02/02/2010

Just chilled with Kashka in the morning and used the internet then said my farewells. I also booked my train ticket to Varinasi though a travel agent on Sudder street, they charged an extra $2.50 to do this which is ok considering to save that money I would have had to go all the way to the train station.

In the afternoon I headed to see the Victoria Memorial to take some pictures at sunset, it was about a 45 minute walk from sudder street, where I met 2 guys, a Dutch and a Norwegian, because the Dutch guy had the same camera as me and I was carrying my laptop I helped him install CHDK on his camera which turns a camera into a super camera, adding much more functions.

The guesthouse doorman where I was staying charged an extra 20 Rupis to leave your bags there, then when I left asked for a tip…for sitting there? I think not.

I used the Metro at 6.30 to get to the North to Mahatma Gandi rd so that I could walk to the train station from there which wasn’t such a smart idea as it was ridiculously packed with people and me showing up with my backpack and all my gear I did not get good looks.

The walk from the metro to the train station was certainly interesting, I was clipped by so many buses, cars and rickshaws… the roads here seem to be a free for all, I still haven’t figured out what side of the road they drive on.

I finally made it to the train station not knowing which platform to go on so I asked the what I thought was the info desk, they told me platform 5 where I met some Canadians who were also going to Varinasi although they had a slightly different ticket, I asked another official after glancing over my ticket and he said to sit and wait. After a little concern I asked the same official, he pulled out his glasses and saw my ticket again realizing I had to be on another train on platform 8.

I had to run to catch the train and thankfully just made it.

I was the only westerner on the carriage and I was placed right by the toilet, that goes without saying smelt as bad as Indian toilets do… I was going to describe how bad it was but I think you get the idea.

Also, because I was right by the doors I had to deal with the constant chilling breeze when the train was in motion, it was freezing.

Victoria Monument, Kolkata