A train journey - a memorable experience.

Few years ago, I always looked forward to vacations (which I still do) and the wonderful experience of travelling by train. Now that I have to literally fight to get leaves approved and utilize each and every moment of my privileged leaves wisely so travel by air seems more efficient. But I still do miss those experiences that a journey by train used to provide. No fast/hep show-off airport crowds where MOST of them (not all) are trying to make a fashion/status statement, no start-to-end AC journeys; No surety of Clean Toilets - forget toilet paper, even soap MIGHT not be there; No assurance that your slippers/shoes or even luggage will be at the same place where you left them or that they are even there at all! In short, the uncertainty the journey brings….

You have all the time in the world to finish movies stacked in the unseen folder on your laptop, listen to songs that you have always wanted to listen, read books that you bought probably in the hope to read them in your leisure time but which you never got, call up people with whom the last interaction seems way into the past, or even sleep off the entire day with zero worries of pending work or responsibilities.

A train journey in India throws far greater challenges and fun than most other nations even offer. First of which is you keep a close eye on your luggage and foot-wears. Dodging the non-confirmed passengers from sharing your seat. You get to listen to debates and discussions on various topics ranging from politics, education, infrastructure etc. A more enthusiastic group of youngsters or family can be found playing antakshari or playing cards and at the same time you can find the older group of people getting irritated at them. A more reserved group can be found trying to distant themselves from whatever is happening around them. A lone traveller can be found dozing off the entire day in his upper berth (which I prefer when I am travelling alone) or standing near the entrance gate watching the panoramic view of the countryside. You can always find a couple of infant who will always cry and prevent you from sleeping. A photography enthusiast tries to catch as many moments as possible in his camera. You will also find a number of eunuchs who will try to extract money from you in exchange of their blessings. From time to time you can find a vendor bring in mouth watering food items like masala muri or any other food items according to the state you are travelling in.

All of this and much more is what makes a train journey more memorable than any other mode of travelling. I am happy that shortly I will experience it all over again.