Up early to catch 07.40 to Chandigarh. Platform 2, carriage 6, seats 38 & 39. No worries. Train pulls in 'Shatavdi Express', marvolous, just what's on the ticket! (learn later that lots of trains are called this)
On we get. At 07.10 train pulls off. Find conductor ask why the train is leaving early, show tickets. He then shouts to someone up front. Explains to us the next train on platform 2 is the Shatabvdi express to Chandigarh. After a while train stops. Off we jump onto tracks some half mile from the station. Move, with some caution, but quickly, back to New Delhi station. Pursued by uniform with big stick, who has just come to our notice. Let him catch up but he has to run faster than us. Says 'what is your ticket pnr number?' Show him ticket. No pnr number that we can find. Explain that we have a train to catch. Looks at us as if we are mad and waves us on.
Scramble onto platform 2. Train in. Time 07.35. Find seats. No worries. Train is full. Good service. Tea is served. Later, breakfast is served consisting of spicy veg sausage's, bread and jam. All included in the price of a second class ticket.
Arrive Chandigarh some three and a half hours later.
Off to find somewhere to stay.
Get in 'government approved' guest house after a couple of tries. £9 a night for us both. However does come with some down sides:-
No water working, have to hassle a bit. Eventually get it fixed. Reason why no water, everything leaks, lol.
Cables exposed all over the place. Decide not to put on the hot water heater. Besides much too hot to have hot shower.
Sheets okay, but pillows bio health hazard. Sleep in our silk liners.
Superior room sir, has air con. Well yes it was a bit of a con. Worked after a fashion, sounded like a Boeing 747. Had a very old fashion gate switch to turn it on, blue sparked, you bet.
Had a wardrobe, but was full of loose sand. Not just a bit, rather a small hill.
Leave you with a picture of the 'wrong train'.
Next post, 'The Phoenix of Chandigarh'.
Friday, 6 September 2013
The Wrong Trousers (I mean train)
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How I miss it all, lovely to hear of your adventures
ReplyDeleteAimee xx