Train Ride to Delhi

After a bit more shopping and the purchase of an extra duffel bag, we went to the train station for our 5 ½ hour ride to Delhi. When the late train finally arrived, people mobbed the door, crowding and pushing to get on. Our now-heavy baggage made it harder to get on, but we managed. While the baggage was now a curse, we knew the purchased items would be appreciated later. Into a sleeper car section intended for 8, people continued to crowd in. At one time we had up to 22 people in our seats, with more filling the aisle. Thankfully people were rather jovial and very flexible, seemingly unfazed by the crowded conditions. Vendors traveled through the aisles, selling chai, samosas, and snacks. Occasionally the smell of the bathroom permeated the air - unpleasant but temporary. Outside the moon shone in the dark night, a full ball glowing an eerie orange. At one stop we saw the interior of the first-class sleeper car of another train. It had provided linens, was quiet, air-conditioned, and definitely not crowded. We looked on with longing.

Our taxi honked its way over to our reserved hotel, asking directions every block or so. We were actually put up in a slightly nicer (and quieter) hotel, as the first one was overbooked. We didn’t mind the inconvenience.

Sorry, no photos on the train. I was too crowded to even attempt to get my camera out from under the seat.

Tweet

Pin It