It was some good years back when i first got the opportunity to travel and work in the Carribean. I had to break the news to my family. I called up my dad and told him that I was going to the “Carribean”. The rest of the conversation went like this…:

I : ‘Dad, I got a chance to go and work in the Carribean. I will be flying out very soon.”

My Dad:”Karey.. What?” Son, are you ok?
(A sixth sense shouted; America, America. Say America, he will know it)
I : No, dad, i am going to America to work.

My dad: “ha ha ha..Aum whom? where is that?

(My geography classes zoomed across my mind like a fast train.)
I : It’s very far away dad.

Dad: How far? Is it as far as Trashigang?

I : No dad, it’s very very far. Way further than Trashigang. Further than…… (i lost words)

My Dad : ‘wow, that’s really far.Is it anywhere near Jagar DDelhi?

I : “no Dad, It’s …20 times further..than Delhi.

My dad: Mmmmm… that must be really Far. My son, start early (He always wanted me to wake up with his rooster)and don’t be lazy to take a pack lunch. Stay put in the Bus and be polite to the driver.Be careful of the “jagas’. Always be respectful to your elders. Stay away from bad people.I will do some “rimdos” for you as well.

I: Yes Dad, i will be careful.

(I just bit my lips as hard as I could.. I realized I still haven’t learnt enough words to explain where I was headed for, and I was going on a journey.)