In India, it seems the class system has never gone away. In fact it appears to be flourishing. Since my last trip here two years ago, facilities at the railway stations have reached a standard equal, if not better, than most other rail networks in the world. During my travels I have come across some exceptional upperclass waiting rooms, while the lower class ordinary ticketed people still have to put up with some pretty abismal conditions. People may think that a railway waiting room is nothing to get excited about but in India where myself and count
less Indians spend a large amount of time, the waiting room is all important. In talking to a fellow tourist in Orissa, he recommended the Upperclass at Vizak station. This was pretty good, with air conditioning that after a day touring in a bus it had a great revitalizing effect. But however, here at Trichy Junction station, I think I may just have found the ultimate in waiting rooms. It is less than 6 months old with a perfect marble tiled floor, attractive matching armchairs and sofas, and what is almost unbelievable, the toilets are spotless complete with blue flushing. The shower would be an asset to any home while the centre piece of the room is a large substantial circular dining room table with a complete set of 6 chairs. The whole thing is crowned by a chandelier suspended in a shallow dome in the ceiling. I would guess that this kind of opulence would be hard to find anywhere.
That’s enough about waiting rooms, may there be many more, and now I have at last reached Fort Cochin. Crossed the sea at about 6.45 and got myself a fantastic room. Its not a room as such at all – it’s a separate bungalow in the garden of Walton’s Home Stay where I stayed 2 years ago. Won’t say anymore as I think you’ll see enough in the vid. Must find a broadband connection now. http://waltonshomestay.com/index.html
Cheers from Derek
