New carriage mates

So I've managed to get my bottom on a beautiful sleeper. A top one too. I may have had to use a beautiful English smile and a please to switch with the man. But he didn't seem to be too bothered as he did the classic Indian head shake in my direction along with a returned smile. Upon staring at the ceiling of the carriage as I write this, it has come to my attention that the people who I am currently with, I will probably be with for the next 2 days straight. I have found myself surrounded Read more [...]

Chennai, Shmennai

So of all the places to be stuck, it turns out that Chennai isn't one of them. But determined that I can get a train tomorrow afternoon I am. Whether I actually end up getting one or even getting a seat is a totally different question though. Given that I should only be in Chennai for 30 hours (providing I manage to get out of here) I decided that I didn't need to get accommodation. Especially if I wanted to see as much of this city as possible to then hop on a train. So my idiotic Read more [...]

How to repel Indian men.

Imagine a situation that you have an unreserved seat and will therefore have to be squished next to 4 other Indian men in one row (minimum). Imagine that there are people also sat on the seats infront of you, on the luggage racks and standing down the aisle (14 in total). Now imagine that the man next to you is getting a little too close for comfort. What does one do with all these stares and body contact? Simple. Follow these steps: 1) Ensure that you have with you a pot of Nutella, Read more [...]

Start of my 3,000km South to North Expedition.

So the start of my South to North expedition and I wake up 51 minutes after my alarm 'apparently' went off. Last night I couldn't sleep which was particularly annoying as I knew it was to be the last decent sleep for a while. I think it was that thought being constantly on my mind which didn't help me. 1:23am and I'm still checking the time. It couldn't have been long before I fell asleep... Into deep sleep. So, 4:51am and I'm running around like a headless chicken. I pick things up just Read more [...]

I have no shame

People tend to jokingly comment on the lack of shame I have in life and deep down I see their point. I'm open and honest and share things which people tend to think and feel, yet keep to themselves. However, I don't believe that I don't have any shame, especially in regards to these taboo subjects which thy should not discuss else thy will burn for all eternity. For example my Pepsi-nose or personal hygiene predicament are problems in which many travelers may face/try to avoid and some may Read more [...]

Thank the Lord for menstruation.

Okay, so It's come to my attention that for the next 3-5 days it will be difficult and near impossible for me to change my clothes without either leaving my luggage unattended (big no no) or falling through the toilet of a train (bearing in mind that it's just a large deep hole in the ground of the carriage where the gravel floor is visible) or placing my feet in urine (which is surprising given how large the toilet hole is. But I suppose squatting or aiming can be a difficult task for some?). No Read more [...]

Massive Hypocrite.

Just days before I man informed me that I should just go to Mumbai and get a train up North from there. I should be able to get one easily. The travel agents thought otherwise as they were unable to find an available ticket for me. Though this man was determined that I would be able to. I remember telling him strictly that I was not to go to Mumbai in just hope that I will end up with a ticket, else I'll still be stuck, just somewhere less beautiful. Pointless! Now, I have decided to get a train Read more [...]

Pineapple Mad

In Pondy, I popped into a dinghy little fruit juice stall. They made literally any fresh fruit juice of your choice, directly in front of you and for more than a decent price. It may have been the sweet little old man slicing the fruit which made me decide to choose his juice rather than all of the other more elaborate competition which surrounded him. This man had the sweetest heart, and you could tell just from his smile and eyes. From then on, he was my fruit juice man. I returned to his stall Read more [...]

The awkward moment when you travel India via train and you end up in France?

Okay, so it turns out that I am actually still in India. It's just this amazing place, Puducherry. After having actually circled the small town again and again, I've simply fallen in love. Real love. Like deeper love than Cinderella ever had for her prince. The French feel which fills the air makes the place seem so much more friendly and romantic. I just wanted to collect flowers and skip everywhere shouting 'Bonjour' to everyone I saw. With a new 'Learn French' book which I acquired from 'The Read more [...]

Alone and depressed? I wish!

I just don't seem to get down about being alone and I really thought I would. I'm not too sure why this bothers me. I just assumed I might end up getting bored and tired of my own company. I suppose it's a good thing though. It's much better to be happy in any given situation than having to NEED the company of others or NEED to have a connection with those from home. I have found that I much rather staying in accommodation which DOESN'T have Internet as I hate the feeling of still being Read more [...]