October 8 – Train Ride

We had to be up early this morning to go to the train station for the ride to Jhansi. While waiting in the bus at the station (Sanjay and a local travel rep took care of the luggage), we watched the people arriving at the station. There were many young children begging, as we’ve often seen on the trip. There was also a young man sitting near the bus area, most likely seeking money, too. So much of this.

As we entered the station, we saw a lot of people wating for the train. It was late, but not more than 10 or 15 minutes. We’ve heard that trains are now very reliable but can be a little late, sometimes due to having to stop for something on the tracks. (Cows… children…) Since our train is electric, people don’t ride on top as they used to. (Too dangerous now.)

It’s kind of strange to be writing this as I sit on the train. I have a window seat but not much to look at yet. We were given a bottle of water for the trip and there is food included. We had a good breakfast at the hotel Grand Buffet so most of us aren’t hungry.

This ride will last “about” 2 hours. Should be interesting. Air conditioned, thank goodness, so comfortable. Unlike the bus rides we’ve had so far, it’s very smooth riding. There are toilets onboard in each car, one Western-style (sit) and the other Eastern-style (squat).