Train...travels...throwbacks!

 

Train travels, for me, are nostalgic narrative. 

"Find joy in the journey" ~ Evis Gomez.

Likewise, my train travels have been full of joyful reminiscences. My mom, along with my younger sister and me, used to travel to Mumbai from my hometown, every year. For our vacations, both summer and winter, we did a night journey by train. Standing on the platform, sometimes sitting on our trolley bags, my sister and me used to eagerly wait for the loud whistle that the outstation train blew at night, when everything around was quiet. Mom used to scold us, "Don't sit on the bags, train gets delayed", she used to threaten with her superstitions and we used to believe.

Visiting my uncle's place was a much anticipated  and celebrated ritual. Our gang of cousins would gather and have a boisterous time. Later, from my uncle's, we would go to my nani's place and have as much fun again. Being pampered by my grandparents was what, we waited for, all year long.

Dad would see us off, as he would join in later because of his work. We would book only 1 berth for three of us. Sis and me were very small to sleep on our own and mom would fear that we could fall off the berth in the moving train. So mom would sleep with my sis beside her, and I literally, by her leg side, throughout the journey. She would feel safer that way. Yet, we girls were happy even in that situation, as were going out and having fun.

I share this with my kids now, pointing out how we adjusted in whatever there was. And how they complain not having enough space in a huge SUV they travel in (I know, sounds like a typical mom!).

I remember how my grandparents would reach the junction nearest to their station, where our train halted. In case, we couldn't make it to their place during any holidays, just to see us, they would be waiting at the platform where our boggy would arrive. Armed with snacks, tea, coffee and homemade delicacies, granny would hand over the bento to us through the window. Shake hands with us, see us till their hearts were full, teary eyed, bid goodbye as the train starts moving.

When I was doing my engineering, once I remember, in the same train our family made reservations, my whole gang of engineering friends were also there. We had fun throughout the travel. Talking, chatting, sharing jokes, late into the night. Getting scolded by co-passengers for the nuisance, walking aimlessly from one boggy to other, getting down on stations in between to have a cup of tea or a bite of wada-pav. And in case the train starts moving, catching the running train. What fun it was!

An incidence in a local train that I recollect is.....We were going for my cousin's engagement in Mumbai. Mom, my aunt, my sis, my cousins and me. We decided to board a local train. There was quite a rush for a holiday. As the train braked suddenly, we all experienced a jerk. At the next station, we got down, only to find that my mom's purse was stolen. Taking the advantage of the sudden jerk, some woman had slit open her purse and stole the small money pouch that was in there. I was in awe, how refined her skills were, that none of us got even a hint of this happening.

After getting married, I seldom travel by train. Though it sounds cliché, but I always wanted to pose like Simran from DDLJ.... My hero holding my hand while I try to catch the train. So now, I got this chance to pose with my husband, in Hyderabad. The Ramoji Film City, came to our aid. Obviously a regular busy platform wouldn't make sense. I fulfilled my dream by clicking the picture at one of their sets. This train sequence was something I would never forget.

Another mesmerising train travel was that in Japan -The bullet train, Shinkansen as they call it. This high speed rail takes you thousands of kilometres within hours. There's no fatigue of travel, the toilets are technologically advanced. There are so many buttons, as if you are operating in a cockpit of aircraft. Only thing that worried me was, getting in and climbing out of the train, with luggage and kids, in time. But this travel was a blissful train travel for me.

A delightful and amusing train travel was, two years ago. My gang of girls, decided to go to Tarkarli. Now there's no convenient flight from here to there, so train travel was opted. The fun we had on the train was outstanding. It was a revival of my college days. The same chatting in late night, getting scolded again by an old uncle, eating till our stomachs' ached.

Being together for hours, sharing our stories, enjoying the scenic views, going in through the dark tunnels only to see the bright light ahead, sipping hot tea and coffee in kullads, fragrance of snacks lingering in compartments, adjusting berths to make each other comfortable, lending a helping hand to arrange the luggage, protecting what's precious to us.....journey makes you go through all of that!

Every travel teaches you something, it's a happy event, also it's teary sometimes and exciting other times. But the memories it leaves with you, are what, you must cherish!

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets ~ Pinterest.

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