I have two stories to tell you about my Shimla Visit
STORY - 1
Date: January 5th 2006.
Time: 12 noon
Place: Mall Road Shimla. One of those benches u see on the roadside.
Setting: The sun is bright and a lot of people walking around and window-shopping. Some of them, even looking as confused as I am!
I am sitting with an elderly gentleman (hence called ’uncle’’) who is born an brought up in Shimla.
ME: ’’So Uncle, whats there to see in Shimla?’’
UNCLE:’’ Kufri’’
ME: ’’And....’’
UNCLE: ’’Nothing.’’
ME’’ (with an incredulous expression) ’’Thats all ?!!!!!!!!!!’’
UNCLE: ’’Yes’’
ME:’’But the cab-drivers list down a lot of places where they will take me for Rs.450!’’
UNCLE:’’They have a family to take care of. Where are you from?’’
ME: ’’Kerala’’
UNCLE: ’’Everyone comes here for three reasons. One - In Winter, To see the snow and the scenery and beautiful views of Kufri. Two - In summer to escape th heat in the colder climate here.. But it is much more warm these days...... (trails off..)
ME: ’’And the third reason?’’
UNCLE: ’’R U married?’’
ME: ’’No’’
UNCLE: Chuckles (Sympathetically)
You will find these ol’timers of Shimla enjoying the Sun at Mall Road. They are the Best Guides.
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STORY - 2
Date & Time: Same as above.
Place: Himachal Pradesh Tourism Office.
Setting: A pleasant looking girl (Presumably from shimla itself)at the reception busy on phone. Two foreigners reading Times of India. The receptionist keeps the phone down and I attack.
ME: G’d Afternoon’’ (wide smile - it’s a girl you see...!!!)
SHE: ’’ G’d Afternoon.’’ (looks at me suspeciously and then back at the phone as if she is expecting it to save her from me)
ME: ’’uh.. oh... What is there to see in Shimla?’’ (giving her my best innocent look)
SHE:(Taken aback..!! Looks around presumably for a brochure)
ME: ’’Well, I’ve seen Kufri and all thats on the way to Kufri. I have two more days left here. So What to do?’’
SHE: ’’Well.. if you have seen Kufri, you can try Indian Institute of Advanced Studies which was the Viceroy’s Palace. It is where the Shimla agreement was signed!.’’
ME: ’’And....’’
SHE:(a curious smile) ’’Okey.. well...There are no local trips run by government. Trust me, other than Kufri, its just like any other hill station. You could go to a place which is 60km away to have a view of the Himalayas. That is the only trip that Gov. sponsors here’’
ME: (Looking stunned)
SHE: ’’ R U Married?’’
ME: ’’No’’
SHE: (Smile)
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So, If you are planning to go to Shimla, lemme ask you :
R U MARRIED?