Wind on their sails, Thrissur travelistas in their 80's wait for their next tour

“Our steps are slower now; we limp and pant while climbing hills, but we still want to explore more places, meet indigenous people, and enjoy every moment to the fullest,” said Valsala Menon (86) one part of the travelistas from Thrissur. She and her sister, Ramani Menon (84), are 'resting their feet' in their home at Wadakkanchery after a month-long European trip.
Every journey feels like meditation for the sisters, helping them forget all ailments. They are also checking their 'bucket list'.

“We visited around eight countries during our European trip. Switzerland had been on my bucket list ever since I visited Kashmir. So, visiting it was a dream come true,” said Ramani.

“Our grandson Gautham works in Germany. He planned the trip because he wanted us to see his workplace. We even celebrated Vishu with him there,” she added

Late entrants
They are late bloomers to the travel scene. Valsala, who lost her husband at a young age, worked at the Account General's (AG’s) office in Thrissur. After retirement, she became involved in spiritual and community groups in Wadakancherry.

But that changed when her sister became a widow. After the death of her husband, Advocate Gangadhara Menon, Ramani moved in with her sister. It was during this time that she rekindled her travel dreams. Together, the sisters began travelling with pilgrimage groups after turning 70.

“We explored India with a spiritual group — Adhyatmika Prabhodhan Sangam — and friends from Wadakancherry. We visited many holy places, including Kashi, Badrinath and Dwaraka,” said Valsala.

Once the travel bug bit, both forgot their age-related physical restrictions and set their sights on Europe. By then, the sisters had visited several Asian countries, including Cambodia, Singapore, Vietnam, Nepal, Thailand, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka, with their families.

Ramani’s daughter Bindhu and her great-granddaughter Kshetra accompanied them on their European adventure.

“They were excited during the cable car ride in Switzerland. The two were mesmerised by the breathtaking view of the Alps. Their faces lit up when they saw the Eiffel Tower in Paris,” Bindhu recalled.

“As a family, the trip to Germany was a proud moment. We attended a cruise launch event hosted by my son Gautham’s company. Both grannies were thrilled when foreigners greeted them with respect,” she added.

Good vibes only
Not ready to be the typical 80-year-old grannies, Valsala and Ramani keep a positive outlook on life. Bindhu said their systematic lifestyle has helped them avoid common diseases.

"We are strict vegetarians, but we never complained and adapted our diet with bread, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables," Ramani chimed in.

And they turned on their charm on Europeans too. “Amma and Valiyamma (my mom and aunt) are not fluent in English, but somehow, the locals communicated with them. I don’t know what magic they used, but the Europeans were incredibly warm and respectful. We travelled using all forms of public transport—trams, metros, and more,” she said.

Old age not a barrier
For Bindhu, principal of Bharatiya Vidya Mandir, Pottore, Thrissur, travelling with her elderly family members was also a way to promote the need for elderly-friendly travel practices.

She expressed concern over how some people reacted to older people travelling. “When we were travelling to Kashmir, some people asked my mother and aunt why they didn’t stay back home. I hope this societal attitude changes,” said Bindhu.

She noted that even the travel coordinator initially expressed dissatisfaction about including her elderly relatives in the European group due to their slower pace. But over time, the group warmed up to them, and some even began to judge themselves for not taking their parents on such trips.

Family: their pillar of support
Beyond their positive attitude, the unwavering support of their family has been a blessing in the lives of Valsala and Ramani. “Many people mock us, asking why we travel at this age. We simply say — because our children take us,” said Ramani.

It was her granddaughter Gayathri and husband, Dr. Govind, who took the initiative for the family’s trips to foreign countries such as Nepal, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. The elderly travelistas even accompanied the couple on their honeymoon trip to Goa. No trip without the grannies — that was the whole family’s rule.

The sisters now live in their renovated ancestral home with Bindhu’s family. Though Valsala has no children of her own, Ramani’s two sons-Balakrishnan and Harikumar and daughter Bindhu have always been like her own.

Back home from the European sojourn, Valsala and Ramani wake up early, manage kitchen chores, take care of their great-grandchildren, and are full of energy. Passionate about writing, the duo also published their travelogues in magazines published by various temple authorities.

“We don’t know where our next trip will be. But we’re waiting…” said Valsala and Ramani, smiling like two children eager for their next vacation.