After being told there were no seats for the 1230hrs train, we were sold tickets for the 1800hrs train, this meant a 6 hour wait at the train station with our backpacks, so with little deliberation, we decided to make a go for the 1230 train anyway (and hope we get a seat).
Turns out, we didn't get a seat, but we wouldn't have got a seat on our 1800 train either, so feeling smug that we had started our journey 6 hours earlier, we claimed our space near the smelly loos by the open doors. As you can imagine, it's not a clean or pleasant area.. But we don't have much of a choice!
After just an hour in this tight smelly gross space, I couldn't see us doing 22 hours.. But we're 10 hours in now, and I've changed my mind about this train. As you can imagine, we are very dirty and smelly, but Sam tells me I look beautiful. He's a good egg.
I've come to realise that the Indian railway is a practical business, it's not designed to be comfortable or pleasurable. The locals are just happy that the train has got them to their destination, whatever the setting. You wouldn't get this in England, you'd get suited business men shouting 'this is ridiculous!' Or "get me your manager!" But here, people are more relaxed, they are just happy to be transported.
We cannot moan either, this trip has cost us just £7 each - and we are travelling a long long way!
After 13 hours we managed to get two beds, I can't say I've ever felt happier to lay down and go to sleep! Who said I can't sleep anywhere?
During our journey, we made friends with the locals, watched the bugs on the floor, saw some incredible scenery, watched a film, danced, tried an Indian burger, got bought some Indian food, did a crossword, and learnt some local language.
At the start, I hated this train, I hated the heat and the dirt, but I've grown to love it, and I'm fond of our little corner of the train, and our sleepy neighbours. This has been the worst and best train journey of my life!
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