Chapter-2: Travel to Delhi and got the VISA

Chapter-2:

A Journey of Hurdles and Small Victories: From Rajkot to Delhi

With limited train connectivity between Rajkot and Delhi, my journey began with a 4-hour bus ride to Ahmedabad. From there, I boarded the 5:45 PM train to Delhi—a second-class sleeper this time, promising a more comfortable overnight ride. My friend Bhavesh, ever reliable, picked me up from the bus drop-off, let me freshen up at his home, and escorted me to the station. (Cheers to friends like Bhavesh!)

Delhi’s Accommodation Woes

Arriving in Delhi the next morning, I faced the immediate challenge of finding affordable lodging. As a Gujju (Gujarati), my first instinct was to head to the Gujarati Samaj for budget-friendly stays and homemade food. But my plan backfired spectacularly: the entire facility was booked by pilgrims en route to the Amarnath Yatra (a sacred Hindu pilgrimage to the Himalayas). The manager, though sympathetic, had no rooms—not even a dorm bed. He did, however, grant me a much-needed shower.

Visa Triumph & Luggage Drama

With my bag in tow, I headed straight to the Afghan Embassy. The guard stopped me, insisting I leave my luggage outside. Reluctantly, I tied my bag to a nearby pole and begged him to “keep an eye” on it—a comically desperate move. Inside, the visa process was surprisingly smooth: 45 minutes later, my application was accepted, with a pickup date set for June 4th. To my relief, the bag survived its solo adventure!

A Home Base in Paharganj

Next, I prioritized finding a central, budget-friendly stay. I landed at Surya Palace Hotel in Paharganj—a bustling area near New Delhi Railway Station. The location offered cheap eats, markets, and easy access to the city. After a hot shower and a late lunch at a local dhaba (roadside eatery), I collapsed into bed, exhausted but triumphant.

Killing Time in Delhi

With days to spare before my visa pickup, I wandered Connaught Place, browsing bookshops and souvenir stalls. Evenings were spent reconnecting with friends—Dr. Pooja and Mr. Chaddha—over heartfelt conversations.

Visa Victory!

On June 4th, I returned to the embassy and collected my visa by 3:30 PM. Elated, I dashed to an internet café to email my bosses: “Mission accomplished—see you in Kabul!”

Final Days in Delhi

With my flight scheduled for June 7th, I soaked up the city’s chaos, savoring street food and the thrill of impending adventure. Every hurdle—the train chaos, the luggage gamble, the visa suspense—had melted into relief.

Reflections:

1. Plan (but not too much): Over-relying on assumptions (like the Gujarati Samaj) can backfire. Always confirm details!

2. Embrace the chaos: Sometimes tying your bag to a pole is the only option—and it might just work out.

3. Friendship fuels journeys: From Bhavesh’s kindness to strangers’ small acts of help, connections make the ride smoother.

Delhi tested my patience but rewarded me with resilience—and a visa stamped with possibility. Onward to Kabul!

Sometimes the messiest detours lead to the best stories. 🚂✨

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Chapter-1: Challenging first task after confirmation of First job aborad!

Chapter-1

A Journey of Excitement and Endurance: From India to Afghanistan

In May 2004, while working with RedR India in the Pune Office, I received a thrilling job offer from a U.S.-based NGO to join their School and Clinic Construction Program in Afghanistan. Overjoyed, I accepted the role and was asked to begin the job on June 7th. My first challenge? Time constraints, I have only got 15 working days on my hands. I had to reach my hometown, Rajkot, swiftly to gather essential documents before heading to Delhi for my visa.

The Race to Rajkot
The journey from Pune to Rajkot was no small feat. I boarded a bus to Mumbai, then faced the herculean task of securing a train ticket to Rajkot during peak school vacation season. At Mumbai Central station, I joined a serpentine queue, praying for luck—and emerged with a general-class ticket.

Traveling in general class on an Indian train is an adventure demanding patience, adaptability, and resilience. Though I doubted my readiness, I squeezed into a corner on a wooden bench, grateful for even that sliver of space. The compartment sweltered at 40°C, packed with five passengers crammed into a three-seat row. Yet, the window beside me offered fleeting breezes and a front-row seat to the vibrant chaos of station life—a spectacle I’ve always cherished.

Miraculously, as the train chugged forward, the crowd thinned. Some passengers even found standing room—a rare luxury in general class. Halfway through the 12-hour ordeal, a fellow traveler vacated his berth, gifting me a flat space to stretch out. I slept soundly until dawn, awakened by the cheerful call of a chaiwala (tea vendor). By then, we were just five hours from Rajkot.

Homecoming and Hurdles
Arriving in Rajkot—a bustling city of 1.5 million—I shifted focus to securing my Afghan visa. My contacts, Mr. Ali Rajpoot (Finance Director), Mr. Mal Ralston (Program Director), and Mr. Kevin (Deputy Program Director), guided the process. On May 29th, Ali confirmed that Afghanistan’s External Ministry had approved my paperwork, instructing me to visit their Delhi embassy with my passport. Kevin assured me that contract formalities would be finalized upon arrival in Kabul.

Delhi Bound
With luggage packed, I set off for Delhi, planning to secure the visa and fly directly to Kabul. I informed the team of my expected June 7th arrival, accounting for potential delays. They confirmed my itinerary, with Kevin promising a placard-bearing representative at Kabul’s airport.

Reflections
This whirlwind journey—marked by sweltering trains, bureaucratic coordination, and leaps of faith—taught me the art of embracing uncertainty. From the camaraderie of general-class travelers to the meticulous dance of international logistics, every step was a lesson in patience and perseverance.

As I boarded my flight to Kabul, I carried not just documents, but the quiet confidence that adventure thrives where preparation meets spontaneity.

Sometimes, the path to purpose is paved with chaos—and that’s where the magic begins. ✨

Afghanistan visa

--> I have to travel to Rajkot from Pune
--> I am in Delhi ---got the VISA

--> I am refused to board the aircraft
--> Back to Ahmedabad and on the way to Kabul!!!
--> The first day in Kabul!