My first major Indian delay. Got up at 5am, trying to catch the 7am train. After a big rush, I got on the train successfully dispite the confusing cart numbering (It goes C3, C2, C1, D9, D8...). However the train stayed on the platform, so I started to read. After reading almost the entire history of India on my Lonely Planet book, the train finally started. However my heart dropped when my ricksaw driver told me the delay was because 5am today 2 trains collided because of a change rail mistake, he said 900 ppl died! I don't know if he was exagerating, I have yet to find out myself on the net... Life here is cheap, and suddenly I feel so humbled by it, the fact that I'm only 1 of the millions faces go across that railway everyday.
Just when my driver Arose driving me to the train station in Delhi, at 6am, we past through many row of blankets, scatered all around the side walks, the road dividers. It broke my heart when realizing that they are street people wrapped inside sleeping. They are not even sleeping under the overpass. How can so many people so ripped of their dignities. What have I done to deserve such good life and not them. I would not want to live if one day I'm in their shoes.
...
So this is it. Tah Mahal, I can't believe I'm actually here! My hotel is like 5 min walk from it and I can see it from the roof top! And its only like 10 US per nite! I'm gonna try to catch its sunrise view tomorrow! Not as much pollution here, a clear view from the roof top! And ppl do seem to be nicer here away from the city... I'm still very excited!
My stomach is acting up a bit after yesterday eating almost all the source of a half butter chicken, bad idea :( I'm letting lose too soon!
Next few days may not write any entries 'cause I need to pay for Internet here, and I need to conserve my cash, doesn't seem to have any atm here...
-------------------------------------
Sorry, I thk its this one, about the train accident:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Mewar-Goa-express-collide-near-Mathura-21-dead/articleshow/5143832.cms
21 dead.
Never trust anyone in India.
But still... I was so close...
that's sad... will keep praying for the ppl in india (yup, u are one of them)...
ReplyDelete900 vs 21. Huge different.
ReplyDeleteMan, it sounds like an exciting ride so far.
Hey man, hope your stomach gets stronger
I saw the news about the train crash in northern India and I was worried that it might've been you. Thank God you're safe.
ReplyDeleteI felt similar experiences when I was in China. Perhaps not so much people on the streets (didn't seem to have too many of those in Shanghai) but I happened to live beside a small run down community in Shanghai (i lived in an elaborate apartment that happened to be situated beside an older, soon to be demolished town, if you will). And everytime I had to go to the Metro, I had to walk through that place. And it really makes you think. I'm Chinese, they're Chinese. How am I different from them except the fact that one day my grandparents decided to swim to Hong Kong instead of stay in China? Life is full of twist and turns and you're totally right none of us deserve any of the stuff we have. More reason for us to use what we have that we don't even deserve to help those around us.
Still, thank you God for keeping you safe.
ReplyDeleteThank God you are ok. I was having dinner with family when I saw the news about the train accident. I told my parents "oh no I got a friend traveling in India now" and my dad said "don't you worry; tourists won't take this train". but somehow I knew you may take it. Glad to hear you are ok! Take care.
ReplyDelete