From Train to Train...with the Indian Paparazzi...
As we headed off of the train for our very last time. there were lots of goodbyes to the people who helped make our experience aboard the Deccan Odyssey so wonderful. They were amazing, friendly, funny and learned all of our routines and quirks…and most importantly….our drink orders almost from the second we got on to the train. Always a smile and “Good Morning”. Always looking out for us to make sure we were well fed, well caffeinated and well hydrated. PJ was a favorite among the crew and they loved joking and laughing with him….and making sure he still felt like a “kid” among all these grown adults. Amazingly kind and caring people who we will remember forever.
Yet again, we had that interesting transition of getting off of one train and right on to another, though this was perhaps a bit more “historic”. As our luck would have it, we arrived at the Chennai Train Station during a time when the world’s oldest working steam locomotive was also in town. Built in 1855 in Leeds, England, “Express” Steam Locomotive was extensively used by the East India Company. It spent close to 55 years carrying loads of cargo and people through India and was always a “special moment” every time it arrived to Chennai Station. It was grounded in 1909 due to “wear and tear” and was placed In Howrah Station as a monument to steam, train travel for over 100 years. In 2010, a company called “Loco Works” committed to bringing this historic train back into service as a “showpiece” and tourist attraction and - 2010 - the dream became a reality. It is rare for this train to be in a station for passenger travel - and the trips are limited - so this was a very cool surprise. Apparently, this event was more than just a surprise for us. The station was not only filled with hundreds of people just trying to come and go - but also a massive scrum of photographers and videographers who surrounded our group as we got off the Deccan and on to the Steam Train.
It’s a strange thing, really. As much as our group was fascinated by the culture and people of India…and guilty of taking all sorts of photographs that would probably feel intrusive to the subject matter….the people of India seemed equally fascinated by us. From the very moment we landed in Mumbai, we were constantly asked to pose for pictures with people on the streets. We were asked if they could take pictures of just us. Some didn’t even ask and just walked right up, put their arm around us and snapped away or took video. It was a really strange feeling because we didn’t know whether to be flattered or uncomfortable. Maybe a little bit of both. This feeling continued throughout every stop we made.
After our steam train trip, we boarded buses and slowly made way through Chennai to our “home base” for the next several days: The Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort and Spa. The mere thought of it was music to my ears. But first, an experience for the senses - as we do - and a quick stop to see a Church (because what would our day be without a Church or Temple?).
Our trip through Chennai included a quick stop at their Fish Markets, which is one of the main sources of trade for this Capital City of Tamil Nadu. The markets stretched for blocks and - though very raw and rugged - are a testament to survival in this town. Back in 1994, there was a devastating Tsunami that essentially wiped out much of this seaside village, including all of the Fishing Villages that had been settled here for many years, including many of its inhabitants. Present day, the Villages have gotten back on their feet and are a major destination for both national and International trade and a source of food for the local villagers. It was the first time we had been to a fish market and - outside of the very fragrant smells that came along with it - we had a very cool experience here.
Our second stop before our final arrival to our Hotel was at the Church of St. Thomas, where the remains of St. Thomas (otherwise known as “Doubting Thomas”) are buried. It was absolutely gorgeous, as most churches here are. But like my Dad said: “You’ve seen one beautiful church….you’ve seen them all”.
Our last and final stop of the day was what we were honestly looking forward to the most. Our “little slice of heaven” for the next three days: the Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort and Spa. It’s actually hard to believe, just based on our drive to the Hotel that there existed a place so quiet, so green and so beautifully landscaped. That’s not to say that the world outside this Hotel isn’t beautiful in its own way, just very different. The combination of the beautiful birds signing and the waves crashing on the beach was a sure sign that these next three days would be a nice break from the constant motion of the trip so far.
After spending some time wandering around and appreciating the beauty of this place, we met some friends for some drinks and dinner. We sat outside overlooking the water and just kind of took it all in. Though there are a few tours planned during the time that we are here, my guess is we will spend most of our time just relaxing, enjoying each others company and catching up on some sleep (and maybe a little bit of sun).
PJ seems to have already started this process, as he fell asleep almost seconds after we got back from dinner. This has been a lot for him to take in and though he has been a total champ as a traveler, I know he is physically and mentally exhausted. I would say my Dad and I are in the same boat. But we are having an incredible time and wouldn’t trade it for anything.
PJ is taking the day off from his posting because I think his sleep and resting his brain, at this point, makes more sense. But - he will be back folks. No worries there.
