A 22 Hour Train Trip

1.01.07

2007 is looking beautiful so far! As we travel the Eastern Coast of India on our way to Bhubaneshwar, the landscape through the train window is filled with palm trees, rice paddy fields, scattered villages, small white temples, villagers going about their day and people doing their “business” on the sides of the train line- much like I would have imagined it. Occasionally we see a small hill with red earth visible under the scrub, and also a few eucalyptus trees- and it is easy to imagine that this part of India was once joined to the Australian Bight. Where there is water there is also quite a lot of bird life; this part of India seems less crowded, and the vegetation less depleted.

So “Happy New Year” to everyone! I was sleeping in my bunk when Freya and a few of the school girls travelling with our party came around at midnight to say “Happy New Year” to everyone. We are a group of 12 altogether: Sandeep, Geeta the music teacher from Jain International, Surrender (Sandeep’s wonderful assistant), our family of 4 and 5 gorgeous students who Sandeep has taught, and who are also performing at the festival in Cuttuck from tomorrow.

It has been surprisingly pleasant travelling on this train. It is air conditioned, and we have 3 tiers of bunk beds, fully supplied with clean white bed-sheets, pillows and blankets. So we have slept very well overnight, and Freya has been permanently frolicking in the very top bunk, where she hangs out with the other girls. They have been playing games, making up quizzes and singing songs. The directors of the school sent a huge parcel of dinner for everyone consisting of puri breads, rice, chutney and a delicious rich tomato relish/curry, which is amazingly red, and when mixed with the rice makes a very colorful and tasty mix.

Last night after boarding we read the Hyderabad papers reporting on the talent competition in the NTR Gardens, and found Freya’s picture in it, as well as a nice write up (all in Telegu script). It also mentioned that Freya’s mother was wearing traditional Indian dress, which they apparently were most impressed about. So I’d better keep up the sari wearing for special occasions…Also we saw a lovely photo of the Harbour Bridge alight with its fireworks, which are obviously renowned throughout the lands, so we feel we have got a glimpse of celebrations at home!

Guy also bumped into an Indian from the USA on this train, who actually slept right next to him at the seminar we were atin Pune would you believe it! He was travelling to his family’s place in Orissa and is in the very same carriage as us! We have also met a lovely young army man who has just got married and who was very keen on talking about cricket, and a vivacious young bio-chemist who lectures at a local university. Sandeep tells me that a famous movie director is in the next carriage. It seems everyone who is anyone is on this happy train journey.

Caspar has taken another nap, and Freya who never runs out of steam, is busy enjoying clapping rhyming games under the roof in the top bunk.

Sellers of chai, lassi, puris, chips, soft drinks, and some very strong smelling local specialties keep coming though the compartments. Also the kids are constantly offering us sweets and biscuits, and so as usual we are never hungry. We have now entered the state of Orissa, but the Hyderabadi food spirit is still intact! And what would this blog be without its food reports…although I have promised Seetaram to tone it down a little, as he is tortured by the idea of all the lovely food he longs for. Sandeep is teasing Guy by trying to catch his attention with a conversation about food. He just throws a few key-words like “Byriani” and Shadab Hotel” in Guy’s direction hoping Guy’s ears will perk up. He is so full of fun.

Signing off from the train to Cuttuck – Maybe I’ll take another short nap, munch on a beautiful cashew barfi sweet, or go to the next compartment for a few more laughs before we arrive in a few hours. With best wishes to everyone for a beautiful 2007!!!