We survived. Not only was it a great success, it was a highlight of the trip so far! Okay, maybe for 50% of us.
We left Agra on time after a brief but tense race for Track 2...with the porters carrying two suitcases each - on their heads! The sleeping was communal and because Shelley is our token single gal, we let her have the upper bunk in the room with 3 lovely gentlemen who snored, spat and passed serious gas all night long. Cathy was tucked away in the darkest corner we could find as she slowly but surely recovered from food poisoning. We did get some sleep. Kerry braved the train cuisine and Leslie curtained herself away for privacy to enjoy her book. Unfortunately there was no chance for our group to meditate as I had hoped (thanks again Jen) because we were truly all in an open car surrounded by humanity. Calm and silent (except for Shelley's BF's) they all were for the most part. The click-clacking sounds were soothing and the numerous stops went remarkably quickly so sleep continued.
The Facilities. Words cannot do the toilets justice. Floors of complete rust, non-existent seats with holes open to the speeding track below and questionable random debris everywhere. Now times that by ten. I loved it.
Cathy was at her best when she would thrust herself out the open door, sometimes holding onto the rails, most often not, as we sped our way to Varanasi. Four hours late but totally pumped from the experience.
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4 comments:
Oh my goodness! This may be long because it will cover all the pictures and your comments. Thank you for answering my request to see Dharmender. He is lovely! The children, the washing, the colours,FOOD POISONING ! dear Cathy! and Shelley, alone with snoring men! the elderly, handsome man, kite flying( remembering Slumdog) the birds, the cows, the homes, the loads,lovers and luggage! Good grief. Aren't you happy your mothers taught you how to squat without touching the toilet??!! I loved it all. Thank you.
Thank-you for this colourful blog entry along with the great pics. I had gone on line and saw that type of toilet photo. Cathy......glad to hear you are feeling better! Sad about the food poisoning, but weren't you lucky to have nurse Thomas with you? Shelley....it's abut the bunk shot! I had to wonder about the little face looking so serious on the lower bunk. It's incredible really to think what you have experienced on this journey. The shot of the porters carrying the bags sort of portrayed some tension as you were about to board The ME #4854. Good for you girls! You will be talking about this for years!
Thank-you so much once again for sharing this journey with all of us!
Love and a bear hug to you all...
Ah, this brings back memories of our Thai train trip. We had a 1st class cabin which meant we only shared our accommodation with the legions of cockroaches who inhabit the trains, the toilets were the same: timing crucial. Hope Cathy is fully recovered! Can't wait for picture night. Hugs.
Thinking of you Cathy. Hope you are feeling better. Love all the pics. So much fun to follow you along. Take care. Hugs, Ruby
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