We are currently en route to Udaipur, India. After a sleepless night (the Red Sheild didn’t turn out to be the bargain we thought - so humid in the room that sleep was virtually impossible) we were up at 5:00 a.m. to get a taxi to the train station for a 6:25 a.m. departure from Mumbai Central to Ahmedabad. We had to wake up a taxi driver who was sleeping in the back seat of his car. He got up grudgingly, took a white shirt from his otherwise empty trunk, and we were off. The train was not what I expected. As this was a day train, we had booked Air Conditioned Chair Class, which basically means a reclining seat in a cool car. I had anticipated fighting our way onto the train, but our car was more than half full. Locals seem to travel in the non A/C 2nd class cars - a little cheaper. The train included meals and water which was a surprise to me (Chris of course knew this as he is super-planner). We boarded and were each given a litre of bottled water and breakfast. Not sure what it was, but closest I can say would be polenta with peanuts, raisins, and beans. Quite nice, actually. It was a 7 hr journey so we were also fed lunch - a tray with several veg dishes - dhal, mixed spicy veggies, a tofu and tomato dish, a roti, soup, and ice cream for dessert. From Ahmedabad we have an overnight train this evening at 11:20 p.m. arriving in Udaipur at 7:15 a.m. India is huge.
Not feeling as positive today - could be the lack of sleep and waiting hours and hours for a train in the crazy humidity with the constant eyes on us. I’m sure it will take some getting used to. Hoping to get some sleep tonight and arrive in a more tourist friendly destination tomorrow. The people are very friendly, don’t get me wrong… they are just fascinated by us which is more than a little odd on the receiving end.
Anyhow, just thought I’d add some notes. A good and bad day I suppose!
P
Hey guys, glad to hear you’re going to Rajasthan. If it helps, I was having some serious doubts when I first got to India as well, but after a few days it all starts to seem normal.
Craig
October 3rd, 2007
Paula, I just read from July until today and am all caught up. I am so happy to hear of your adventures. Jacqueline is 3 months today and a little shining light. motherhood is 24/7 but good. it is a whole new world. i do not have an email right now but will soon. have much to tell, love to you both. sibby
Sibby
October 7th, 2007