For the first time this trip we are traveling by train rather than by car and with driver. We are at Jaisalmer station 40 minutes ahead of our 7 a.m. departure for Jodhpur and the train, The Jaisalmer Express, arrives at the platform much as we do. We are early because we are unsure what to expect but anticipate chaos. In fact all is very calm and we wait for the sleepy passengers, who have travelled over-night, to emerge so that we can board our allocated carriage.
The railway network is vast and complex. I tried – twice – to register for the necessary account to be able to book tickets on-line but failed on both occasions. I then took the easy option offered by our friend Ravleen in Delhi: use the travel against she uses to make all rail ticket bookings!
We asked for the best seats available on each of our journeys. This one is “3AC”. This category translates as compartments in a designated coach, each with a three tier sleeper on each side of the compartment, with two extra seats/sleeping berths at right angles and with air-conditioning
Although an express, the train stops frequently and takes its scheduled nearly six hours to complete the approx 280 km journey to Jodhpur. We have all eight seats/berths in our section of the coach to ourselves but are joined for part of the journey by five children. The children belong to three Kolkata families all holidaying together in Rajasthan and they despatched one of their fathers to speak with us first then, when we were known to be friendly, popped in and out to look at and converse with us. They were absolutely delightful and all spoke good English, very necessary to any meaningful communication as our Hindi is still pretty much non existent (we are trying: the minimum courtesies and have learnt some geographical/menu terms!!).
At one point we could could hear them singing songs and when they joined us again they explained they were traditional Hindi songs and songs from films. One of the girls was volunteered to sing something in English and sang a song by an artist we are all to old to know. Asking for a song in return Andy asked if they knew the film Jungle Book. They had all seen it so he sang “I’m the king of the swingers”. The applause was plentiful but none of the kids joined in; they had seen the recent film and never the Disney musical
First train journey no. 1
first train journey no. 2
first train journey no. 3
We all wished each other happy holidays as we descended at Jodhpur about which there will be more from me next time. Until then Namaste
Alison
can just hear Andy singing ‘king of the swingers!👏
Was amazed by your pic of the station and train as it all looked so organised and tidy. My memories go back hmmmm years and are totally different, of steam trains, heads hanging out of windows and soot coming in not to mention hordes of people😂 … lots of love to the adventurous grey gapers xxx
Your memories are not misplaced! Without giving away too much of a future blog our second train was much more as you recall….we are a few destinations ahead of my blog posting but I will catch up!! Lots of love xx
Sounds like your first train journey in India has been an interesting and fun experience. Loved the pictures in blog 6 as well.
Thank you. Our second journey was more interesting but that will follow….xx
Sounds like you are having a fab trip and your pictures are brilliant! keep ’em coming!!
We took that same train route to and from Jaisalmer/ Jodphur about hmmm…24 years ago. It was an amazing, Casey Jones-style steam train 🙂
xxxxxx
Wow, same line and possibly same carriages but now powered by diesel…….we are having a fab trip thank you and I am glad you are enjoying the pictures xx