"Believing In Thyself"

As I dismounted from the train, a gentle warm breeze hits my face. The scorching heat bathed us all, and soon many students were seen unzipping their jackets and taking off their warm clothes. The pungent aroma of a bustling Chittagong railway station slithered here and there. Many pairs of feet stood erect on the platform, waiting to hop on the train.

I tagged along with my friends, and a little while later, found myself standing in a line as the teachers counted our heads. The camp authority provided us with about ten cars for transportation. My friends and I hopped into one and hit the road.

The views of Chittagong bore a similar resemblance to the ones in Dhaka. The smiling children sprinting around, the shopkeeper trying his best to attract customers, the hopeful beggar raising its palms once again, and the silver beds of perspiration belonging to the hardworking rickshaw puller. The blazing heat did not disrupt the harmony of the city. I could realize how full of life the city was as the bustling streets and children decked up for occasions came into my glance. A myriad of mosques, temples, and churches appeared, packed with devotees submitting themselves to their God. Surprisingly, I noticed something I rarely get to observe in Dhaka. Crows! Every now and then, I would catch glimpses of crows munching on leftovers lining the edge of streets. All of these hurled me back into those days spent in my “nanabari” or maternal grandparent’s house, situated in Kolkata.

Unknowingly, I dozed off my running my eyes over the scenes, and a minute later was awaken by the noise surrounding the car as we reached the camp.

Greenery welcomes us, and the fresh cool breeze of a countryside unfurled into the vehicle. The camp was surrounded by paddy fields and farms where cattle was seen munching on tufts of green grass. What caught my attention was the space and beauty of the camp.

The camp occupied a lot of space as it had shimmering blue lakes, trickling streams and ponds infested with colorful koi fishes. Bamboo houses, tent areas, and hills peeked out from the camp. Hills and green mountains engulfed the camp, and the clouds kissing the peak of the mountains looked phenomenal, a sight worth seeing!

Bamboo houses decked up with attractive lanterns, strings of fairy lights handing from trees, decorated water beds, hand-paited wooden boats, and wooden swings added on to the beauty of the place. It was a place upon filled with the warm cozy ambience one longs to embrace if away from home.

We were welcomed with a short briefing and lunch. My taste-buds heavily found a deep string of connection with the warm rice, spicy fish curry, and fresh salad that it hurled me once again to my nanabari. The love with which each morsel of food was cooked was clearly noticed. The meals were brilliantly cooked, so it livened up my tired spirit. I gained energy.

Later that day, we were taken to our tents. Eight of us girls were given the same tent, and this added even more fun to the journey ahead. Chuckles, gossips, and stories loomed over the chilly night air, so the clinging feeling of homesickness slowly let go.

P.S. My sleeping friends hit my face while they were asleep, so I was rarely able to get a good night’s rest in the camp. I tell you, I will definitely return the favor!