Thirty long years have Hashim V P’s feet been almost glued to the ground of Jawahar Municipal Stadium selling sugar-cane juice. The place where he only was a small-time vendor slowly turned out to mark the beginning of his grand tour of the countries. It is indeed an express gateway to the world, if you consider the 67-year-old Pappinisseri man’s case that is. He has earned and spent his way to 10 visited countries with more to come only – China is the next destination.
Hashim taunts a single talk with his brother for changing his mind. When his sibling convinced him to book the tickets for the NCR of India in 2012, Hashim knew this would be a radical step for him, but he trusted his brother. Both the brothers took the flight and that 2 weeks in the North made Hashim realize the importance of yards on land. From that point onward, he and his wife have been travel-lovers exploring different cultures and places.
Subsequent to this, they have been to Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Malaysia, Thailand, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. He points out that Turkey was the last one he visited and all he can say about it is “beautiful”. He intends to take his wife and brother to China in less than 6 months which proves that it is not the mere matter of age or financial challenges to realise one’s dreams.
From the sweet sap of sugarcane to the ink space in a passport
Hashim is someone that depicts of hard work, hardship, and inquisitiveness. He was making a living from a shop for 30 years, which, though not high, was very stable. He was wise to save money and make plans for the slow business periods. In place of being bored in the off-season, he followed his heart in things that enriched his life.
Travel for Hashim goes beyond postcards and photos. Each time he got to experience and share these experiences it would bring his every day in Kannur to a whole new level. He and his wife were going through new situations, always learning something new as well as laughed to the point of crying; all of these shared by their families in the long run. Still, his journeys broke the myth about who can travel overseas and how it can be possible.
The trips through the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Eurasia not only provided him with cultural experiences as well as with practical ones such as how to deal with different foreign currencies. He returned to his country with tales that made customers curious about different parts of the world, neighbourhoods had to see it as a good lesson and other communities wanted to do the same and be as good as he was in both working and living. The story of his travel was a clear example how you could draw the money to leave the village but keep the bond with it intact.
Simple and effective tips from a travelling juice trader
hashim was smart in that he would travel at off-peak times for his business in order to not lose sales.
It is very important for the people you are traveling with to be good companions. Hashim is a person who makes his trips with his family, which on one hand simplifies the planning process, and on the other hand adds to the richness of the experience.
Affordable flights are the best option. He is so persistent in terms of getting the itineraries that not only fit his wallet size but also can provide him with memorable experiences.
Always make sure your papers are up to date. When you go to different countries very frequently, you have to be very careful regarding your passports and visas in advance, even to remember to get new ones in time.
A quiet inspiration
In a world where travel is often seen as a privilege that very few people can enjoy, Hashim’s life tells a different story: hard work, thrift, and an inquisitive nature can open doors to amazing opportunities. From a humble roadside sugarcane juice stand to the bustling airports and the cities far away, his transformation is a source of encouragement to other small business people and dreamers.
