Travelling to Mumbai

We checked out of our homestay at 9 and then left our bags and went to breakfast. It was very pleasant killing time drinking masala chai and eves dropping on other travels until our train at 2 pm. As we were paying an old lady who worked there motioned to James asking him to help lift a full basket of papayas with a younger lady, who was going to carry it on her head. James and her struggled to lift it it was so heavy, but as soon as she got it utop her hair she glided past, as if it weighed nothing. It's insane how heavy the stuff women are able to balance on their heads here.

At the station we got chatting to some local children who are always keen to know where we're from and get selfies.

Train travel sells out quickly these days and although it was a 15 hour ride to Mumbai all the sleeping bunks were sold out. So we sat in fairly comfy chairs AC class for the journey. A few hours in I got very hungry and went in search of the food trolley. I came across some food boys selling samoas and purchased two.

Three hours later I was not feeling so good. I'm not sure if it was the food or the rocking of the train, but I had waves of nausea that would not let up. I considered a tactical sick to alleviate the feeling but with one wester toilet completely covered in poo and a decent, but urine smelling squat toilet I just couldn't bear the extra discomfort. I did manage to get some sleep, but James stayed awake the entire trip.

We arrived in Mumbai at 5 am and after being hassled by the taxi drivers who would not let up, we got into our hostel, used the bathroom (both ends for me) and flooped into bed. Welcome to Mumbai.

I've decided to not eat train food any more.Read more