I wasn't able to get a reserved seat, but the travel agent said, "Oh, it's a day train, so it's no problem, just find a place to sit down." My ticket was for "sleeper class" and this made sense, I thought, since the sleeping compartments would be set up for sitting rather than sleeping. In this configuration, the upper berths would be open and I could just lie down and read, nap or listen to my iPod. No problem. Well, it worked that way for the first half of the trip. At some stop, though, the car started filling with people...and more people...and more people. To make a long story short, I ended up in that same berth with two other guys and a bunch of luggage. Being so close to the ceiling, I couldn't sit up, or lie down, completely. I'm amazed my neck isn't sore today. As horrible as that sounds, it wasn't complete torture. Even though there were so many people packed into that car, somehow it felt like we were all a big family. The Indians were very generous and gracious. The people whose berth I was sitting in put off their bed time when the train was late and made space for me at the end of one of the lower berths when the train ended up being very late. And the couple of guys that were sharing the berth with me bought me chai and shared their peanuts. So, as happy as I was to get off that train, for the circumstances, it couldn't have gone any better.
So, it's a lovely day here in Agra. My hotel is only about 100 yards from the outer wall of the Taj Mahal and the rooftop tables have a great view, the perfect backdrop for my lunch this afternoon. Today I'm mostly relaxing (strangely enough, with eight months, you'd think that I'd have a lot of days for just relaxing, but that hasn't been the case). I had a couple of nice chats with my dad and brother this morning that made me very happy. Tonight my hotel is having a Christmas party in their restaurant, so hopefully I'll meet some nice folks to celebrate with; but right now, my thoughts are of all of you, missing you and hoping you're all having a great day.
Tomorrow, I'll do the sight seeing, getting up early to see the sun rise on the Taj Mahal.
Oh, I've got a couple of posts in the works on my trips to Varanasi and Bodhgaya, so stay tuned.
Here's a picture I took in Varanasi. I didn't realize it at the time, but looking at it now, he sort of looks like an Indian Santa Claus.
7 comments:
Today sounds like a lovely day for you! Merry Christmas from California. Enjoy the Taj Mahal at sunrise!
your cousin Carol
Merry Christmas from Georgia!
I'm glad the people on the train were nice to you, especially after your awful experiences in Delhi.
I really enjoy reading your blog. My friend Paula recommended it.
Have fun!
Namaste Eric!
I have have so enjoyed reading your stories. It takes us back to our time spent there and I cannot wait to share stories all over again. You're about to go on one of my favorite experiences. Or you already have and have yet to post it. The train rides in India were fantastic, I enjoyed getting a bit more personel with the locals. The countryside views, and the people just pooping out in the fields anywhere at anytime. We take so much for granted...
I loved the history and the Taj. I think you will carry much from India. The lessons are hard, and need time to fester and grow. Chaos is not ment to be comfortable, it is not in it's nature. Feel the tapestry that is India, confidence will always throw them off a bit. I hope you made it to Sarnath? Saranath? A bit north of Varanasi. Don't drink the water :o
Peace, and Happy New Year!
-Dave
Happy New Year Eric!
Loved the picture of your
Indian Santa Claus. How
appropriate. So happy to
read you talked to your
Dad - he has been looking
forward to the call.
Take care!
Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Bill
Belated Christmas wishes!!! I am so glad the trip has taken a turn for the better. We head out for the Masai Mara and the coast hopefully tomorrow...I have some hilarious stories that aren't appropriate for my blog, can't wait to meet up in February and exchange stories. Finding a fun coffee shop will be on my list for Thailand and we can sit and relax all day! Take care.
Jacquie
Merry Belated Christmas, Eric!
I hope the tour of the Taj Mahal went well. I'm looking forward to seeing it myself.
Best of luck on your journey and thanks for sharing your experiences with us.
hi,
y dont u come to tamil nadu? here lot of tourist spots,temples and traditional culture,if u hav chance to come india,pls come to tamil nadu,
some places in tamil nadu
chennai,ooty(hill station),kodai kanal(hill station),madurai,kovai,kanyakumari(seashore),thirunelveli,kanchepuram, etc...
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