US TRIP

It’s very difficult for us to form a real and truthful idea of something or some place or some people whom we have never seen or met. We are so used to our present conditions and ways of living and pre occupied thoughts and imaginations that we can hardly come to the real idea about an utterly different world. And this part of world having ancient history and background was totally different from the modern developed world. All we can do is to guess with the help of books or contacts, what the places and people in those regions are like. Before globalization and fast communications, it was not that easy or easily accomplished thought to visit those places. We used to know USSR and USA as two super powers of world and UK once used to rule the world. Whatever knowledge imparted with was through history and geography of those regions and that created an interest to know more about that. But I had never thought of going there until Raman went there for higher studies. Once he was there and he wrote a lot about the places and people there around in different context, I imagined for a visit, but was not sure of making it. I and Raman went to Biratnagar in 1964. It was in Nepal and it was a foreign land, though very similar to our land and people. The only difference was the availability of foreign made goods in the market, which were not at all available in India. My next visit to another country was to Gangtok in Sikkim in 1967.At that time it was an independent country and had different laws and culture. Still, it can not be subscribed as visit abroad. In 1978/79 I happened to visit Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal for 10 days, but US trip in 1973 is the only trip abroad in true sense so far. Raman being there, he was always interested and insisted me to make it to be there to see that part of world with all modern culture, society and modernizations. He knows me and my interest to inquest into places, people and relations and he wanted me to utilize his presence to explore this. Earlier he traveled through east and west coast of USA covering all interesting places and wanted me to join him, but for some or other reasons I could not make it. And then after his marriage he offered me the same opportunity as he wanted to drive his wife all through east west coast same way. Circumstances compelled me to take up the trip without Shobha. It was not a pleasant situation. But both Raman and Shobha wanted me to avail this opportunity. It was a great understanding and adjustment on part of Raman and Shobha both. Raman had to make unusual changes in his program and at times out of way gestures to show me something unusual there around. And Shobha had to be alone away from me immediately after Sangeet’s birth on that account. I am really grateful to both of them. Babuji and Bai also had to suffer a lot mentally and sentimentally. They never thought of any such situation. And on top of it, there happened a plane crash near Bangalore only a fortnight before my departure, so they were very much worried and suggested to postpone it, but as Raman had made all tour plans, I was in no return point. My application for US visa got rejected without any specific reason. It was a set back to Raman’s program. He wanted me to fly to Canada as there was no need of any visa to Canada at that time, but I did not dare to do so. Raman’s brother had some contacts with the US Councilor and Raman also phoned him from US. So when I met him next morning, he sanctioned the VISA. Even before that I got all necessary preparations done and Raman made all necessary reservations and plans etc at his end. I very minutely studied a book named VISHWA YATRA KE SANSMARAN, written by Sri Rameshwar Tantia, MP about his world tours. It was a very informative book and I studied it very deeply to get myself acquainted with all about the places and people I was about to visit. I planned to leave Purulia on 8th July in noon to avail Rajdhani express from Dhanbad en route to Delhi to catch the Air India flight on 9th July in evening. Babuji went up to Dhanbad and he presented a rose to me at the time of departure. I could realise their feelings and was upset for my unscheduled planning.. Sandhya was in US at that time and I was not in touch with her since three years, though I had assured her to meet someday in USA itself when I met before her marriage. I was without her address. She was in BALTIMORE, that only I had information. At that time there was no direct flight. Air India had very recently purchased four Jumbo jets. I was to be in Ashoka to go through Bombay, Berut, Frankfurt, Parish and London. I had only one experience of air travel before that. The plane I boarded at Delhi was very big and well decorated but not as huge as I had thought of after my study about Jumbo. After two hours I was in Bombay and we were to change the aircraft there and thereafter I was in Ashoka the jumbo. It was huge and luxuriously decorated. Superb food was supplied all through and hostesses were very homely. As I moved on I was amazed to see airport and facilities around at Berut, Frankfurt and Parish. I was amazed to see the intimate activities of newly wedded Indian couples traveling with me. It might not have amazed me now, but it was thirty years back. I felt very lonely and started missing family instantly. I was excited with new experience and down with feeling of loneliness. I was determined to make it a great pleasure trip by all means. I intended to enjoy every moment, every situation, all foods, all days and nights and make it a memorable one, though alone. As it was an Air India flight, I was amongst Indians and food was all of my liking. I was with music and songs of my choice and through some movies to pass time. It was 26 hours flight on the same plane. Of course I spent sometime in between moving at intermediate airports and duration between two stops were maximum within 2/3 hours except between London and New York, which was in a stretch for 7 hours and on Atlantic ocean right across. London airport was the most impressive one and for the first time I moved on an automatic moving path. I had just $ 108 with me as per RBI permission. Out of that fund I bought Whisky and cigarettes, as per Raman’s suggestion as prices were cheapest on board. At that time US dollar was equivalent to Rs.8 only. By the time I reached London, I was down with homesickness and with thoughts of to be like that for long. In last leg and longest stretch from London, I was engulfed with suffocating feelings. I was compelled to inform all about this to one British hostess and requested her if she could sit by my side and talk with me to get me out of that state to some extent. She was very cordial and helpful. Though she could not sit by my side, but she spent a good amount of time talking with me, she provided me shaving kit and toiletries for me to be fresh and talked all about my purpose of visit and acquaintances there around. It helped me a lot and by noon we were over New York. But it could not get clearance at the airport and had to keep on trying to land and again to be back in sky. This ups and down made all inmates sick, many persons in particular females started vomiting and it was a terrible experience over the skyline of New York. Finally I got landed and came out of the Ashoka after having a smiling good bye from hostesses and in particular from that British hostess. It was a wonderful experience and feeling to have first step on American land. I was excited about myself that I could make it to be there. It was not so common to visit US as it has become now. And then to come from a place like Purulia and that too just for pleasure trip and that too without spouse, was an exceptional case. Before I could come out of the shock to see such a huge airport where jumbo jets were standing in queue like that of taxi queue at Howrah station, I was surrounded with some officers to enquire why my visa application was rejected earlier and how long I wanted to be there in US and how I intended to support myself during stay over there with a few dollars in pocket. They could not get convinced with my explanation. I was asked to return back or report for extension on or before 31st July. It all took sometime and when I came out to the lounge, only my luggage was there for custom clearance etc. After all those formalities being over I talked with Raman through public phone. It was my first experience of collect call where charges were to be paid by the person on the other side on his acceptance, of course. I was to fly on an American Airlines plane to Cleveland from a near by airport. JFK Airport itself was worth a visit, but as I was already late and might miss the connecting flight to Cleveland, I came out of the port to embark upon a bus plying to the Lalguda airport nearby. The Airport, the bus and the road, the lightings and all surroundings were just amazing. I took the bus, told the driver about my destination and was looking through window with great interest all over. Within half an hour, I was the only person left over, all got down at their destination. The driver stopped the bus, came to me and asked about my destination. Perhaps my English accent was not so distinct and he could not follow me. It was a circular bus plying through all different terminals around the airport and after completing the round, driver was shocked to find me still seating. I showed him my ticket and then he could realize that I might have already missed the flight. He rushed to my destination and did not make any stop over in between in spite of passengers waiting there around. He wanted me to rush up and see if I could avail the flight and was very sorry for he could not understand my direction initially. I rushed into the terminal and was worried about the agony I was likely to face, had the flight already left over. To my relief, that flight got delayed by two hours, an unusual case though. I informed Raman about that and ultimately I arrived at Cleveland around 10 in night with Raman and Shashi bhabhi at the airport to receive me. Thus the most exciting, adventurous, comfortable and suffocating at the same time, journey got accomplished and I was at home in with Raman around. He was so delighted to get me there ultimately. I told him all about my journey and time limit stamped on visa. He was confident of managing all once I was within US. Apart that I informed him about two very friendly and kind gestures by the British hostess on board and the bus driver at the JFK airport that impressed me the most to start with I appreciated their humanitarian approach bestowed upon me during my worry some state of mind. That helped me to get out of agony. He then enquired about Sandhya and her where about in US. I could only inform him that she was at Baltimore. I did not have her address or phone number. . Well, he contacted the bell phone’s helpline and wanted her phone number. Within a few minutes, it was informed that there was no telephone in her or her husband’s name in US. We could know later that they had changed the spelling of their title or otherwise we could have traced them out instantly. It was some 30 years back and the services were so prompt in all respect that amazed and impressed me the most. Raman’s was a 3 room flat well-furnished and equipped at 32, Desota Avenue, Cleveland. His nephew Manohar was also with him and was working in a Chartered Accounting firm owned by Mr.Dingus, an American black person, whom I had earlier met during Raman’s marriage. We got retired to sleep around mid night after he told me all about our travel plans. Day after we were to leave for our trip across America by his car. It was a rented flat, which was to be released before our journey begins. He had given ads in local papers for auction and sale of all furniture next day as we were to be in another furnished home after our return from trip. Packing and carrying of furniture would have been a costly affair. Next day I witnessed with great interest selling of almost all articles by evening at throw away price. Next night we slept on floors and not on beds. We were left over with a dining table and a fridge. One couple came and offered to take away the dining table free of cost and it was given to them only to save the carrying and storage cost as the new house was totally furnished and we were to get into that from 31st July. So on 11th July our long awaited America Darshan trip began from Cleveland, in east coast of America to Los Angels in the west coast via all important and interesting places in between. Our first stoppage was at Chicago. We started about four hours late and could reach Chicago late in night .Our host there was an Indian family belonging to Allahabad in India who had studied with Raman at Sindri. Perhaps his name was Pawan Agarwal. My first day’s breakfast and lunch was in restaurant at Cleveland as kitchen was already abandoned for releasing flat. Raman knew about my open nature and adjustment to all kinds of foods and culture without any fussy and choosy attitude. I had also told him that I had intention to enjoy every moment of my stay through all new situation and information about the country, people and culture. So he was very comfortable with my adjustments and me. At Chicago we had dinner with Mr. Agarwal’s family with all Indian and homely food. In late night we drove through the streets, lake, down town, skyline including the Sears Towers, the then tallest buildings of the world. I was amazed and enchanted to see the glassy roads, streetlights and only vehicles plying on roads. The skyline of tall buildings in the down town area was also wonderful sight. I could see couples kissing and embracing while on car and on red lights to utilize the waiting time, could see similar close scenes while walking even on street. It was a free society altogether. We had a different culture .Now with all shorts of opening through TV and in particular through internet we too, are on the verge of entering the open society system. But it was shocking and interesting too, at that time. Raman was very clear in his mind and heart to explain all those to us. Although it was embarrassing at times to me, bhabhi and in particular with Manohar, being younger and unmarried, but a great gesture on Raman’s part to make it an informative and interesting tour. At around 3 in the morning, we stopped near a petrol pump to get our car filled up. We all got down and Raman was approaching towards the counter, all of a sudden he rushed back and wanted us to get inside the car and he drove very fast. We could not even understand the situation. He later explained that he could sense and see a car standing near by with black persons, who were approaching us with wrong intentions and any thing could have happened. We show the car following our car. That was my first interaction with law and order situation there around. Such kinds of high way robbery near petrol pump were common and he warned us to be cautious with black roamers at least. He further suggested me never to roam around in isolated place. We returned back to our host’s place around 4 in the morning. Next day we went to Bahai temple, roam around lake and passed through Evanston, the head quarter of Rotary, though I was not a Rotarian at that time. At breakfast table, I discussed with Agarwal family about them, their plans, their thoughts about India and America etc I found them well settled with the system, apprehensive of India and prevailing condition there around, though Mr. Agarwal seemed to be more sentimentally attached to his country and family persons. His wife was not at all interested to return back to India. They talked all negative about Indian political and social system, but ultimately they became sentimental on family bondage. Our next stay was with an American family, I don’t remember the place. Some year back, he worked with Raman, now settled there around with wife and one son. There I tasted many verities of cheese and American Chinese food dressed with lots of tomato catch up in place of meat to make it vegetarian. I might not have enjoyed the taste of food, but I enjoyed their hospitality, innovative way of eating, their open discussion about American family, society and bringing up and expectations from children. They never disturb children’s room and routine .We used their drawing room to sleep, but children’s room was not disturbed. In spite of knowing that the children would be self sufficient and to be away from parents after schooling without and duty bound responsibilities towards parents, they nourish and take full care of the child in most loving and intimate way. I had a mind to write date wise, but some links are missing out of memory. So, here I am to cover highlights of the trip without sequence. Raman had made our trip plan very meticulously so that it could cover cities and small towns, natural sites as well as entertaining programs, historical places, casinos, night life, American families and Indian families settled there. We were to drive around 8000 miles from 11th July to 29th July and thereafter a week’s stay at Cleveland for shopping etc with no shopping during pleasure trip. Niyagra, Washington and New York were to be covered in the last phase before flying back home. At places we were to stay in top class hotel, roadside motels, in our own tent, with Indian family and with American family to enjoy different taste of life. On the way we visited Mount Rushmore, where faces of four US presidents had been engraved and carved on a stiff rock, which got focused and illuminated properly to attract and enchant any visitor. We had one night’s stay in our own tent in the world famous Yellow Stone National Park. For the first time I saw natural hot springs where boiling hot water erupts from the surface of earth with duration of time. These are called GYSCERS, the most prominent was the Old Faithful spring. It erupts about 100 ft in height. New Zeland is famous for such Gyscers. Grand Canion of river Colarodo was another natural site, we enjoyed on the way. It has been created by erosion of soil by the fast flowing river over the time. We saw some Ghost town in between, which were habitats of red Indians, the native tribes of America. Now the modern USA is country of people migrated from all over world, in particular from Europe during Gold rush and oil rush. We crossed over the death valley of Nevada. It was a huge desert in between east and west coast and many people died while crossing over it, but it got developed after oil and gases were found and explored. USA is very large country, about three times bigger than India in size having one third population in comparison with India. We saw large agriculture farm and diary where everything was mechanized .We crossed through large potato producing area and met one of Raman’s friend who was working in his father’s bee farm. As there is no joint family system working in USA, adult wards are rarely seen living or working with father. So it was a compromise as per need. We went to Soccorro, a small university town, just to see the university campus from where Raman did his MS to start with. It was in western coast and thereafter he moved to Cleveland for PhD. in the eastern coast. We enjoyed riding on the biggest and longest cable car in Alboquerky. Nevada was the only state where gambling was permitted, so casino was the biggest business there around. We stayed at Rhino, a town popular for casinos, where people from all over come for gambling. It is continuous affair and never stopped and with neon light all over the casinos and other buildings of town, it presents great attraction to tourists. .Las Vegas is another but most popular city for casino where Hollywood stars and artists from Hollywood and Broadway, NewYork come for stage performance. There we stayed in Hotel Hilton, a seven star hotel and enjoyed the stage performance by some popular Hollywood artists. It was just out of world experience to walk on the beautiful street with thousands of tourists from all over the world around. I had never seen such display of lighting and illumination in any city. I enjoyed all this with great amazement but missed my family the most and felt very lonely. In between Rhino and Las Vegas, we spent two days at San Fransisco, one of the most beautiful cities on the west coast. We drove through the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Driving on the telegraph hill was a test of skill in driving. And there at China Town, Raman wanted me to see what night life in US means. It was a typical company that we had. Raman was with his newly wedded wife and wanted to show her all about America. I was alone and his best friend whom also he wanted to explore all about US freely. And to find a company for me he included Manohar, his unmarried and young nephew in the tour. It was a situation under compulsion. Raman with bhabhi alone could have enjoyed the trip most or if Shobha would have been there, we four could make it very homely. This combination was very typical. But Raman was ready to compromise for my sake. Well we started for our venture into nightlife of San Fransisco. Raman never gave a hint of what was to come before. We entered into for a show. It was full of tourists, mostly Japanese tourists as west coast was comparatively near to Japan via Honolulu. Very dim light was there. There was not a single seat available and people were enjoying standing. .A group of young girls were dancing on the platform in topless dress.30 years back, for a person from Purulia, it was like a shock to be with bhabhi and Manohar around. She was in teens and could never think of the situation particularly in presence of Manohar and me. We could not sustain the situation and had to come out within no time. We did not dare to look into each other’s eyes. Raman still persuaded to go through all other shows, but bhabhi was not ready and so he suggested us to divide into two groups. It was also a very typical situation but I still had open mind to venture with all new ideas, new vegetarian food, new company, new system and new culture. We went for two three such shows, each one more open and with more nudity. Then we entered to see a movie. It was beyond our imagination and before we could think of what to do, Manohar saw Raman and bhabhi in the front row. We got out and then decided not to see such shows any further. After a round trip of city, retired to the Alrancho motel where we had been booked. It was my routine to retire late in night and to write letters to Shobha and then to try to sleep for two three hours only. Next morning we went to the sea beach in San Fransisco, it was again a very amazing site with couples or even lonely females taking sunbath almost without clothes. Couples lying in compromising postures were very common. It had been about two weeks that I was in US through many places. Now I was well conversant with their life and style and was enjoying all through with open mind and heart. Our stay was not more than a night anywhere so far. Now we drove to Los Angels and Hollywood. Our stay was at the residence of two young and very fat girls who once worked with Raman at his garment store in Cleveland. Los Angels is situated at the extreme of west coast. It is one of the most beautiful and developed city of US. Hollywood and Disneyland are part of its attraction. We had three days stay there, one day for Desneyland, one day for Hollywood and one day for Los Angel’s city. Our place of stay was near Hollywood. Though all American cities were very neat and clean and organized in all respect with lots of greenery etc but Hollywood was superb. Its landscape was just beyond imagination. With less population and no slum area and no slow moving vehicles on road, it was smooth all through. No stray animals were around to move, just pets animals were allowed to be maintained systematically and with full care throughout US. Raman also had a pet cat named kitty. And before we left Cleveland on our tour, she was handed over to a pet animal management house where many such animals were taken care of. They charged a handsome amount for maintenance during our absence. Hollywood impressed me the most as one of the best organized city .We arrived there by evening ,drove through main streets of the city and got retired early as we had hectic tour so far without much rest and sleep. Next day we had conducted tour of the famous UNIVERSAL STUDIO. I was amazed to see scenes from the historic film TEN COMMANDMENTS live. How the division of sea into two parts was shot, was very interesting to witness. We spent the whole day witnessing shootings and how international famous studios look like. Next day we visited Disneyland. At that time there was no conception of amusement park in India. For whole day, we were through different rapid and super fast rides on the surface, under water and on skyscrapers etc. Some of the rides were very dangerously thrilling. In fact, I got sick by noon and had to withdraw to take break and rest. With summer holiday around and very good sunny weather, it was so colorful with children and youths in verities of colorful dresses moving around and their hue and cry all over the rides with excitement made the surroundings most entertaining. Young girls in very exciting dresses were the guides in all the rides and their cordial and smiling welcome made the tougher rides to be very smooth and pleasant. The biggest attraction there was the Disney parade by the young and children in different mascots in the afternoon and the grand fire show in the evening. Display of fire show in the evening was beyond imagination and beyond description. It has to be seen to believe and feel the enjoyment. I missed Shobha the most at the best places I had visited so far. I missed her at the yellow stone national park when old faithful geyser erupted, I wanted her to be with me during my exploring night life at San Fransisco, I wanted her to enjoy my intimate fellowship when we spent one night in tent within sleeping bags to warm up, I wished her to see the illuminated streets and casinos at Las Vegas and I wanted her to share my joy to see a new sky with fire display at Disneyland. Recently Sandeep had been to US thrice, but on business tours and still could not visit any of these beautiful places. I wish him to be there sometime with Minoo to enjoy this pleasure. Although he has got an idea of America, its land and people, its perfect systems, superb communications, huge malls full of verities of articles, big airports, natural sight like Nityagra, cities such as New York, Washington, Toronto, etc some historical places of interest in and around Washington or New York, but not the way I could see it and not the places I had been to. That’s why Raman stressed so much for this trip in spite of Shobha’s absence because it was to be of its kind only. Even with all tailor made travel plan and expansive tour options, it could never be so interesting, enterprising and in depth informative. We had covered about 3500 miles so far driving all through about 350 miles a day on average through big cities and native America enjoying natural sites, city life, night life, through hills, mountains, valleys, rivers, Ghost villages, very small towns, desert of death valleys, potato and maize fields, bee farm, diary farm, lakes, skylines, luxurious hotels, motels, learning life style of natives as well as of Indians residing there, places of heritage and modern developments, bridges and dams, cable car and rides, and so on and so much. Within ten days, I could know many amazing information about this vast country and its wonderful people and abundant resources. This could be possible only through this meticulously planned trip. Starting from East coast we covered the West coast at Los Angels. We returned back via different routes and different places staying with different hosts in between. We returned via Denver, St. Louis, Salt Lake City, etc. We saw the red rock open theatre at Denver, deep mines at Salt Lake City. It had been a very long and tiring drive for Raman. He used to take rest in between in open air in road side camping places sometime to get rid of sleep, but we never felt boring or fatigue and all were in fresh health and mood throughout. We enjoyed Mexican food, which has maize as main ingredient. While crossing potato producing region, we enjoyed all items made of potato in abundance. In between we went to Indian Restaurants also. We could phone from anywhere, from highways or forests to any one anywhere. The roads and cars were of very good condition and petrol being very cheap, best mode of traveling was by cars. In about 8000 miles journey, we had one breakdown and had to make unscheduled overnight stay for car repairing at a very small town named Mentepelier in the state of Idaho. We stayed in a very small motel, population of town was just 3000 having all facilities of a big city around.. It had got many motels with all modern facilities, four car dealers where all popular cars were on display, modern car garages with service facilities, similar road and light conditions. That’s the main attraction and plus of US. It is same all over so far amenities were concerned, no difference in rural or urban area or agricultural or industrial region. It was green everywhere, no stray animals on road, no din and dust anywhere. Public facilities are of superb qualities. There were camping sites at the outskirts of cities with top class facilities of toilets and bathrooms attached and a fully equipped store to supply all necessary articles. We used to park our car there around, take our bath, get refreshed and keep moving. In the last phase of our journey we drove for 1200 miles in stretch without sleep or rest and could reach a day ahead of schedule.. We returned back to Cleveland on 29/7 evening at the new house about 20 miles away from the old house where I stayed for two days on arrival. That was an apartment and this was a well-furnished bungalow. As soon as we entered into the house, the telephone rang, obviously that was the owner’s phone as Raman’s new phone was to be installed from 1st Aug. Raman was surprised to find Sandhya on the other side. She was desperate to talk with me. But Raman first wanted to know how she could make this contact. In fact she got information about my stay in US from India and could collect Raman’s phone number. But she was not aware that Raman vacated that house. She continued to contact at that phone daily and could know that he would be provided with new number soon at this address. On her request the department connected her with the other telephone available at that address. So it was great effort on her part and of course the services provided by the telephone company that made us meet. Yes, we both were thrilled to talk to each other in US and old sweet memories got renewed. I assured to come to her with sufficient time in hand before my departure. All except me took complete rest at that night. I was busy in going through mails from Purulia and to plan my stay over there. As usual I had sleepless night with all my fantasies about my family and my meeting Sandhya with her husband and two kids born in one calendar year. Next day we planned all about. I was to spend a week at Cleveland for shopping etc. Next week end we planned to visit Niyagra falls on Canadian side and then to Sandhya for five days to cover Washington and Philadelphia from there and then to New York where Raman and Bhabhi to join for last three days to be together. Next day Raman got my visa extended for another one month. Raman and Manohar were to join their job from next day and bhabhi had a textiles shop to look after, so all had to be on their daily job. I was to pass time by myself, now being conversant with US life style. Raman and Manohar were to leave around 7.30 in morning and bhabhi to leave around 9. So I used to sleep till 8.30 as I could not sleep in night. Before leaving Bhabhi used to get me up and serve the breakfast. I had two hours in my hand to be ready comfortably and then to move out to down town where everyday Raman used to meet me for lunch at different restaurants serving different meals. As I was not fussy about foods, he wanted me to taste all types of vegetarian meals available. We took Mexican, French, continental, Italian, Middle East, and of course American meals. Coffee was being served free with the meals. We used to take a lot of orange juice in place of water. Every night before retiring, a glass of chilled milk with lots of almond was a must. For almost two months I did not have hair cut, nor used oil on scalp. Mexican and Middle East food were very close to our food. French food was being cooked in alcohol. After lunch Raman used to leave me at some big store to move around and shop. I always wanted to enjoy tours for pleasure and gaining knowledge of the place and people. But as it was my first trip abroad, I must have gifts for all kin and friends. Moving in those big stores itself was an experience as there were no such malls available in India in those days In the evening I was to avail a fixed route bus to the office of Manohar en route to Raman’s home. That’s how 10 days were to be spent in Cleveland. One day we all went to enjoy the sea world, about 40 miles away where seals and different sea fishes were kept in natural way. They were trained to perform various interesting acts. I did not have any chance to see such show before. One day we had been to the air space control room from where all movements on sky above US get controlled. We could talk to any of the pilots flying over air space of US. One after noon I took cruise around Cleveland looking into all big industries in and around Cleveland, in particular the large steel plants. Cleveland was not popular for its nightlife, but all cities in US had some kind of nightlife. One day we visited a place called FLATS on the bank of the lake, a popular orchestra played Zaaz, classical English music and songs all night through. As 15th August was approaching, the Indian community there arranged an Indian food festival. I spent a few hours there one day. There I met a black American, who happened to be in India as American soldier before our independence and had spent sometime at Purulia too. This vast world becomes so compact sometime. Thus I could spend a week at Cleveland knowing more about US, its culture, its food, its entertainment, its night life concept, the best of services in communication and transport system, the malls, the friendly and ever smiling nature of people, very hard working and enjoying life on their own way. Next week end we left for Niyagra falls. By evening we were there. We directly went to the falls. First we saw it from American side and then we crossed over to Canada with a transit visa. By the time we arrived there it was dark and all illuminated. It is one of the best natural sites in the world and I am yet to see more beautiful place like this .For hours we could not think to leave the place. Though it was a natural waterfall, but its illumination in all length and breadth made it more attractive. Water was falling in horseshoe shape all along. Beautiful young newly wedded couples moving or sitting freely all around made it more romantic to feel. It’s so common in US and Canada to get married on Friday and rush to Niyagra for honeymoon on Saturday and Sunday. So it was full of young couples around. They did not care for the world surrounding them. Through cable lift we climbed on the top tower and took dinner at the moving restaurant. Till late in night we were there and then moved to find accommodation in hotel. We had to keep moving some 35 miles into Canada to find room in hotel. . Next morning we again went to the fall to see its beauty in day time. We went under the fall in a lift with rubber and waterproof dresses. That was very thrilling and exciting. We returned back to Cleveland by evening. Next day it was 11th August perhaps. Indian society had arranged screening of great film MOTHER INDIA on the occasion of coming Independence Day. We all went to see the movie. It was full house with few American friends also around. At the end of the film, all cheered the Indian Flag with great vigor. That was my last night at Cleveland. Raman had arranged a party of about 40 people, ladies and gentlemen, all Americans. I had met his Indian friends on some or other occasions. Raman himself cooked all the meals. He was better cook and party arranger than bhabhi at that time. He introduced me to all his friends. We shared a lot about our great journey through America. And at the end all wanted to know my views on US, its people, its culture, it’s philosophy and whether I intended to settle there for good. They also praised Raman for all his hard work, intelligence and friendly nature. I told them the truth and they were shocked to listen. I appreciated all about that I had seen in US during my five weeks stay so far; the roads, transport, communication, neatness, law and order, friendly people, big malls and shopping centers, advancement in science and technology, openness in society, bringing up of children, no expectancy in relationship, natural sites, historical places though with just three hundred years of history, night life, lakes and rivers, deserts and snow clad mountains etc.. I also told them that I enjoyed each and every moment of my stay in US in all respect and my friend had done everything at his disposal to make stay most rewarding and comfortable, but to be honest and true, the happiest moment would be when I would land on my own soil. I could plan to come here frequently and to enjoy its life again and again, but I could never think of settling here for good. I explained to them of all my bonding to the family, country and its heritage. Till late in night the party lasted. Then I packed up a few clothes etc in a small suitcase leaving other luggage with Raman. Earlier in the day, I asked Raman to give me US$ 200 for my expanses at Sandhya’s place. I got amazed to know that they did not have cash at home. He took me to nearest ATM and that was my first experience with ATM. Now ATM is getting popular in India too, but to have those facilities around 32 years back was something remarkable. Early next morning Raman took me to the nearest metro station. I went to Airport by it to have my flight to Baltimore where Sandhya and Kishore lived with their two children. I had a 70-year-old lady by my side in the plane. I had nice company in her. We talked about life of old people in US and India. She had son and daughter and many grandchildren too, but their relation was limited to sending of cards and flowers on special occasion such as birthday or marriage anniversary. Rarely though, she used to visit them conveniently. India has unique system of joint family where special care and attention is being taken for senior and old people. I could feel the sentiments erupting in her mind and could sense the loneliness prevailing in her eyes. But she had self confidence of being by herself. Joint family system is on the verge of collapse in India too with no back ups still ready for the older people as prevailing in other parts of world. Life of older people has become more miserable here. Younger generation has become more professional in dealing with their guardians. They are self centered now. It has made life, in general for both generation complicated and tensed, but writing on the wall is very distinct that this mutual supportive system is about to have natural death. With time, my memory of many faces that I met in US got lighter, but her face is still very distinct in my mind, a graceful face with short cut curling hair talking in soft and feeble voice. At Baltimore, I was received by Sandhya’s husband. It was our first meeting. He drove me home and then left for his job. We were meeting after two and half years, but under different conditions. Now she was married and with two little kids. All our intimate relations must be reflecting in our mind, but both had reservations. Both must be confused from where to begin with. She had one year old Bharat and two months old Samar around her to nourish. In between she served the lunch. It was roti and onion vegetable. That was my first taste of onion. We had very formal talk to start with. I was not at all comfortable through out, remembering our intimate time spent in Udaipur. At the same time, I was missing Raman and bhabhi and their intimate and homely living with me. Here I was feeling so formal and different. Gradually we opened up. I was married and with one son and she was unmarried when we built our relationship and now with two kids each, we were of equal status. Soon we were friendly and leaving our hesitation aside, could talk all about. I had many queries to know from her about her life in US, about his husband, routine with two kids around and without family support as available in India, her future plans, her feelings for me after more or less no contact since last two years. She also wanted to know about Shobha and Sangeet, about my trip to US so far, about Raman and his life in US etc. She was extremely engaged in managing two little kids. Still we used to go out for two hours daily during lunch time. In evening Kishore used to accompany us. One day I went to see Washington of my own. It was not a commercial city, nor had vibrant nightlife. I took a conducted city tour by bus covering all important places of interest such as WHITE HOUSE, CONGRESS LIBRARY, HISTORICAL MONUMENTS and MUSEUMS. It was the only day that I spent all alone in US. I could not bear the isolation though my co passenger was a college student and she gave a friendly company too. One evening we went to the famous Watergate building and enjoyed a cultural show at Kennedy cultural center. It’s a beautiful capital city, all important buildings were of white marble and nicely illuminated in night. Sandhya could also realize my feelings. She tried to spend as much time with me as possible. My idea was that she must have adjusted well and could never think of return back to India as I had found almost all Indians settled there. But I was wrong. She was never happy with life there around. They both had very tough time to start with. Both were in job to start with and had different shifts. Then within one year she gave birth to both sons and had hard time to manage them. The younger one, Samar had been operated up on for some serious heart alignment. So they had made up their mind to get back to India within a time framed. With no family support there around and no sentimental attachment with anyone, she was determined to be back as soon as possible. She could not enjoy the hard life which she faced right forth. We also talked about our past and future contact. We very openly discussed about limitations we should have in our intimacy and relation. .We both enjoyed our transparent approach. We became very friendly. On the fifth morning with tears in eyes, we hugged each other and Kishore dropped me to station to catch a train to Tantron, a small station in-between where Raman and bhabhi were to meet me on way to New York It was three hours journey and only such train journey I took in US. It was like our deluxe trains or Rajdhani with only seating arrangement. At Trantron, Raman and bhabhi were there to receive me and we drove in his car to New York for last three days of this great trip. It was about three hours drive to New York. In-between we visited a very famous university campus, I don’t remember the name. Thereafter we entered Manhattan through a tunnel under water. Manhattan is an island. It was my first experience to drive through tunnel underwater. Almost all entries to New York were through tunnels or bridges. These were superb work of construction and engineering. New York appeared to be like Calcutta. Taxis were plying on roads and parking was a problem. To start with we went to see the famous Empire Estate building. It was the tallest building until Sears Towers got constructed at Chicago. Several lifts were there to different floors. It was a town in itself. Within minutes we were on top of the building through direct lift. And to look into the skyline of tall buildings of New York from the Empire Estate building was an experience in itself. Wind was blowing very fast on top. Thereafter we visited the World Trade Towers, which became the symbol of New York’s skyline very recently. It was commissioned very recently in the same year. It collapsed in September 2001 in Al Quida attack. Incidentally, its construction was completed in the year I visited it and it got ruined just after Sandeep’s visit to New York in June 2001.Our stay was in Hotel and for the first time I was single in my room as Manohar was not with us. For parking problem, we left our car in a parking lot for two days, which cost a lot. I saw such multistoried parking lot where car was sent through lifts for the first time. That night we saw a very popular Shakespeare drama at Broadway. It is very popular street where classical dramas were being played by famous and renounced artistes regularly. And right across it, there was street where all adult shows were being performed live. We went there next night. Next day we visited world famous statue of liberty and other popular sites through a cruize trip around New York as otherwise it was not possible to cover it within three days. We spent some hours at UNO. Our breakfast was at the residence of Raman’s friend Sri Sudhakar Sahu. He happened to be with me at St.Xavier’s College Ranchi for one year. He belonged to such a remote village in Bihar where the postman used to go once in a week. He got married when he was in school. I was amazed to see his wife and two sons getting adjusted to US life. In the afternoon we saw film Sidharth with Shashikapoor as hero. It s screening in India was later delayed. It was a slow but inspiring movie. We also visited the central park and for the first time I saw a beggar type person dressed as clown, entertaining children there around for some consideration. We also visited the press where US currency was being printed .Our lunch was in a restaurant where Indian and Pakistani students worked regularly to earn for their tuition fees. That was my last evening and night in US. We spent most of the time wandering around the world famous Times Square, which remained thronged with tourists from all over the world. Our dinner was Italian pizzas. At that time Pizzas were not available in India. From there we went to hotel, left Bhabhi there and we both returned back to time square as that was the last night and we wanted to share our thoughts in between us. Raman took me to Howard’s own store where they served their famous liquors and wine. We shared a very small amount of mint as a toast to our friendship, my trip and my departure altogether. Raman was very happy that he could make my stay comfortable and meaningful, though Shobha’s absence was badly felt. We both became very sentimental that night. Till very late in night, we wandered there around talking about our selves. Next morning, we took the car from parking lot, had lunch in an India restaurant and arrived at the airport by 3 pm. My flight was at 8 pm. He wanted to show me the huge JFK airport and different terminals of different airlines. My luggage was booked and hand baggage was put in a locker. He then explained which terminals, I should visit. Then all of a sudden, he asked bhabhi to be seated in the car and before I could understand he left me alone saying good bye. Yes, we both were not in a position to bear the departing situation and that’s why, he left this way. I was at a loss. I had four hours with me to spend. I went to see some huge terminals, but was restless. I was miserably missing Sandhya and Raman both, though thrill of return was also there. Finally I was in the plane at around 7.30 and left for India at 8pm. The return journey was very comfortable as pleasure to be amongst all back home was through in mind, but I was missing a lot at the same time. To write about a journey and its fall out after 30 years of actual happening was a tough preposition. I understand that I might not be able to generate the thrill and joy actually felt. After such long period, memory is like a gallery with no order in arrangement of pictures. Fresh water runs on but if it be stopped it becomes stagnant. But in this case, I still find some freshness coming out of it.