You’re going on a cross-country trip. Airplane, train, bus, car, or bike?
“Cross-country trips are amazing. My uncle had been on one, he has been everywhere. He has promised me take me on a cross-country trip one day”
Indira was our neighbour and Indira’s uncle did not take her on that trip he promised. The rumours say he ran away with someone’s wife who worked in the same office as him and nothing was heard of him ever since or at least we didn’t hear anything. Now, coming back to this particular conversation.
“Do you know what a cross-country trip is?” asked Indira
I was 8 back then, did some digging into what little knowledge my brain possessed and came up with, “we cross into another country?”
Indira was five years older to me and an expression of disappointment, but the next expression said she was somewhat proud of knowing something more than me.
“In a cross-country trip you travel from one side of the country to the other side,” said Indira
“So, you fly in an aeroplane from one side to another?” I asked
“That can also be done, but it is more enjoyable by train, bus, or car,” she explained
I did think about this cross-country trip for a while, maybe a day or two. But, at that age where the level of dependency was too much, the decisions of such nature were usually relying on whether my parents would like it or not.
“No, me and your father have work to do,” said my mother
I was maybe a little sad, but growing up I realised how harsh having a job can really be. A cross-country trip? One would be lucky if he/she can get even a week’s holiday to go anywhere, even to their very own marriage (it actually happened to a person I knew).
Apart from professional responsibilities, there are family responsibilities as well. However, if I were to get those holidays and everything was sorted at home, would I still do a cross-country trip? I definitely would, it would certainly give a major boost to the expansion of my experience in life.
Airplane is obviously the most convenient method to embark on such a trip but you miss out on a lot of beautiful views and experiences. If there is a good train system in place then there is nothing quite like it. However, for someone like me who might have a little inclination to the adventure side, I would certainly love to do it by car.
Why? First, I like driving and with a car comfortable for such long trips, it certainly wouldn’t be a bad idea. The navigation systems in cars have become a lot better and cars are better equipped with features to take on such a journey. I have driven cars on trips for a couple of hours.
I know this one might be a huge challenge, with accommodations to be arranged and roads and areas to be researched for probable hurdles, but I believe this is one of those once in a lifetime experiences, which you remember till the last.
Written by Anuran Chatterji
Early Morning Memories 
One response to “Traveling long”
Interesting write up.
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