I travel solo and prefer it that way. Although there are many advantages to that, there are certain instances in which it would be nice to have a travel companion.
I don’t sleep well on a bus. There have been solo women travelers who have done so and woken up to find someone else’s hand in their pants. I’d be nervous about oversleeping and missing my stop. And I have to keep my wits about me to avoid having my bag rifled through or stolen when I’m sleeping. I’m not freaked out about any of this; it’s just that constant watchfulness when going from point A to point B is not relaxing.
Prem
Getting to New Delhi from Washington will take over 24 hours. When I arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport next month, my friend Prem will be waiting for me. I’ll be dog tired, but we’re leaving immediately for Shimla in a taxi instead of wasting time waiting for the next bus. I’ll be able to relax and sleep in the taxi because Prem will be there. Prem will say something to the driver if he’s not driving safely. He’ll ensure we won’t be overcharged. Prem will be there. There will be no problems.
Prem is eager to show me the culture of his home village. I’m looking forward to meeting his wife, children and neighbors. He wants me to get a salwar kameez made and no doubt will have a tailor in mind. He wants me to see an Indian wedding. He wants to take me to temples and monuments in the Mandi District. He’ll keep me busy. I won’t need to plan anything, figure out what to see and do or think about anything. I’ll just go with the flow.
Prem is a guy who knows how to take care of business. Nothing went wrong on our tour last year. If I needed or wanted anything, he took care of it. He is extremely capable and supremely trustworthy.
I travel solo, so I’m used to being in charge of everything all the time. But I’m looking forward to Prem being in charge this time.
Travels in India 
What a wonderful tribute to your dear friend, Prem! Even though I don’t travel solo, I’m still the one to plan and organize everything, making sure we’re at the right place at the right time. I don’t doze on trains. I’m looking out the window to make sure we don’t miss our stop. To be whisked around by such a great person like Prem and be able to relax sounds truly fabulous!
It’s heaven! And so rare for me. Plus he’s adorable, cheerful and so much fun!
Shimla is a great getaway. It used to be the summer capital of the British Raj. Hope you like it.
Well, any part of India is a great getaway for me! I had read that, about the British Raj building summer homes in Shimla. I’m sure it will be interesting.