A Traveler's Memoir

I rode along the border of Bhutan and reached the town called Phuentsholing which was the entry point to the country. The office that was supposed to issue my permit was closed, so I decided to spend a night there. India was just a 5-minute walk away but I decided to stay at the border town itself. Found a room at 500Rs. A room on the 5th floor, neat and clean with a TV and a fan. Dropped my luggage and went out to grab some food. A piece of chicken leg cost Rs. 100 and that wouldn't fill me. So I went around to find a smaller shop where a plate of momos was 40 and chowmein was 60. Ordered both, ate and grabbing a beer on the way, I went back to my room.  On reaching the immigration office, I found out that they didn't issue a permit without prior hotel booking and to ride in Bhutan I had to take an escort along paying him Rs. 2500 a day and take care of his needs as well. For once I thought of dropping the idea and going towards the North of India. But then I really wanted to...

Before reaching Imphal, I sent a few  Couchsurfing requests for accommodation. As I reached, I found a Bajaj showroom and I went in to check for the oil measuring cap. The people there were so unpleasant, they said the store was closed and they were helpless. It was just 4:30 PM and when I tried to explain, no one cared since it was a Platina. I came out disappointed when I received a message from Sunil saying he could host me. I called him and he shared his location and guided me to his place, a village about 20 kilometres away. On reaching his place I met his father at the entrance who welcomed me in. I met Sunil, he looked charming and showed me the room to sleep in. He had left his room for my use and moved to his brother's room. They served me dinner with fish and we slept.  I relaxed the next day as it was a Saturday while Sunil had work. He said he would join me tomorrow to do some sightseeing. I went around the place, took a few pictures and rode to the city around noo...