mode of transportation

Just a quick note on the amazing modes of transportation there are in India...

The roads are crazy enough with bicycles, cows, camels, monkeys, horses, dogs, people, trash, etc. ALL over them at ALL times but add to it the fact that you bee-bop around in these amazing rickshaws and you get a pretty fun situation.  They're little motorcycles made into taxis that can jet you anywhere around town.  You might fall out, you might get bumped by another car or stopped by a cow peeing, you might have someone come through the open side and sit right next to you or try to sell you something, you just never know.  Vasae and I rarely treat ourselves to a ride because we normally walk or take public transportation everywhere but whenever we do its always an adventure.  I think we were on one the other day that maxed out with 11 other people in the rickshaw (they comfortably fit 3), it was great :)

And then there are the trains. We LOVE the trains.  Our main mode of transportation these guys can take you everywhere, are generally fast and are reasonably priced by distance.  We use the sleeper class/cabin which is a step up from second class where people fight to pile in and stand like sardines.  We braved it once and survived but are very happy that we can afford the small upgrade to sleeper.  The sleeper class consists of 3 rows of beds which all fold up so you can sit when not sleeping.  Usually there are fans that work (yes that's right, no AC) but the windows are big and open so they're great for wind and watching the passing scenery unfold outside. Often people debate over seats and you normally wake up with sand in your hair and teeth but its cool :) We've seen some other backpackers on the trains but we're mainly riding along with the locals, just how we like it.  It only gets weird when you look up from your book or wake up from sleeping and have about 9 sets of eyes directly on you... I told you we get stared at a lot and at times trains could be comparable to a viewing tank.  Indians have no qualms with starring right atcha even once you notice, its pretty funny. This picture above is of a slightly less crowded train when Vasae was snoozing (the girl falls asleep on any and all modes of transportation) along with this woman and her lovely hairdo.