Travellers’ Tales: 3

Bhaswati Bose (from left), Nahid Khan and Nahid Siddiqui 

In continuation of our series on ‘phoren returned’ members (ref posts of March 25 and April 1), it was the turn of Bhaswati Bose, Nahid Siddiqui and Nahid Khan today to speak on their recent trip of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. They were part of a 15-member group that toured the two cities between June 10 and 15, 2019.
As expected, the discussion took off on the ground they could cover – an itinerary that included the usual touristy sights of Sentosa Island, Gardens by the Bay, night safari (in Singapore) and Genting Highlands, Batu Caves, city tour, etc. (in Kuala Lumpur). They also spoke of their hectic time table, shopping opportunities, hotel stay, food they got to eat and so on.
But what impressed the audience at China Hut this morning was the sense of humour these ladies exuded while narrating the ‘side shows’. Nahid Khan, for whom this was the first overseas trip, had still not got over the “small date palm trees” she saw in Malaysia, the huge litchis she gorged

Session in progress at the China Hut

on, or the fact that unlike others, she could travel on the upper deck of a double-decker aircraft to and fro.
Her biggest concern though, was of getting separated from the group on foreign soil. “Every time we stopped for shopping, I was seized by panic,” she revealed. “What would happen if any of us got separated from the group? At Genting for instance, the moment the cable car stopped, everybody rushed out and bikhar gaye (scattered away). Some went for shopping, some to the casino, some simply disappeared… I tried to keep track, but it was impossible. Sure enough, Gulzar’s family and Rani were missing when we left the place.”
Nahid Siddiqui, in contrast, was struck by the discipline and civic sense of the locals. “You won’t hear any car honking, however heavy the traffic. There was no garbage, no dirt, no litter on the roads. Even public toilets were spick and span, no foul odour at all. You won’t find a beggar

Checking tour photos on Bhaswati's mobile

anywhere or a person in tatters. No wonder those from India who have settled there, do not want to come back.”
However, she had suffered a nervous hiccup when the Customs and Immigration authorities at the Malaysian border did not allow her in. Her finger prints did not register on their system. In the process, the group was left stranded for an hour or so. She was put through multiple checks till a senior officer took pity when she complained of her “shoulders aching” (by repeatedly pressing her fingers on their machine) and let her through. “But they held back two foreigners who were in our coach,” informed Bhaswati Bose.
As group leader, Bhaswati too had her moments of anxiety, mainly at keeping her flock together. But unlike the rest, she managed to savour some local cuisine (eg. 'curry cut rice') and play at the casino (and lose). For more details on the trip, don’t miss the photo montage in tomorrow’s Pic(s) of the Week.
Post Script: Today's session was hosted, courtesy Karun Sharma and Banoo Apa (as well as Saroj Muni). They were the ones to treat us generously to hot-hot tea and savories. Banoo Apa also wrapped up the session by expressing her happiness on the trip going off well and that everyone could return safe and sound.
"I hope I would be able to join you all on your next trip," she added in her concluding remarks.

Kartika Rani:
Thanks for the lovely blog. Even I was mentioned in the travel story. A big thank you and hug from my side. Will try to connect on more of such international tours.

Karun Sharma:
It was a well-organized, structured and well-delivered travel talk. We were able to visualize the positives of the trip and felt like accompanying the group on a future trip.