30 October 2010 - Indian Train Virgin

Not another Branson tie up but what I was this morning before purchasing my first Western railways single second class train ticket from Malad to Andheri. Took the trip with Max and Dad all for the very reasonable Rs 12, that's about 18p for all three of us! Queuing up for the ticket I kept getting tapped on the arm by a small boy, maybe 4 years old, holding what looked like a 6 month old baby. Hard to ignore and once I had some change for the first time I gave a few Rupees. I've been told not too as there are so many organised gangs that use small kids to extract money, but still such a small amount and so hard to just keep ignoring as if they don't exist. So back to the train ride, very long train turns up and we all pile on board and make our way across the carridge to the large open doors on the other side. Train rolls out of the station and we are cooled by the breeze as we zoom along, great fun, the first of many I hope. Having arrived at Andheri station, emerged into an unfamiliar looking place. I'd imagined that I would recognise something. Headed toward the main road and hailed a TukTuk. The first few refused to take us but eventually we found one happy to make the journey. 40 minutes later and Rs160 later we arrived back in Hiranandani, shaken and stirred!

Afternoon topped off with a swim at the council pool with Mum and Dad, whilst Susie put up some fairy lights and Diwali lanterns in the Flat.