bell pepper and spring onion frittata, pancakes (with real maple syrup), toast and freshly squeezed orange juice. All followed by large mugs of Malaysian coffee.
Let's just say that the only complaints heard around the dining table were - "please pass me the butter" and "more pancakes please".
As the lunch hour neared, we suggested a local Mexican restaurant, which in our books served some of the more authentic fare. Over lunch, we chatted and I asked how their parents agreed to let them come so far for so long. To which Joe responded, "I simply told them that I knew someone in India", as he teasingly looked at DH. You can imagine our reactions!! Yes, always be cautious, because, sitting wherever you are, you simply never know who is using your reference to get an idea sanctioned that normally should be coming with multiple warnings!!!!
Not to bore you with details of their stay with us - I will simply add that we suggested they attend a reggae event at a local music café, and check out local highlights like the Bangalore palace, Lalbagh, MG Road etc. and bid them our byes. Then they headed to the bus station to catch an overnight sleeper to Hampi.
Life is never simple, is it? We get a call two days later, and are informed that Joe has "lost" his passport, credit cards, camera, cash etc. and they are coming back to Bangalore. And they were back at 7 a.m. the next day!
They were stressed and unhappy about possibly missing out on a visit to Nepal. Joe gets busy cancelling his credit cards, calling his parents, getting money transferred, getting his passport applications printed and filled. Sadly, there is an undercurrent of disappointment that is hard to describe in words. After all, they had embraced every bit of the country (from the unusual food to the occasional schemer auto driver to the famous Indian head nod, to the getting-an-answer-for-everything-even-if-the-person-giving-it-has-no-idea to so much more) and maybe became somewhat lax in their alertness in doing so.
The breakfast consisted of fresh fruits, scones, zucchini bread, scrambled eggs, toast with corn topping (see recipe below) and fresh orange juice. Yes, they were not in a great mental state, but, I think the tension between them eased a bit over breakfast.
To cut a long story short, an FIR was lodged, the tickets for their Nepal trip was cancelled, new plans made, Joe was sent to get passport picture taken (with a stop at the local barber to get rid of the beard).
The boys took a train to Delhi and we breathed a sigh of relief that they were all set and that the Embassy in Delhi will take care of the rest.
Are you thinking it is over?
Two days later we receive a call from the hostel owner at Hampi, informing us that Joe's passport was mailed back by the perps to the local post office!!
How often do you think this happens? A stranger's family takes you and your friends in; a small set back happens, but, again you get all the support and help to get through it; your friends stick by you and re-set their plans; a thief returns what he does not need and you are able to make the journey to the Himalayas....
What this whole experience has taught me, is that there is an amazing sort of Karma that gets created when you start an adventure with an open mindset.
You can get embraced anywhere - you just need to open yourself to others.
P.S. - A special note to Joe's mother. Please don't worry about thanking us. We truly did it out of adventure, enjoyment and a small hope that whenever our boys venture out for something like this, they too get someone who takes them in - unconditionally.
P.P.S - However, you are welcome to thank me for getting rid of Joe's beard :). After all, one mom understands another's woes!!
Corn on Toast
(makes 4 toast toppings)
3/4 cup frozen corn defrosted
1 cup hot milk
1 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. all purpose flour
Green Chili chopped fine (optional)
1/4 tsp sugar
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 slices of bread toasted with butter spread on it
Make a roux using flour and butter. Ensure that you cook over medium heat till the flour no longer smells raw. Add hot milk, to the mixture, while stirring continuously. The sauce will start thickening almost immediately.
Add the corn, green chili, salt, sugar and pepper.
Serve over hot toast and enjoy truly an amazing breakfast!!!
When you serve your guests, your favorite meals, it does not take long to make them "feel at home"!!
