Caution: Danger across the border!

Have you heard this song, “It happens only in India?”
….But no!!! It happens in China too..!!

I have seen China only in the world map, on the globe and yeah… through Bruce Lee as well! I have only heard of the Great Wall and all the Ling-Changs and Taang-Choos of our neighborhood who eat dogs and lizards without sparing even its brains and kidneys! And… it was unexpected; I got a chance to visit the other side of Himalayas to know the Chinkis better …and personally!

The wait is over; I landed with three of my colleague friends in Beijing, the capital city of the China. To puke into social studies answer sheets, I have mugged up so much about this country. I have learnt about their civilizations, wars, politics, history, geography, economics, people… and what not?! But none I recollected when I stepped into China.

It did not take too long for us, to fall into the whirlpool of disasters and difficulties.

At the airport, I asked a Chinki brother who appeared to be very smart, “Excuse me.. how far is Hotel Hilton from the airport? And are you aware where the “13^th International Semiconductor Conference” is being held?”

He looked at me as if I was a transparent being. It took some time for him to reply, “Chang choong cha.. xing loo laaa.”

“What the hell..!! Please don’t tell me, not a soul in the country understands English.” However, before facing the real problems, I judged myself to be the Shakespeare in China!!!

We came out of the airport to experience and feel the real China. I could spot Nike and McD hoardings by its logo and color... otherwise it had only funny fonts which seemed like some mural art to me. Every single thing including the sign boards were written in Chinese. I hence concluded - English: China = Greek: India.

Finally we managed to get hold of a sensible Chinki who became our savior! He translated these phrases into Chineese - “Way to the Hilton”, “Taxi Stand”, “Nearest Indian Restaurant”, “Police”, “Emergency”, “Hospital” and so on. Definitely these chits were then worth million dollars!! Those were the only things which gave us a sense of security. That is when I respected the people back home who give us good directions, “Saaaaar, go straight, big signal come, again go straight, small signal come, turn right….” I realize, those guys whom I thought are good only at lingering around leaning against the tea-kadai in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are far better than any Chinki, any day!

The day before we were to get back is one of the most dramatic and unlucky days. By then, we were so sick and tired of the place that we were longing to get back to India… to be an Indian in India! We vacated the hotel room, left our bags in the lobby and were waiting for the cab. All of us were busy clicking pics posing as Chiang Kai-shek and Hu-Jintao. In the mean time never had we (innocent lambs) realized one of our bags was stolen. And unfortunately, it happened to be mine :( ..And ask me what all I lost – my passport (of course the stupid Chinese Visa too), currency, office laptop and my favorite pairs of jeans and t-shirts!!!

Just one day I had – to sort out all my problems, come out of the mess and return to where I belong to. I cursed my stars and cried like a hungry baby for having to encounter the worst day in my life! Along with my belongings, I also lost all the hope and faith in the world. Despair was my only companion! I prayed with all my heart to Indian Gods and Chinese Gods to rescue me from the menace. I called my parents and husband and burst into tears. …how I missed them and how I wished to be with them!

Necessity being the mother of invention - I even tried to learn to write Chinese, with the help of the chits in hand. When I realized I am only being foolish, I gave up. But from somewhere or nowhere, I gathered the spirit, confidence and optimism and decided not to loose the battle! I fought like a brave Indian warrior against the traitorous Chinese. The Indian embassy in China and my friends helped me sail through the misfortune and the next day, I found myself in India, my beloved land. Oh.. What a relief! 

We take care of ourselves the most when we are in our own country, ..when we are amidst the people we know! We do not trust anybody here. We fear they are thieves and attackers. But when we move out, we take things for granted assuring ourselves that we are out of danger. We do not see chances of being mislead. Hope my story is a lesson to every Indian who crosses the border. Expect the greatest danger while you are away…!

I whispered to myself, “I love my country.. Vande Mataram!”        


It is a true story except, it was not me who was the unfortunate Indian in China; instead it was my colleague friend who had to undergo all the mental torture. I only tried putting myself in his shoes! 

Listening to him, I have decided - I will visit China only if 
1)      All the Chinese learn English or Malayalam 
2)      I learn Chinese. 

Do you see a possibility? ;)