TRAIN-ing Wheels: adventures of an Amateur of Train Travel in India

While it may not seem possible, I was 16 years old before I had my first experience traveling by air……..when the plans were made I remember feeling both excited and anxious…..the excitement that comes with doing something new……..and the slight uneasiness that comes with not knowing what to expect of the experience and what to do and whether you were going to do something wrong in the process. At 16 years old, the last thing that you want to do is be an amateur at anything……so the plan was simple…….take it slow and watch what my more “worldly” brother-in-law and sister did.
Last week…….I was 16 again……well not really…. but those same feelings returned. When it was announced that we would be traveling by train, I was excited about the adventure…..BUT……I had never traveled by train before…..ever……EVER! I didn’t even know where the train station was located in the city!
I had the basics……a ticket, a time of departure ……and a knowledgeable driver that could get me to the correct train station …….beyond that I was clueless about train travel. I knew nothing about the protocol of train travel (security, how much time to arrive before departure, etc.) , but more importantly, what happens after being delivered to the station……therein lies the dilemma I was facing and the cause of my anxiety…….What happens from that point forward?….when I am dropped at the curb…..I will be all alone…….no “worldly” travelers to guide me from the curb to my seat on the train……….on my own, in new surroundings.......blindly navigating unknown territory.
I didn’t know the layout of the station……it was dark, it was raining…..not drizzling…..pouring……no umbrella…the adventure was starting……you get the picture…..
Here is what I learned after bolting from the curb into the station:
LOCATING YOUR TRAIN is easy……several large electronic information boards communicating in both Hindi and English the train number, departure time and platform number. That was the easy part…..I found the train…..Lucky for me, Platform number 1……YEA BABY!...but which way to walk?……which way is the train facing?…..I found myself in the middle of the row of cars……reverting back to my childhood memories of playing with my Lionel Electric Train Set……”Engine in Front”….I headed to the left…..north, after all, we were traveling north to Ludhiana…….logical that the engine would be in the front of the train……but this is India…..It was then that I received the much needed cell phone call from my frantic colleagues who were waiting for me outside of the train……but at the opposite end. I reversed and made it.
BE PREPARED FOR PEOPLE as they are everywhere…….especially at the Delhi Station....at the time I wasn’t sure if the station was abnormally busy that morning due to the rain, but I have learned that the crowds I witnessed on that first day are normal. People were eating, porters toting bags, sleeping, some on benches, mostly on the floor……people running in all directions, people moving up stairs on catwalks, people in uniforms, women nursing babies…….people on top of people, children some with parents, some not, people in line at the eateries catering to the crowds……talking, crying, the sound of the hustle and bustle of a very busy place…….nothing like an airport!
NO SECURITY……that’s right….none, naught, nil! No baggage scanner, no long lines waiting to be frisked by a guard with a hand held metal detector, no one checking identification……absolutely nothing. No one checking to see if you had a ticket (I figured that would take place on the train) and no boarding pass check……nothing. Just show up and get on……before the train leaves the station.
PASSENGER MANIFESTS are posted on the outside of the train so that you can make sure that the information on your ticket matches the car you have been assigned too. They are actually fun to look at….your name appears in both Hindi and English along with your seat number, gender and age.Once on board…..here is what you can expect for a morning departure:
NEWSPAPERS – Your choice of several in both English and Hindi…….even the Economic or Financial Times
WATER DELIVERY – A litre of bottled drinking water and a paper cup was delivered…..more than enough for the journey.
COFFEE/TEA – a tray was delivered which had two packets for tea, complete with sugar…..the tray also included two wrapped biscuit’s (mildly sweet cracker/cookie for my American readers) to accompany your choice of beverage. Shortly after delivery of your tray…….another gentleman efficiently comes by with a thermos of piping hot water……enough for two cups should you so desire.
BREAKFAST – Shortly after tea……you are given your choice of the VEG or NON VEG offerings for breakfast……the omelet is the standard Non -Veg offering and does not change much, but the Vegetarian offering varies at time……helpful tip……you can never go wrong ordering the vegetarian offering, especially if you are particular about how your eggs are cooked.
The offerings in the evening are very much the same, with the obvious difference that dinner is served instead of breakfast……but the added touch of desert……my favorite….ICE CREAM in usually two flavors; vanilla and butterscotch!
The seats are comfortable and they recline slightly more than those on a plane….leg room is spacious which is very important for me…..your cell phone works and you can use it…….and there is a power outlet so that you can plug in your laptop, without draining your battery, and you can work……and if you have one of those “roaming internet USB things” you can even search the net and answer emails.PROMPTNESS …..You will quickly learn…..and hopefully not in an unfortunate way, that the trains are prompt…….I learned this when the recorded announcement came on as we were approaching our first stop outside of Delhi…….after the initial announcement of the city you are approaching and some interesting points about the city……they mention……THIS STOP WILL BE FOR TWO MINUTES…….I do not remember hearing anything longer than 3 minutes……they are quick and prompt.
There is a gentleman that comes by and looks at your ticket…….there is another gentleman that comes by and asks you to identify your bags/luggage, and places a little sticker on them. This was the ONLY security measure that I witnessed, but, this was not done on my other two trips…just the first one.
Traveling by train would be my preferred mode of traveling in India, if time allowed…….it has quickly become a favorite.
I hope this gives you a good idea of what to expect so that should you have the opportunity to travel by train in India…….don’t hesitate.
There is one thing that I missed and I am not sure that they do it……..that nostalgic announcement that I remember from watching the movies……”ALLLLLLLL Aaaaa BOARDDDDDDD”! I think that would be fun to hear them call out in Hindi and English…….just for the fun of it.

Turning 48 in India - the Day After Celebration

The Four Points by Sheraton Pastry Chef who created my Birthday Cheesecake
The Cadre of Chefs
The Blueberry "Birthday" Cheesecake
Is there a blueberry in my nose? Getting "caked" by Hitesh
The Four Points by Sheraton Jaipur Family


August proved to be a very busy month for me.......I spent my birthday in New Delhi and the next day I was back on a plane to Jaipur where I had spent a majority of the entire month.

While being away from my immediate family was tough, it has been nice being part of a much larger family.

I arrived in Jaipur the afternoon of August 22nd, and shortly after settling in I was summoned to the third floor of the hotel for a birthday celebration in my honor.

Just like in the United States......the celebration is much the same with the exception of one tradition.....the smashing of cake in the Birthday Boy/Girls face.

The "cake" served was my favorite......Cheesecake.....and it was very yummy.....thins one was made by the pastry chef's at the hotel....a Blueberry Cheesecake! It was decorated with the well wishes for a very Happy Birthday and several of those "trick" candles that continue to re-light after they have been blown out the first time.

I will be forever thankful for the well wishes I received from everyone back home, in the office, from Visakhapatnam and upon my return to Jaipur that memorable Saturday afternoon.

Doesn't that Cheesecake look yummy?

Old Delhi - The Food Scene - Part 1

Muslim Food Vendors selling various forms of what looks like pasta
Old Delhi Sweet Treats....the India version of Funnel Cakes
Close Up of the "spaghetti"
"Paan Walla".....Paan is made of various ingredients wrapped in a Betel Leaf.
Old Delhi version of BBQ Chicken


My first visit to Old Delhi was in August of 2008, during my first visit to India. While we did venture out and walk down one of the "gullys", narrow lanes or streets, lined with food vendors and small shops, the majority of my visit was by car.

A few weeks back, almost a year to the date of my first visit, Linda and I along with some friends, ventured into Old Delhi for some food at one of the most famous eateries in Delhi; Karims (see blog entry).

This was a true adventure.....and although we experienced a great deal on this visit, there is certainly much more to be seen....we just saw a sliver of what Old Delhi has to offer.

But I must warn you......if your adventurous spirit does not like crowds of people.....Old Delhi may not me your "cup of chai"!

The best and most efficient way to explore Old Delhi is by rickshaw..which allows you to view the sights slightly above the crowds and saves you from having to negotiate the massive movement of people.....however, you miss quite a bit this way as well. Walking the streets of the area....down through the gullys, one will experience Old Delhi as it was meant to be experienced. The sights, sounds and smells of the city become more alive as you become entangled in the maze. Every nook and cranny of the city has something to share......something to experience....a history all it's own ready for you to delve into.

Old Delhi, walled city of Delhi, was founded as Shahjahanabad by Indian Emperor Shahjahan in 1639. It remained the capital of the Mughals until the end of the Mughal dynasty.

It was once filled with mansions of nobles and members of the royal court, along with elegant mosques and gardens. Today, despite having become extremely crowded and dilapidated, it still serves as the symbolic heart of metropolitan Delhi.

It is believed that the population of Old Delhi alone is home to almost 1 million of the 17 million that make up the population of greater Delhi. The walled city of Old Delhi sits on a mere 1500 acres of land........to put the population in perspective as compared to the land size......this accounts for 2.95 people per square foot.

This crowd swells depending on what is taking place on any give day or on special religious holidays.

One of the first things you will notice on your first visit is the abundance of food offerings......shops, kiosks, street vendors and formal restaurants abound to serve the huge numbers of people in the area. The sites and smells are certainly going to tempt you to try something to eat.

I have included some photographs of just a few of the food sights you will see on a visit to this area......enjoy!

The Official Opening Date of the Four Points by Sheraton Jaipur - September 1st, 2009

The pandit setting the alter for the puja
The Staff beginning to gather before the ceremony
Jitender(the GM of the Hotel)performing parts of the ceremony
Members of the core management team placing rice into the fire pit
Garlands, offerings and sweets being distributed to the team


Yes, the hotel was officially opened to accept paying guests on September 1, 2009....and along with this "soft launch" came the tradition of blessing the hotel with a "PUJA".

For those of you who have been reading my blog for some time, you are aware that I have now been a participant of many puja's since arriving in India, almost one year ago now. I hope that you are not getting bored with the stories and reports of such happenings, as they are very much a part of my adventure......and with each puja I attend my appreciation, respect and understanding for the ceremony increases.

I have also learned that each one differs slightly.....this time was the first where fire was introduced (other than the Kitchen Puja)and played a major role in the ceremony.

This puja for example did not include any of the figures of the Hindu god's that are traditionally present, as this puja was to bless a "new venture" or in our case to commemorate the opening of the hotel.

The puja was held outside in the front of the hotel, under the porch, just outside of the front doors. Blankets were spread on the ground for everyone to comfortable sit down an surround the alter. As usual, the removal of shoes is required before entering the area.

The photographs I have shared in this blog entry do not capture the true essence of participating in a puja yourself.

Enjoy the pictures and for those of you from across the world who read my blog, if you have any questions at all about what it is like to participate in a puja, I would be happy to answer your questions.....

For those of you in Delhi, or other areas of India, please rest well knowing that this hotel has received it's blessings......it has a very warm, kind, and friendly staff that are eager to serve you.....the food is truly some of the best that I have had while living in India, and is cooked from the heart by our Executive Chef and his team of culinary experts. Our affiliation with Starwood Hotels and Resorts assures our potential customers and our guests of the highest levels of quality, cleanliness and service with a consistency unmatched by the competition.

Enjoy!

MON--SOOOOOOOOOOOO-N and My Disdain for the Media

"MONSOON SEASON".......before reading further, I would like all of the "NON-INDIAN" readers of my blog to pause for a moment and close your eyes......think about these two words and file away the thoughts and images that were conjured up.

My family and I grew up with another weather season....."HURRICANE SEASON"..a period from June to September where the Gulf Coastal region of the United States are subject to the threat of hurricanes.....that actually start off the coast of Africa and make their way across the Atlantic.

Yes.....I have seen my fair share of hurricanes.....extreme weather; rain and wind reaching up too 150+ MPH(240 KPH for my Indian friends).....extreme flooding, and devastation of buildings and homes, trees, power lines.....and sometimes loss of life for those who do not evacuate or leave their homes for one reason or another.

As a matter of fact, in September of 2008, just before moving to India, a terrible hurricane hit the Houston Texas area, where we moved from.....but enough on hurricanes. I just wanted to inform my Indian readers that my family and I are not unfamiliar with "extreme weather".

Back to my "Non-Indian" readers.....what were those earlier thoughts when you read or hear the words "MONSOON SEASON"? For many of you, like my family and I, who were "educated" (and I use that word with embarrassed sarcasm) by the media.....you probably envisioned months upon months of torrential rains, flooding everywhere, no sunshine......and worse.

Well....."Monsoon Season" simply means .....rainy season! Yes, June through September, it rains more often than it usually does, ooooooh, the MON-SOOOOOO-N!!!!!

The Monsoon Season is actually very important to India....I have read that up to 80% of all of the rainfall in the entire country, happens during this period. The monsoon season is welcomed by the farmers......70% of the population of India make their living in one way or another through agriculture (70% of 1 Billion...you do the math)...that's a heck of alot of people making their living on the fate of the weather. Here is another factoid......agriculture accounts for 25% of the GDP of India.

There are definitely those incidents of flooding.....loss of lives and livestock, hundreds of thousands of people who live in low lying areas that have their homes destroyed, or those living in mountainous areas that are subject to landslides, etc.......but it is not the norm.....these are terrible and sad to hear about, bu they are the exceptions that the media sensationalizes
and "educates" with.

As with the perception of "Monsoon Season", I believe the media is also responsible for creating other such misconceptions or creates panic or fear in all of us around the world. Recent examples of such media bias would be the panic for both the "Global Economic Recession" and the "Swine Flu".....both of which are real, but I believe that had they not been sensationalized and talked about ad nauseam for 24 hours per day, we could recover from such occurrences much faster. Tarnishing the psychology of people in all parts of the world, does more harm than good, unless you are the manufacturer of "surgical masks"......those guys are making millions and hope that the "SWINE FLU PANDEMIC" lasts for years.

Educating myself about the Monsoon Season just reinforced the notion that one shouldn't believe everything you hear or read in the news......it is best to educate yourself on all of the facts then draw your own conclusions as to the reality of the situation. We should not be lazy and allow the media to "spoon feed" us with hype and sensationalism.....

The beautiful pictures that I have included are of a MONSOON afternoon on a visit to Pune, just west of Mumbai; the area of India that receives the highest average rainfall during the season. Just another rainy day!

September Dusk.....

The following photographs were taken over the course of two September evenings in Jaipur. I found myself hurrying to my room to grab my camera..... bolting up the flight of stairs to the roof two stairs at a time...... to capture the beauty that GOD was unfolding before me.

"When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator"
Mahatma Gandhi quotes (Indian Philosopher, internationally esteemed for his doctrine of nonviolent protest, 1869-1948)


“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.”
Rabindranath Tagore quotes (Indian Poet, Playwright and Essayist, Won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, 1861-1941)


"No one knows what will happen to him before sunset."~
Danish Proverb


"If your eyes are blinded with your worries, you cannot see the beauty of the sunset."
- Jiddu Krishnamurti


"It is almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream."
Bern Williams

The "HEART THROB of EVERY HOUSE" in India

heartthrob definition - Dictionary

- MSN Encarta heart·throb [ hrt thròb ] (plural heart·throbs). noun. Definition: somebody considered romantically attractive: an extraordinarily attractive person, . man, esp. a film or pop star, who is attractive to a lot of women or girls
encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861617074/heartthrob.html - Cached - Similar -

Shah Rukh Khan, also know affectionately as "SRK", is by far one of the most well know and popular Bollywood actors in India.

So popular and loved by many, that he is sought after by major companies to endorse their products......DISH TV, Mobile Phones, Insurance, Automobiles.....you name the product and his image is associated with it.

Like most "Hollywood" types......I would also say he is a "handsome" guy.....and talented.....of course.

Most recently, and as a result of his popularity "Worldwide" there was a recent incident in the United States that involved SRK that sparked all types of controversy......he was detained and searched during a recent visit to the United States......now while he has fans all over the World...including the United States, it wouldn't surprise me that if some of you reading my blog would not have heard of him before this incident.

Oh, there are several beautiful actresses that, by definition, could be considered "Heartthrobs" in their own right.....although the designation usually refers to a man. Aishwarya Rai, Bollywood Actress and Miss World 1994, she is not only popular here in India, but due to several appearances in the United States on Oprah and David Letterman, she is admired there as well.....

But this blog entry is not about SRK or the beautiful Aishwarya Rai....true HEART THROBS of Every House in India.......this is about something that struck me as funny.....an example of how India never ceases to grab your attention......or positions things in an amusing way at times......or sometimes just makes you scratch your head and wonder.

Take a look at the following photograph that I took of one such item that amused me......and made me scratch my head.

I took this photograph at the construction site of the hotel we will be managing in Pune, a city just east of Mumbai (Bombay). It is a photo of an empty bag of Cement......it didn't catch my eye due to it's uniqueness or beauty......but, it caught my eye due to the marketing slogan that graced the printing on the bag.

VASAVADATTA CEMENT......the Heart Throb of Every House.....wow...what a claim!

Never in my life have I ever thought of cement in this way before....not once!......I have never thought of it as attractive, handsome or beautiful in anyway......nor have I ever been infatuated with cement......but, that's India.....just when you least expect it, India will make you look at something in a different way......change your opinion....and sometimes just make you scratch your head and WONDER......