Sunday 18/01/04

The toy train ride down from Darjeeling was very picturesque, if a tad on the torturingly slow side. Saw a troop of monkeys on the way down. Got the connecting train with an hour to spare, and ended up sharing a compartment with an Indian family complete with nanny. They had the usual four bags each, and they amusingly asked me how they could pack and travel lighter!

Got to Mughal Serai station, and caught a rickshaw over to Varanassi Junction station where I dumped my bag. Walked over to a hotel, and booked myself in for the night, which was four star and cost less than a fiver!

Happy birthday me!! 32 years old. Not a bad life so far.