Being the ‘Artful Dodger’ involves hoisting/carrying luggage while squeezing through a sea of human flesh and dodging the occasional sleazy grab/pinch or the elusive pickpocket.
Requiring Potty Training involves having to squat in the train ‘toylate’ perfectly without toppling over or touching ANYTHING which is an art by itself.
Practicing the art of Meditation involves deep breathing, while resisting the urge to kick the talkative, over smart Bihari vomiting his views on the upcoming IPL.
Snapping at the loud, talkative group at 3 AM in the morning.
Being well equipped with a good read, a couple of good movies on the laptop but more importantly Gelusil, Fresh Ones, and Lifebuoy Hand Sanitizer.
Turning a deaf ear to the symphony of snores emitted from the ‘dead-to-the-world’ co passengers.
Super strong stomach muscles helps to keep dismal train food down, while pretending not to notice a co passenger’s protruding, pussing (about to pop out any second and land on the afore mentioned dismal food) horn.
Realizing in astonishment that people still purchase Bollywood movie cassettes.
Trying to remain astonished even though the annoying, leering male co passenger will blast the damn music at the maximum possible decibel that his rather ancient portable player will cough out.
Day dreaming and pretending the lower side berth of the train compartment is a hut complete with a water bottle holder, an electrical socket point and a gigantic window overlooking the beautiful countryside landscapes.
Recollecting that another word for train compartment is also ‘bogey’.
Enjoying the thrill of hopping off onto every obscure station that the train stops at including one that is called ‘Igatpuri’.
Surviving acute and newly acquired hunger pangs by snacking on junk food and proceeding towards complaining of a stomach ache.
Happy (smirk) Journey!
Nice.
ReplyDeleteThe highlight of my summer holidays during the closing years of high school was always a long train journey from Madras to Delhi. Somehow, the return trips are not as vivid - wonder why?
Loved seeing the different layers that make India a marvel of modern cultural cohesion peel away, one after another, each giving way to another that was similar but different. Taught me so much about my country and its people.
Remember also the ridiculous heat, always alleviated by the standard damp towel technique.
Happy days. :-)
Made me very happy this did.
ReplyDeleteFrequent travellers, most of us would have definitely heard this, "Aiyo, blady nansense. You have accupyed my sheat. Bhere do you you think I can sit? On your headddd... Moov aside".
ReplyDeleteIts fun in a train. especially the long journeys. I see India comming to LIFE. A lot happens (at times bothers) in the journey. It gives time to anticipate, plan as to what you would do when you reach. Look at the scenery, just stare at the oblivion. Nothing to disturb you.
Just that old man still pickering over his "Sheat". Complains "In MY days, we used to respect elders. these days, Aiyoooo. The little rascals have no concern. Bhat is happening to people these days. But my kids, they are bery bery well be(e)haved".
The most anticipated part of the journey. In comes the Chai walas.For sure you will find at least 50% of the known bacterias and viruses in a single cup of chai. All watery and way too sweet. Tastes pathetic. Still never miss it when they come around.
6 out of 10 times its 'budhe's' fault. "Ah, sari. My bad... My berth... It is the next one... Very Very sari. I apologige from my heart. But you should learn to respect your elders".
The cacophony ends. Now you can sit and think as to what you would do
I can't even begin to count how many tooth brushes of mine have accidentally popped down the bloody toilet! ooooooh i miss the poori sabji at those lil stations :(
ReplyDelete