Hitting the Festive Roads

Travelling will seem like a burden when each of us plans to hit the road when it’s flooding with cars.  We are consistently advised to hit the road after planning it pretty well. However, sometimes planning goes out of our hands and we will fall into the blaming category of the people who travel at the same time as well. Sometimes so many angry misconceptions and comments leave the mind instead of thinking it as one of the time where generally most of the government staffs, as well as other students and residents get some time off from their formal lifestyle. Of course, everyone wants to take this opportunity and that’s what makes Malaysia unique because of all the races participation in one unique celebration.

On the 23rd night, I traveled back to my hometown from my campus in Kelantan and I was kind of doubtful on the arrival of the bus since previously there was a history of the bus arriving at 2 a.m during the festive period. But I was still happy that I was able to go home and was thankful for the company for scheduling a bus at the last moment even though they too deserve a break from their work. The bus arrived at 12 a.m and I had to pinch myself twice since it was early to me. It was estimated that 1 million of cars will enter the state of Kelantan and with the traffic jam, I estimated the bus to arrive at 2 a.m. One of my course mates, two juniors and myself boarded the bus and we were welcomed by a grumpy driver.

Yes, I was kind of disappointed and it furthered when I didn’t get the place I booked in the bus. However, after a while, the truth was revealed whereby the drivers didn’t get an ounce of rest (luckily there were two so they can take turn to drive) and were tackling the jam by taking different routes and those who boarded the bus in the morning were still in the bus. That was the reason why all of us didn’t get the seat we booked. All my disappointment instantly drained off once hearing that from a passenger of the bus. Everyone claims so many reasons for the occurrence of traffic jam especially the reason of moving out at the same time, but when that’s the only available time then rather than staying at home and brooding, taking a risk on a wild chase to the outskirts in the car will be the best option.

When it’s the road, drivers especially bus drivers are the most important person since many life depends on them with the believe that the journey will be safe. Their selfless attributes are one of the main reasons because when happiness lies in spreading the festive spirit to everyone by ensuring they reach their destination that is where the true spirit of celebration lies. Apart from fulfilling their duties, they have all the rights to spend time and celebrate with their loved ones which happen to be once a year. But when it comes to compiling to family needs it becomes second since the first is their duty to unite many families out there. The feeling of sitting in the same place, holding the stirring wheel for hours, facing the number of vehicles without an option to pass through and go to the front is a very unbearable feeling especially when it is done without rest.

 

My travel on that night made me realize that sometimes happiness lies on the purest thought because sometimes even on the day of celebration the person won’t be present because they have taken the oath to serve the country. Distant makes the heart grow fonder and at the same time, thanks to technology distance seem to be reduced by the frequency of contact through Skype, WhatsApp or other applications. Love is spread through thoughts and good vibes and the miseries are masked with the smile and gratitude of being able to view the smile through a small phone screen.  There will be a sacrifice done in order to establish happiness and in return the person will be blessed with the greatest gift; ETERNAL HAPPINESS. 

So, thank you to the souls out there who are willingly ready to work and serve without showcasing the amount of disappointment. The true dedication receives a round of applause. Moreover, let the road be a safe place to travel and when there’s a need to rush let patience play a role in disregarding the action of speeding. Last but not least may everyone have a blessed celebration! 

SELAMAT HARI RAYA TO ALL MUSLIM FRIENDS AND FOLKS!

Pictures : Google images