New Delhi: Vijayan, a 65-year-old wayside tea-seller from Kochi along with his wife Mohana has visited almost every scenic destinations in 16 countries including Britain, France, Austria, Egypt and UAE, by borrowing loans from different banks in the country.
“If you really wish to chase your dreams, nothing can stop you from it,” said Vijayan, who own a tiny tea shop in Kochi, Kerala.
His tea-stall is his only source of income, something that has never been an obstacle in fulfilling their dream of travelling all over the world.
“I got the obsession in traveling from my dad; he took me to different places since I was 6 year old. We went to Madurai, Palani and many other places. Those travel memories with my dad helped me unleash my dreams” Vijayan said.
Trips with his father to almost all temples in Kerala triggered his passion for travelling across the globe; however his father’s death brought all possibilities of travelling to a standstill as he took up all family responsibilities. In 1988 he resumed travelling when he accompanied a man as his cook on a pilgrimage to the Himalayas. And the trip changed his life.
Mohana, joined him forty years ago. Post marriage, the couple have explored exotic cities, all on their own. Excitement lights up her face as Mohana explains her most enjoyable journeys.
“I was really excited when we first travelled abroad. Belonging to a very poor family, I never dreamt of a life like this. Later along with him I too became obsessed with the journeys. Switzerland is my favourite among the places we visited”, she says.
It’s hasn't been easy for the elderly couple to sustain such a lifestyle. With their sole source of income coming from their tea-shop, the only way out for them to pursue their love for travelling was via help through bank loans.
Despite all financial insecurities, the couple would take a loan, travel to a foreign destination, come back and spend the next three years repaying the debt they owed, and the cycle would go on.
“There will be many hurdles, but we can overcome that through hard work. If you really wish to chase your dreams, nothing can stop you from it” he says.
Vijayan save rupees 300 a day for tickets and spend just 10 dollars or less on picking up some tiny souvenirs from the places of visit. They don’t spend anything more.
The couple however visited 16 countries, but now they wish to harbour towards United States. We hope soon they will reach their dream destination too.
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