Daves India Travelogue 2004 - Continued
11/01/04
It was another beautiful morning, sitting on the veranda and eating breakfast in Puri. Just a couple of notes-
Everybody here assumes that all Westerners smoke dope
One of the taxis had a series of Christmas songs as it's reverse warning.
A good day trip to Konark, even if the rickshaw was a bit bumpy over the potholes. There was some nice scenary on the way, and again, passed a mix of people some of whom lived literally on the roadside in incredibly dusty shacks.
The temple itself
was impressive, although it is in the process of being rebuilt. It's a
sun temple, which is represented as a huge chariot being drawn towards
the sea by horses. At the bottom of it are carvings of elephants and
towards the top are sculptures of men and women doing all manner of
lewd and rude things. A random Indian wandered up to me, and asked if
he could take my photo, which is a bit odd. I wonder what my label will
be in his family photo album?! The following day, I was due to catch a
train to Bubeneshwar, so had another early(ish) night.12/01/04
Checked out of the Hotel Derby, and got a bicycle rickshaw back to the station. Talked to the SS (station supervisor) who was very helpful, and he told me my seat number and what time the train was due to leave. On the train, I got talking to a German couple who had been travelling for a month. When I got to Bubenishwar, I dumped my bag in the cloakroom, and got a bicycle rickshaw to the centre. Bought a couple of things off the market, had lunch, and walked around a couple of temples. it was starting to get hot after lunch, so I returned to the station and waited in the shade for my next train which was back to Calcutta.
The cross section of life on the Indian railways is amazing. You have the stray dogs which nobody seems to like, the homeless who use the facilities of the station, such as the water to drink or wash in. the coolies carry improbably large loades balanced on their heads, and the bicycle rickshaw drivers are wiry in physique. Then there are the platform vendors, the toilet attendants, and sweepers who ineffectually move the dust around with their broomsticks.
Tuesday 13/01/04
Slept on the train overnight again, and I arrived in Howrah station, Calcutta at 5.50 in the morning. I caught a taxi staight over to Sealdah which is the other station, dumped my bag in the cloakroom, and after a quick walk around the slums, caught a rickshaw back over to Sudder Street where I had breakfast.
This was my second time in Calcutta, so I visited the Indian museum, which was ok. Had lunch back at Sudder Street, where I met some people who had volunteered to work at the Mother Teresa hospitals. All very commendable, but unfortunately, this lot had been touched by God. 'Praise the Lord' and talking very loudly in American accents didn't help their case. Got a taxi back to Sealdah and caught the train to New Jalpaiguri, where I would have an hour and a half to make my onward connection to Darjeeling.
Wed 14-01-04
When I woke up in the morning, it became obvious that the train was being delayed because of fog, and that I would miss my connection with the Toy Train to Darjeeling. I got talking to one of the off duty train workers, and found out more about his job. he's always on the same route, and goes up and down from Calcutta to New Jalpaiguri. Once the train arrived, I caught a bicycle rickshaw to Siligiri, and then a jeep to Darjeeling. There were 12 of us including the driver in a normal four wheel drive, with one of the passengers have to share the drivers seat! In Darjeeling, I wandered around for a while, and eventually booked into Hotel Seven Seventeen, where I checked in for three nights. Nice and clean, hot water, sit down loo and cable TV, and all for seven pounds a night! Treated myself to a nice chicken curry in the restaurant, and then settled down into a comfortable bed... At last!! Note - The best cup of tea I've ever had! Well worth the journey!
Thursday 15/01/04
Had a big breakfast in the hotel restaurant, and then went for a walk around the town. I don't know what it is about Darjeeling, but anywhere else I can find my way easily, but not here! Anyway, I eventually located observatory hill, which does have some great views, but unfortunately, it was too cloudy to take any photos. Saw three eagles circling high, and a wild monkey. The people here seem a lot better off finacially than the other places that I've visited so far, and I haven't heard one cry of 'Uncle, Uncle 1 rupee' !
Friday 16/01/04
Had a mild case of the shits, so I had to be careful not to fart! It didn't stop me having a big breakfast though. Had a general wander around and bought a couple of gifts. Extrememely nice tea!
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.
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