He complimented me by saying that I am the first Indian he had seen who is on a backpacker trip. This was something which was new to me as I used to think that most Indians are prone to backpacker tours but the compliments which I received was giving it a new angle.
I shared my trip details with him along with place of my birth, work. Lastly, he felt jealous of me since I was getting chance to roam alone and he was not allowed to go anywhere Alone.
There were two friends from New Zealand who were part of our trip and they were standing silently. So we went towards them to ask their problem. After hearing their problem I wished that this type of problem should occur with enemies only.
Actually they had camera with sufficient memory to store pics but were out of power and they forgot to bring extra battery for power backup. So, now they had no option but to stare at others and capture beautiful moments in their eyes.
I felt pity on them, the reason being, both of them were on vacations and too at beautiful location but were unable to store those memories forever since whatever stored in eyes are meant to be washed one day.
The other Indian guy offered them to click their memories and share with them through email so that at least something can be saved in records. Now, one can easily figure out happiness in their eyes and face and why not this was beyond their imagination that someone will suo-moto try to give their memories back and that too an Indian.
We Indians do really have big heart, this is the basic difference between India and other countries.
The joy ended in couple of minutes when the crew members asked us to return for our next destination. The crew leader of the ship briefed us at the start of journey as to how to identify the ship amidst hundreds of similar ships anchored at one place.
It was combination of flag and color of ship which was identification mark and all were asked to remember it so that it is easy for everyone to locate ship, however the entire responsibility to locate ship was not on us and this I came to know through the act of crew members when they used to hunt passengers like a trained sniffer. At every destination they use to hunt for all members of the ship by searching at all places, calling again and again to return and sometimes giving warning that if more time is spent here than we may had to skip other destinations. This warning was very effective for all as no one would dare to become culprit for non-coverage of locations given in itinerary and face fellow passengers.
We started again for our final destination which was on the way to Phuket and it was Bamboo Island.
While going back fruits were available along with soft and hard drinks as per choice. And to a surprise there was arrangement for music also.
Not only the crew members were dancing but all the passengers were dancing to the tune of ‘Gangnam style’. The crew members were dancing in the hip-hop style and showing their dancing skills in various stunts which was a surprise for all of us.
We enjoyed for about half an hour in which English tunes and some Hindi tunes were played on our request. They had collection of English tunes only so I gave them my mobile to connect and play Hindi numbers.
It was not only about music but we all wanted to take memories back in the form of photographs taken with crew members who entertained us a lot. I didn’t missed this chance either and took picture with one of the crew member who was the most active member in his team and who made us dance to the tune of “Gangam Style”. It was a complete package of “Entertainment…Entertainment…Entertainment”.
Meanwhile the Australian guy who shared canoe ride with me came and sat beside me and the formal discussion started between us.
The topic of discussion was political, religion, tourism and culture for both India and Australia. He touched upon one of the burning issue of India and I felt hesitated in replying. He asked me about the safety of women in India and the question whether the country is safe to travel alone.
This question was an obvious one because few months back our country lost her daughter who fought battle of survival after being brutally disgraced from her soul. This news was not only known to our country but became an international news and gained momentum after the event of 16th December 2013 at Delhi when thousands of people gathered at India gate in New Delhi to protest against the incident and demanding safety of women by enforcement of strict laws.
But the protesters who were bare handed were brutally beaten by the police and they spared no one. They baton charged children, women, old people, youth, media who gathered there to cover that protest. That day is considered as a black day in India’s democratic history as it was first time in Indian history when people from all sections of the society were on streets to demand justice for that girl and it was suppressed forcefully by the government.
This incident made an international news and world came to knew that India is not safe for women. So the question was logically put in front of me to answer.
I asked him reason for asking such question to me.
He told that since his daughter is seeking permission from him to visit India alone and me being native of India must be very well aware of the situation.
I was in dilemma to answer such question but I replied what my mind asked me to say.
I suggested him not to send her to India alone unless she is very strong girl and bold, being safety issues. He then told situation of Australia and law of country to tackle such issues.
Along with this we discussed issues related to employment in the country and areas around. It was just an exchange of information between two persons living in two different countries and was all about what we think of present situation in our respective countries. This exchange was worth as it resulted in knowledge enrichment and utilization of time.
The return journey was calm and relaxing as nothing more to do except sit, relax and enjoy ride. Nearly all attractions of the tour were covered except few which they promised to cover during return journey. So the ship sailed seamlessly without any pause and all travelers on board were busy doing things of their own choice, couples were busy in chatting, friends doing notorious things, sailors watching sea in a relaxed mood and I was hunting for some moments to capture though lenses which I got without much wait. The sight could fascinate any wildlife lover and would never miss to capture the scene.