We arrived in Calgary right on time. Our friends picked us up from the airport, and our two families were finally reunited. We spent a few days chatting, eating, and sightseeing. Then, we went on an excursion to visit the famous tourist spots in Calgary. Abedin Bhai had already planned our itinerary, which included places like Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise. These destinations were incredibly popular among tourists and we were lucky to see them. We were truly mesmerized by these places.
We also spent two days in Edmonton, visiting our cousins. After returning to Calgary, we embarked on another journey towards Pemberton, near the Vancouver border. Abedin Bhai and Munni had arranged everything. Munni is an excellent cook and had prepared a variety of dishes for our trip. Abedin Bhai was driving, and we were driving through mountainous roads. We were singing, chatting, and snacking as we traveled. My husband was navigating using a map. After driving on a paved road for a while, we turned onto a gravel road. As soon as we entered the dense forest on either side, we all started to worry if we were on the right track. Munni began to scold Abedin Bhai, saying, ‘Where is this man taking us? I made a mistake trusting him. Who knows what will happen to us in this forest?’ Abedin Bhai ignored Munni and continued driving slowly. I was scared too. If we got lost here, the bears or wolves might find us. We would have to call the police.
Munni and I were saying our prayers and suddenly started foaming at the mouth. What was that? As soon as we crossed the rough, jungle-lined road, an incredibly beautiful sea came into view. The sea water had a blue hue. Our eyes were filled with wonder. Even Munni’s broken record stopped abruptly. Abedin Bhai drove the car along the seashore and stopped at a place that looked like a small hill. We were speechless, looking around in amazement. Where did we come to? It was as if heaven had descended on earth. Abedin Bhai got out of the car, pulled us by the hand, and looked at us with proud eyes. A huge house was by the sea. The surroundings were full of flowers and large trees with beautiful, varied leaves. Birds were chirping happily, flying from one tree to another. The spring breeze was blowing. Oh, what a wonderful place. I asked Abedin Bhai, “Brother, where did we find such a beautiful place?”
Another surprise awaited us. As we stood in front of the house door, a woman, a little older than middle-aged, opened the door,
He asked with a smile, you are supposed to come today, right? Wanted to see our ID and booking documents. We signed the paper and entered. The female owner of the house lives in the upper lock with her husband and the lower lock is reserved for guests like us. I jokingly asked the woman, do you stay in heaven and not die? The woman did not understand the first meaning of my words. I rolled my eyes and looked around. When the woman understood, she burst out laughing.
Answered with a smile, why not go to death? I have to go to work and do some other things. The woman asked us what country you are from? We said we are from Bangladesh. We thought that this gentle lady sitting on the other side of the world might not even know the name of Bangladesh. But our idea was wrong. The Canadian woman jumped with joy after hearing the name of Bangladesh, you people of Bangladesh? After the independence of your country, I stayed with a group for three months in Bangladesh. To help victim women children. Sheikh Mujib is your leader. He spoke with us, very good man. The lady’s name is Maria. His words filled our hearts with pride. But we could not hold our pride for long, when Maria said, people of your country are not good, you killed the father of your nation?
