It finally came – a call from the Chinese embassy!

Transcript of the conversation (Mobile phone rings)

Me: Hello…
Mr.Xuang: Is that MR. Nalayan Goplaan?
Me: Speaking (wondering who this is??)
Mr.Xuang: Good evening, I am calling from the Chinese embassy.
Me: aah. Yes. (Thinking it’s a practical joke)
Mr.Xuang: You had written a letter enquiring about entering china on a motorbike?
Me: (checking the number on my mobile – OH MY GOSH THIS IS A GUNIUNE CALL!) Oh…oh..hello sir, so good to hear from you…..blah blah blah. Yes indeed we are going to go on a bike trip etc etc. and we want to do it for India china peace,( sweet talking him )
Mr.Xuang: OH yes, you see we don’t have a problem you going anywhere, except you CANNOT do it on a normal tourist visa. You need a special visa and an entry permit. For which you will have to contact the Beijing office for application. You will also have to tie up wih a travel agent in your country as well as a local agent.
Me: Absolutely, totally will do!
Mr.Xuang: Please give me your fax no. and I shall fax you a letter.
Me: Sure thing sir…. (gave him the no.)
Mr.Xuang: Thank you very much sir, have a safe journey.
Me: Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!