Embarking on a journey from the serene city of Chandigarh in India to the bustling streets of the USA sounds like a straightforward plan. But let me tell you, our recent adventure could easily qualify for an action-packed Bollywood blockbuster!
Our journey kicked off with a seemingly innocuous taxi ride from Chandigarh to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. With smooth roads ahead, we were brimming with confidence. Little did we know that fate had a different itinerary planned for us.
As we approached the highway, the first sign of trouble emerged – barricades! Thanks to the Government trying to stop the ongoing farmer’s agitation (tractor march to Delhi) our route resembled a maze more than a highway. What was supposed to be a leisurely 5-hour drive turned into an 11-hour odyssey through village roads, alongside quaint canals, and even a nerve-wracking shallow crossing of the Ghaggar river. If only Google Maps had a setting for “adventure mode”!
Air India Flight from IGI Airport Delhi to JFK New York was quite reasonable. Finally reaching the destination airport we felt like a victory in itself, but the real challenge awaited us at immigration. Picture this: thousands of weary travelers, snaking lines that seemed to stretch to infinity, and a cacophony of languages echoing through the air. It was chaos personified! By the time we cleared immigration, we were more fatigued than a Bollywood hero after a dance-off.
Relief washed over us as we spotted our daughter waiting at JFK airport. But our journey was far from over. A 50-mile drive through the wintry landscape of New Jersey awaited us. Fresh snow adorned the surroundings, painting a picturesque yet treacherous scene. With each passing mile, we were reminded of just how far we were from the balmy comforts of Chandigarh, where we had just transitioned from a cold weather to a pleasant one.
Jet lag hit us like a ton of bricks, turning day into night and night into day in a bewildering blur. As we struggled to stay awake during what felt like the wee hours of the morning in India, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it all. And thus, the idea for this blog was born amidst the chaos of our transcontinental escapade.
So, fellow travelers, if you ever find yourself journeying from Chandigarh to the USA, buckle up and prepare for a ride like no other. With twists, turns, and unexpected detours aplenty, it’s a journey that will leave you breathless, exhilarated, and perhaps a little jet-lagged. But hey, isn’t that what adventures are all about?
Guchi.
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