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June 20, 2017 1:44 PM Subscribe
The Forgotten Trains of India, photo essay.
I was born in India, but our family moved to Texas when I was 1. I didn't go back until I was 18. I spent half my time with my father's side of the family and the other half with my mother's side. My mother's side of the family lives about 4 hours away from New Delhi and most of the time you'd take a car.
But because it was essentially my very first trip to India, despite being born there, my family wanted to make it memorable and I was given a ticket to ride the train. This essay brings back some really fond memories of that first trip. I have always loved trains, but sadly have only had that one opportunity to ride.
Great share.
posted by Fizz at 3:13 PM on June 20, 2017 [6 favorites]
But because it was essentially my very first trip to India, despite being born there, my family wanted to make it memorable and I was given a ticket to ride the train. This essay brings back some really fond memories of that first trip. I have always loved trains, but sadly have only had that one opportunity to ride.
Great share.
posted by Fizz at 3:13 PM on June 20, 2017 [6 favorites]
They also told me about plans to upgrade the route to broad gauge, which would cut travel time.my dude, i don't think any of these people would be doing this if they had options
I couldn’t help but think that when that day arrives, something of this accommodating warmth will be lost. I had never been so comfortably uncomfortable in a press of people. I consoled myself thinking that the upgrade will take some time. Until then, the Gwalior Sheopur Kalan chugs on, between nostalgia and oblivion.
that said, cool photo essay.
posted by indubitable at 3:33 PM on June 20, 2017 [2 favorites]
Other than the grubby diesel drawing the train, it reminds me of Kim, by Rudyard Kipling:
'From Pathankot, having left the Hills, I came hither in a te-rain. It goes swiftly. At first I was amazed to see those tall poles by the side of the road snatching up and snatching up their threads,'--he illustrated the stoop and whirl of a telegraph-pole flashing past the train. 'But later, I was cramped and desired to walk, as I am used.'posted by Joe in Australia at 4:28 PM on June 20, 2017 [1 favorite]
'And thou art sure of thy road?' said the curator.
'Oh, for that one but asks a question and pays money, and the appointed persons despatch all to the appointed place. That much I knew in my lamassery from sure report,' said the lama proudly.
Trains are, hands down, THE best way to see India. I've had some marvellous train trips in India and some shockers, but buses and planes just ain't the same. Great essay, thanks for sharing.
posted by girlgenius at 4:51 AM on June 21, 2017 [2 favorites]
posted by girlgenius at 4:51 AM on June 21, 2017 [2 favorites]
That mustard, man. I know it grows like over the whole planet but I've never seen vast fields of it like I have around my current home and in India. It was always comforting to see despite bring probably not at all the same plant.
This is some OG rail.
posted by Ogre Lawless at 10:54 AM on June 21, 2017
This is some OG rail.
posted by Ogre Lawless at 10:54 AM on June 21, 2017
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posted by Azara at 2:55 PM on June 20, 2017