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It Was A Happy Trusting World, Then
THE BOOK
'It Was A Happy Trusting World, Then' is the story of a three-month hitchhike through fifteen countries in 1971 by three youngsters from Nagpur in Central India to Europe and back.
Inspired by Western hitchhikers, the cousins Vilas, Kumar and Vidula plan out their own trip. Travelling on a shoestring budget, they complete the journey by ship, bus and friendly lifts. Starting in Bombay, where they board a ship, the narrative takes us through vignettes of lands of a wholly different political era.
THE AUTHOR
Vilas Kale, 66, leads an active life as a social worker and businessman in Nagpur (Maharashtra) India, where he was born, brought up, educated and is settled. He has been able to successfully balance his business with his social work and activism and also pursue his many hobbies including a passion for travelling. The travel bug bit him early in life and he has travelled extensively in India and some 80 countries abroad. His wife Neeta shares his enthusiasm for travel.
'It Was A Happy Trusting World, Then' is the story of a three-month hitchhike through fifteen countries in 1971 by three youngsters from Nagpur in Central India to Europe and back.
Inspired by Western hitchhikers, the cousins Vilas, Kumar and Vidula plan out their own trip. Travelling on a shoestring budget, they complete the journey by ship, bus and friendly lifts. Starting in Bombay, where they board a ship, the narrative takes us through vignettes of lands of a wholly different political era.
THE AUTHOR
Vilas Kale, 66, leads an active life as a social worker and businessman in Nagpur (Maharashtra) India, where he was born, brought up, educated and is settled. He has been able to successfully balance his business with his social work and activism and also pursue his many hobbies including a passion for travelling. The travel bug bit him early in life and he has travelled extensively in India and some 80 countries abroad. His wife Neeta shares his enthusiasm for travel.
- GenresTravelNonfiction
130 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 22, 2018
It was a Happy Trusting World Back then tell us about a journey three teenagers- Vilas (the author), Kumar and Vidula (the author’s cousins) took. A journey that started in Nagpur and went up to Europe. The journey took about three months and it was one great adventure. The author has mentioned every place they stopped and every good and bad event they faced.
The writing style is simple and the author has jotted down his memories of the journey. There is an absence of any poetic/nostalgic lines, but the author had pointed out their astonishment they felt, as and when they saw the developments these countries underwent. India was a very poor country back then and technological advancements were minimal. The escalators, buses etc were completely different, proving a very novel experience. The author has also mentioned the total money they spent throughout the journey (which is impressive) and the strangers they stayed with (who welcomed them with open hearts). The author has tried to give us a glimpse of every city they visited, but it wasn’t very descriptive.
The book is more details than emotions, which I think was a bad thing for me. The journey happened years ago and remembering every detail can be difficult, but the writing style could have been enhanced to produce a sense of attachment/belonging.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed knowing the world back in the 1970s, it was indeed a different read.
The writing style is simple and the author has jotted down his memories of the journey. There is an absence of any poetic/nostalgic lines, but the author had pointed out their astonishment they felt, as and when they saw the developments these countries underwent. India was a very poor country back then and technological advancements were minimal. The escalators, buses etc were completely different, proving a very novel experience. The author has also mentioned the total money they spent throughout the journey (which is impressive) and the strangers they stayed with (who welcomed them with open hearts). The author has tried to give us a glimpse of every city they visited, but it wasn’t very descriptive.
The book is more details than emotions, which I think was a bad thing for me. The journey happened years ago and remembering every detail can be difficult, but the writing style could have been enhanced to produce a sense of attachment/belonging.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed knowing the world back in the 1970s, it was indeed a different read.
October 18, 2018
For the wary soul who needs a bit of extra convincing of the life-changing wonders that await abroad, there’s perhaps no better Travelogue for first-time readers like me, then ‘It was a Happy Trusting world, then by Vikas Kale’. This is a recount of a three-month long journey of young Vikas Kale and his two cousins through the Middle East and Europe back in 1971.
In the year 1971 Author decides to go on an impromptu Hitchhiking with his cousins Vidula and Kumar. It was a Happy Trusting world, then by Vikas Kale is an absorbing and beautifully written account of Author Vikas’s Journey. The Author describes his journey in a very detailed way, each and every place is mentioned through the eyes of the narrator Vikas Kale, the readers are transported from Mumbai (then Bombay) to Dubai to Switzerland and in many Countries along the way.
It was very enlightening and insightful to know the cultural differences of the places they visited and the people they met as they hitchhiked along their journey back then and very saddening to realize how some of the very beautiful countries mentioned in the book are now war-torn countries. The Author tells us about how he’s stayed on the move for three months long on a shoestring budget, with tips and tricks coming to life through relatable stories.
What I liked most about the book
They say what’s in a name? but I say the name is a first emotional connection we have with that particular thing. In this case, it was the book ‘It was a Happy Trusting world, then’ by Vikas Kale. The Title ‘It was a Happy Trusting world, then’ exudes the emotions attached to the Author’s first ever hitchhiking journey. I really loved the way how the Author shared some of his memories through photographs and postcards. The narration of the book is very smooth, detailed and precise. And the special thing about the book is that it won’t tell you exactly how to do it, but gives you ideas and confidence to figure it out for yourself. Overall it was a very refreshing read.
Recommendation
This is for you if you love reading Travelogue or books on travels, in short, a must-read for the travel enthusiast. And It's also pretty Time Pass read, for Non-Travel Readers.
In the year 1971 Author decides to go on an impromptu Hitchhiking with his cousins Vidula and Kumar. It was a Happy Trusting world, then by Vikas Kale is an absorbing and beautifully written account of Author Vikas’s Journey. The Author describes his journey in a very detailed way, each and every place is mentioned through the eyes of the narrator Vikas Kale, the readers are transported from Mumbai (then Bombay) to Dubai to Switzerland and in many Countries along the way.
It was very enlightening and insightful to know the cultural differences of the places they visited and the people they met as they hitchhiked along their journey back then and very saddening to realize how some of the very beautiful countries mentioned in the book are now war-torn countries. The Author tells us about how he’s stayed on the move for three months long on a shoestring budget, with tips and tricks coming to life through relatable stories.
What I liked most about the book
They say what’s in a name? but I say the name is a first emotional connection we have with that particular thing. In this case, it was the book ‘It was a Happy Trusting world, then’ by Vikas Kale. The Title ‘It was a Happy Trusting world, then’ exudes the emotions attached to the Author’s first ever hitchhiking journey. I really loved the way how the Author shared some of his memories through photographs and postcards. The narration of the book is very smooth, detailed and precise. And the special thing about the book is that it won’t tell you exactly how to do it, but gives you ideas and confidence to figure it out for yourself. Overall it was a very refreshing read.
Recommendation
This is for you if you love reading Travelogue or books on travels, in short, a must-read for the travel enthusiast. And It's also pretty Time Pass read, for Non-Travel Readers.
July 10, 2018
It was an absolute joy to read this book! My first tryst with non-fiction in a long long time and I am glad the author chose me to send this book.
I have always considered myself as a traveler. Every year, I try to take at least a couple of trips and I am glad to report that I have managed decently well, especially in the last 3-4 years.
The story is of Vilas, Vidula and Kumar, who undertake the task of travelling the world in 1971. What follows is 99 pages of pure bliss. While initially I was a little apprehensive of the length of the book (I was not sure a 99-pager would be adequate to detail a journey of almost three months), by the end, all my apprehensions were taken care of. The length of the book is perfect, and it leaves you with a sense of satisfaction. The most striking part of the book is the portrayal of the world way back in 1971. The author managed to visit countries that one can easily forget to even dream of visiting on today's war-stricken atmosphere.
Further, the fact that the author and his cousins relied on the hospitality of of so many almost-strangers (they were not acquainted to them directly but through someone who knew someone and so on) is beautiful to read about. It, indeed, was a happier, more trusting world, then. In return, the author and his cousins were met with help in different legs of the journey, making their experiences culturally extremely diverse. Two reasons why this struck as something really beautiful:
1. There was no ego on the part of the author when it came to reaching out for help. In today's world, everyone takes so much pride in being self-sufficient that they forget that they are letting go off a chance to experience something more culturally productive and genuine. We all want to be independent, sucking the joy out of being associated with the place they are visiting more deeply.
2. In a time when trunk calls and television were just breaking in the Indian scenario, the author and his cousins solely relied on letters to indicate their tentative dates of arrival (there was a rough map for the trip but nothing was concrete). Despite of the lack of immediate communication, their family and friends were so welcoming and hospitable!
The book also highlights the joy (and, at times, miseries) unplanned trips can get. In terms of accommodation and places to visit, especially on a tight budget, the author and his cousins were initially disappointed with the lack of response from people they relied on. But what they made of that disappointment is something to marvel upon.
Read it to feel good about yesterday and to be disappointed about the kind of world we live in today.
Definitely recommended.
I have always considered myself as a traveler. Every year, I try to take at least a couple of trips and I am glad to report that I have managed decently well, especially in the last 3-4 years.
The story is of Vilas, Vidula and Kumar, who undertake the task of travelling the world in 1971. What follows is 99 pages of pure bliss. While initially I was a little apprehensive of the length of the book (I was not sure a 99-pager would be adequate to detail a journey of almost three months), by the end, all my apprehensions were taken care of. The length of the book is perfect, and it leaves you with a sense of satisfaction. The most striking part of the book is the portrayal of the world way back in 1971. The author managed to visit countries that one can easily forget to even dream of visiting on today's war-stricken atmosphere.
Further, the fact that the author and his cousins relied on the hospitality of of so many almost-strangers (they were not acquainted to them directly but through someone who knew someone and so on) is beautiful to read about. It, indeed, was a happier, more trusting world, then. In return, the author and his cousins were met with help in different legs of the journey, making their experiences culturally extremely diverse. Two reasons why this struck as something really beautiful:
1. There was no ego on the part of the author when it came to reaching out for help. In today's world, everyone takes so much pride in being self-sufficient that they forget that they are letting go off a chance to experience something more culturally productive and genuine. We all want to be independent, sucking the joy out of being associated with the place they are visiting more deeply.
2. In a time when trunk calls and television were just breaking in the Indian scenario, the author and his cousins solely relied on letters to indicate their tentative dates of arrival (there was a rough map for the trip but nothing was concrete). Despite of the lack of immediate communication, their family and friends were so welcoming and hospitable!
The book also highlights the joy (and, at times, miseries) unplanned trips can get. In terms of accommodation and places to visit, especially on a tight budget, the author and his cousins were initially disappointed with the lack of response from people they relied on. But what they made of that disappointment is something to marvel upon.
Read it to feel good about yesterday and to be disappointed about the kind of world we live in today.
Definitely recommended.
June 2, 2018
Title: It Was A Happy Trusting World, Then
Author: Vilas Kale
Publisher: The Write Place Publishing
Published on: January 2018
Pages: 130
Binding: Paperback
ISBN: 9789387282025
BLURB
It Was A Happy Trusting World, Then is the story of a three-month hitch hike through fifteen countries in 1971 by three youngsters from Nagpur in Central India to Europe and back. Inspired by Western hitchhikers, the cousins Vilas, Kumar and Vidula plan out their own trip. Travelling on a shoestring budget, they complete the journey by ship, bus and friendly lifts. Starting in Bombay, where they board a ship, the narrative takes us through vignettes of lands of a wholly different political era.
COVER PAGE
The cover page of the book is very simple having an image of a red hitchhiker bag on road. The cover page is very subtle in the natural shades of blue and fawn and I liked it a lot.
REVIEW
It Was A Happy Trusting World, Then revolves around a three month long journey of three youngsters - Vilas, Kumar and Vidula, who decided to go on hitch hike from Nagpur to Europe covering around fifteen countries. Through this book, the author Vilas Kale has shared his own experience of this long adventure trip.
The book is very different written in a simple and in a lucid manner. It is very engaging as it is author's own experience, with everything written in a great detailed manner, mentioning about each and every place they stayed at and what they did at that place. I was amazed and I really liked how the author mentioned about everything in such a great manner as the journey was a long time back in the 1970s.
The author has very efficiently discussed about the condition of India back then as at that time India was poor and the developments were taking place but at a slow pace. The author has compared India with the other countries. And, I really appreciate how the author has put the dates of his travel like on which date he was in travelling to which country just like a personal diary.
The title of the book is very well justified as the author has talked about the various countries and their condition back in the 1970s, also mentioning about their cultures. It gives the reader an insight about the world back then. Like how the countries like Iran, Syria are very beautiful having beautiful places but nowadays, only war stories about these countries come up. The discrimination the Indians faced back then and the conversation between the Indians and the Pakistanis are also mentioned.
Lastly, there are a lot of photographs enclosed of various places the three youngsters visited and the various travel memories such as postcards and stamps as well as Itinerary. The photographs made my reading a lot more interesting because I was able to connect a lot with it.
Overall, for me it was a different read which I enjoyed reading a lot. The book was a journey for me as well. I would recommend this book to everyone.
Author: Vilas Kale
Publisher: The Write Place Publishing
Published on: January 2018
Pages: 130
Binding: Paperback
ISBN: 9789387282025
BLURB
It Was A Happy Trusting World, Then is the story of a three-month hitch hike through fifteen countries in 1971 by three youngsters from Nagpur in Central India to Europe and back. Inspired by Western hitchhikers, the cousins Vilas, Kumar and Vidula plan out their own trip. Travelling on a shoestring budget, they complete the journey by ship, bus and friendly lifts. Starting in Bombay, where they board a ship, the narrative takes us through vignettes of lands of a wholly different political era.
COVER PAGE
The cover page of the book is very simple having an image of a red hitchhiker bag on road. The cover page is very subtle in the natural shades of blue and fawn and I liked it a lot.
REVIEW
It Was A Happy Trusting World, Then revolves around a three month long journey of three youngsters - Vilas, Kumar and Vidula, who decided to go on hitch hike from Nagpur to Europe covering around fifteen countries. Through this book, the author Vilas Kale has shared his own experience of this long adventure trip.
The book is very different written in a simple and in a lucid manner. It is very engaging as it is author's own experience, with everything written in a great detailed manner, mentioning about each and every place they stayed at and what they did at that place. I was amazed and I really liked how the author mentioned about everything in such a great manner as the journey was a long time back in the 1970s.
The author has very efficiently discussed about the condition of India back then as at that time India was poor and the developments were taking place but at a slow pace. The author has compared India with the other countries. And, I really appreciate how the author has put the dates of his travel like on which date he was in travelling to which country just like a personal diary.
The title of the book is very well justified as the author has talked about the various countries and their condition back in the 1970s, also mentioning about their cultures. It gives the reader an insight about the world back then. Like how the countries like Iran, Syria are very beautiful having beautiful places but nowadays, only war stories about these countries come up. The discrimination the Indians faced back then and the conversation between the Indians and the Pakistanis are also mentioned.
Lastly, there are a lot of photographs enclosed of various places the three youngsters visited and the various travel memories such as postcards and stamps as well as Itinerary. The photographs made my reading a lot more interesting because I was able to connect a lot with it.
Overall, for me it was a different read which I enjoyed reading a lot. The book was a journey for me as well. I would recommend this book to everyone.
August 22, 2018
A wonderful memoir which is set back in 1971 that is almost 50 years prior makes this an interesting read. The story that stretches for three months and few days beginning from 2nd May and ending on 1st August 1971, talk in great detail about the experience of 3 hitchhikers who went on travel cross Middle East to Europe before returning back to India on a shoe-string budget.
The travel undertaken by Kumar, Vilas and Vidula going across various countries braving situations like climatic conditions, food, language and most importantly the shortage of money due to Forex restrictions back then has been vividly captured in this book.
I liked the way author has narrated his journey which never made me feel bored is the real success. Though most of the nation has gone under a drastic change which includes Beirut which was then called "Paris of the East" has been reduced to another war torn nation, author drives a strong message that life is short and we should try to show love and affection since we only live once and there is no point living the life with conflicts rather than living in Peace.
The travel undertaken by Kumar, Vilas and Vidula going across various countries braving situations like climatic conditions, food, language and most importantly the shortage of money due to Forex restrictions back then has been vividly captured in this book.
I liked the way author has narrated his journey which never made me feel bored is the real success. Though most of the nation has gone under a drastic change which includes Beirut which was then called "Paris of the East" has been reduced to another war torn nation, author drives a strong message that life is short and we should try to show love and affection since we only live once and there is no point living the life with conflicts rather than living in Peace.
July 30, 2018
Back then in 1970s, it was difficult to conceive of travelling on a limited budget in an unknown territory.
Vilas Kale and his cousins not only managed this feat but also came back with hope for all those who travel today. Yes, the world has changed and trust is often a pop-up every time - but when Vilas went to each of the places, he placed trust in the host families. Should we say he was lucky? Maybe.
Interesting aspects of travel during those times opened up my perspective to the Indian's view of the world and the developments during that time. The newly gained independence, rising economies, challenge of foreign exchange, lack of travel facilities, yet Vilas and his cousins accomplished what they set out for. How? Read the book to find out more. Each experience in the book will take you on a journey of imagination, trying to make a comparison of the times and the ways of travel.
I highly recommend this book for all travelers. It's a very interesting book which shall broaden your views. Written in a simple language for everyone to understand - do pick it up!
Vilas Kale and his cousins not only managed this feat but also came back with hope for all those who travel today. Yes, the world has changed and trust is often a pop-up every time - but when Vilas went to each of the places, he placed trust in the host families. Should we say he was lucky? Maybe.
Interesting aspects of travel during those times opened up my perspective to the Indian's view of the world and the developments during that time. The newly gained independence, rising economies, challenge of foreign exchange, lack of travel facilities, yet Vilas and his cousins accomplished what they set out for. How? Read the book to find out more. Each experience in the book will take you on a journey of imagination, trying to make a comparison of the times and the ways of travel.
I highly recommend this book for all travelers. It's a very interesting book which shall broaden your views. Written in a simple language for everyone to understand - do pick it up!
November 24, 2019
First of all,it was a great achievement by the trio .This is actually a diary of Vilas Kale ,transformed into a book.Hence,its not a complete travelogue with pictures,description of cultures etc.The author and his cousins just visit the place,stay with an acquaintance and leave.There is no depth in the "story"
This is also one of the rare books where one can get the glimpse of the some parts of the world in 1971 but detailed account is missing.
I found a few questions unanswered like what is the background of Vilas Kale,how did he find acquaintances so easily in each city,Why it was a happy,trusting world then if he had so much trouble in Asia etc.On giving a thought,I foind out that he is from a well to do family with lot of influence and not your run of the mill backpacker.
Hence,I was somewhat disappointed and would award the book three stars...it should have been much better.
This is also one of the rare books where one can get the glimpse of the some parts of the world in 1971 but detailed account is missing.
I found a few questions unanswered like what is the background of Vilas Kale,how did he find acquaintances so easily in each city,Why it was a happy,trusting world then if he had so much trouble in Asia etc.On giving a thought,I foind out that he is from a well to do family with lot of influence and not your run of the mill backpacker.
Hence,I was somewhat disappointed and would award the book three stars...it should have been much better.
July 28, 2018
My views-
After a very long time I read a non-fiction and indeed it was good. I always wanted to read a book on travellers.
The story is of 1971, when 3 people, Vilas, Vidula and kumar, visit Europe from Nagpur. The trip described is author's own with his friends.
The details of 1971 is described in detail. The author choose his words particularly to narrate the story.
The culture and scenery of european countries are well pictured. Since its author's own experience, the narration is apt.
India's condition, of a developing country is not hidden.
The most attractive thing about the book was personalization. The Author has mentioned dates in the book, that automatically shows how close he is to the story.
Overall, a book with detailed travel scenario and beautiful narration.
After a very long time I read a non-fiction and indeed it was good. I always wanted to read a book on travellers.
The story is of 1971, when 3 people, Vilas, Vidula and kumar, visit Europe from Nagpur. The trip described is author's own with his friends.
The details of 1971 is described in detail. The author choose his words particularly to narrate the story.
The culture and scenery of european countries are well pictured. Since its author's own experience, the narration is apt.
India's condition, of a developing country is not hidden.
The most attractive thing about the book was personalization. The Author has mentioned dates in the book, that automatically shows how close he is to the story.
Overall, a book with detailed travel scenario and beautiful narration.
May 29, 2018
Basically, it is a travelogue of a hitchhiker's journey through Middle East and Europe in 1971.
I love travelling and love to read and hear other people's travel experiences. So if you are a travel junkie just like me, then definitely you will like this book.
You will feel as if you are reading the Author's personal dairy, since everything written is so simple and to the point.It is a great one time read for any travel enthusiast!!
For review of the book, you can also check http://www.myhappychance.com/2018/05/...
I love travelling and love to read and hear other people's travel experiences. So if you are a travel junkie just like me, then definitely you will like this book.
You will feel as if you are reading the Author's personal dairy, since everything written is so simple and to the point.It is a great one time read for any travel enthusiast!!
For review of the book, you can also check http://www.myhappychance.com/2018/05/...
June 8, 2018
What a lovely journey it was! It was like I was travelling. I read these kinda books rarely but I liked this one very much. Some quotes were amazing. There were laughing moments, emotional ones too. Loved it and enjoyed it.
May 8, 2019
One time read.
May 10, 2018
Read my entire review here http://www.diaryofabookgirl.in/2018/0...
Author Vilas Kale gives his readers a perspective on how countries like Iran, Iraq and Syria looked before it was torn apart by bombs and guns, before foreign visitors were disallowed to travel to these countries. The author also writes about the time spent in the West European countries and how beautiful its landscapes and buildings were in the 1970s. In fact, the book has some really nice black and white photographs of the hitchhikers and also coloured photographs of postcards from the different cities that the author visited along with some picturesque photographs of some famous tourist attractions. I also love how the author gave some tidbits about different places. Like in Tehran, the taxi drivers show a specific gesture while refusing passengers and the fact that unmarried girls staying with boys or men in one hotel room was illegal at that time.
It Was A Happy Trusting World, Then by Vilas Kale is an eye-opening book and I must say that the world before was more welcoming. Some countries are being neglected today due to war and misfortunes but these countries were one of the most beautiful countries at one point of time. But as time changes, we need to accept the world as it is and never forget to try to make the world a better place.
Author Vilas Kale gives his readers a perspective on how countries like Iran, Iraq and Syria looked before it was torn apart by bombs and guns, before foreign visitors were disallowed to travel to these countries. The author also writes about the time spent in the West European countries and how beautiful its landscapes and buildings were in the 1970s. In fact, the book has some really nice black and white photographs of the hitchhikers and also coloured photographs of postcards from the different cities that the author visited along with some picturesque photographs of some famous tourist attractions. I also love how the author gave some tidbits about different places. Like in Tehran, the taxi drivers show a specific gesture while refusing passengers and the fact that unmarried girls staying with boys or men in one hotel room was illegal at that time.
It Was A Happy Trusting World, Then by Vilas Kale is an eye-opening book and I must say that the world before was more welcoming. Some countries are being neglected today due to war and misfortunes but these countries were one of the most beautiful countries at one point of time. But as time changes, we need to accept the world as it is and never forget to try to make the world a better place.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews