Long Train Running

Good morning to you all and Merry Christmas!

We are currently on a train somewhere between Jaipur and Mumbai, rolling on a set of tracks taking us deep out into the plains that lead to nowhere. Over the course of the afternoon we have been watching the isolated inhabitants tend to single goats or a small crop. It is possible that these people are hoping tomorrow's dawn will bring better fortune for them and their families; conversely, maybe they are content with their existence? Sadly, we will never know their stories, but the beauty of immersing yourself in this country is that there becomes a sudden desire in all of us to really know how other individuals who walk on this earth, such as these isolated inhabitants, came to be standing in the place we saw them; what set of circumstances led them to the present?

So, this afternoon we have individually, and collectively, allowed our eyes to wander out our respective windows contemplating the journey of others who were walking towards the sunset. And that sunset, a daily phenomenon that we so often forget to take the time to admire, was indeed a beautiful one.

Today wasn't just about a train ride though, so let's wrap up the waking hours that were had:

Tuesday 24 December

7:30-9:30am - The boys awake at different times, with many taking the opportunity to enjoy a sleep-in (after all, yesterday's hectic schedule and auto rickshaw madness had drained even the most staunch of souls)
9:30am- Many of the boys bypass the comfort of a hotel breakfast and head out in search of something more authentic. It appears there was a strong pull to venture out, to find the hidden gem of an eating establishment in the City of Jems (and City of Swag of course, for Tim Burns did say that he would kill me if I didn't mention 'his' Swiss-German princess again)
11am- All personnel are back on site to shower, blog and pack-up in preparation for the new set of adventures that await - next stop Manic Mumbai!
12pm- We all met on the roof of the hotel to discuss the logistics of this afternoon's train ride, a casual 17.5 hours, encompassing approximately 1174km. The staff also outlined the programme of events for tomorrow, which includes the much awaited, and hugely special, opportunity to speak to our loved ones
12:30pm- Hamish Fox, about as far away from a cricket fanatic as one can get, provides an entertaining examination of the connection between India and Cricket- a national obsession to say the least. Jake Robson follows up superbly with his Experts in the Field topic, NZ-India Relations. Both do great jobs in providing views on contemporary features and issues within both these subject matters
1pm- We wave goodbye to the good folk of Atithi Guest House and grab rickshaws to the Jaipur Junction Railway Station. Some of the auto rickshaw drivers who promised to front up didn't, but that's how India works. A business transaction doesn't always have to be followed through with, nothing personal though
2:10pm- Armed with supplies of chocolate, biscuits, potato chips and most importantly thoroughly positive attitudes we sit onboard waiting for our train to roll out
2:15pm- 5 minutes late (but who is counting) we depart. All looks like it is on the up, until two hours in we start journeying in what feels like the same direction we had come from. Alas, at least we are altogether! During the rest of the afternoon and early evening we snack, read, listen to the playlist, try Bhujia mixes and a small minority entertain ridiculous political and economic conversations
9pm- Many shuffle towards their beds, with a few making it clear to the relevant staff members in their cabins that they aren't going to appreciate being woken at midnight for a Merry Christmas fiesta/celebration/dance party. But the Editor remembers vividly how painful own his father was in demanding that the entire family was up early on Christmas Day so that he could open up his own presents, so this wake up of the boys is going to be payback! After all isn't it only fair that when midnight here in India arrives, being the reasonable hour of 7:30am back in NZ, that the boys should be made to rise from their slumber?
11pm- The night owls slowly drift off to sleep
11:59pm- Rise and shine! Christmas is almost here! One staff member in particular becomes a painful presence in the boys' worlds by running around whispering "Sana (without the 't' of course), Sana, Sana is coming! This is awesome!!!!" Over the next 45 minutes the boys share handshakes, hugs and a little Christmas cheer. The staff also have the pleasure of observing moments of real emotion as the boys privately read their letters from home. Amazingly several boys are the recipients of Kipling's poem 'If' in their envelope from home- a special link to a prior reflection which brings several smiles. Also enjoyed are the younger siblings humorous comments, photos of family and messages of both love and advice. So, following a couple of tears and some necessary laughs the boys head back to bed. You (our loved ones) may be thousands of miles away, but you are all oh-so-close right now


So there it is; that was the latest addition to our journey. A Christmas Eve and transition into Christmas Day that will long be remembered due to it being experienced on a long train running in the most unusual of locations.

Ben


MVP- Ben May. This award goes to a very worthy champion. Benny, the fine, upstanding young man that he is has now become the proud owner of a pastel blue, tailored, slim fit, hideously nasty looking piece of upper body cloth (sorry it's difficult to call it a shirt). The boys are now calling him McLovin' and he quietly is a fan of the title. This along with other purchases he has made on tour have had the ability to turn heads. So, we all hope he said goodbye to his friends in Auckland forever, as it is difficult to see them wanting to associate with him when he returns with his new wardrobe.

Thought- Memories should be cherished, both the good and the bad; after all every event in our lives to date has shaped the people we are today. With an abundance of time available to think today (comparatively speaking) we have all drifted into recalling past memories of our childhood Christmas Days and other special family moments. Sometimes in life we tend to shy away from recalling the past because it will either return us to feeling a sense of pain that would rather wish to box up and hide away deep in our own archives, or alternatively our recalling can create emotions of longing to return to a happy (often simpler time), which can be equally uncomfortable. A novel I'm currently reading noted a man without memories is merely a shell. What is it that you choose to remember?