Ahmedabad

Hi all,

Just reached Ahmedabad this morning at 4.00. Happy to be here during the time of Diwali, finally celebrating it in India after 10 years!! Hope it will be a good one. My train journey was actually really nice. Upon the suggestion of a friend and his love for that particular seat, I thought, sure why not, I took up the lower bunk seat on the side. Now for those not familiar with what the inside of a Indian railway coach looks like, I tried to find some google images for that, but couldnt see annything that would describe this adequately. Anyway, these seats are generally smaller in lenght and a bunk is made when two sitting seats fold together. So everyone was saying those will be uncomfy, but actually it was the most comfy seat that I found so far. And ridiculously, there was more than enough space left both above my head and below my feet. (generally people are not able to stretch out in these seats coz they are short in length, but courtesy my small height, this was not an issue for me). Nonetheless, having a really comfy seat, the fresh wind outside and the stars in the countryside with awesome music in my ipod = a very comfy train ride. And the thing is, when you are lying down, the train shakes you so much, you are literally moving sideways. I was up till 2.40 (making someone else go to sleep) and I caught a nap for an hour or so and then I was up as the train arrived at Ahmedabad junction at 4.00 am.

I am finding I really enjoy the wind here. It is not chilly like the wind there (canada). The wind here is cool and pleasant, something you actually want to enjoy. I have also been seeing a few falling stars in the sky. One when I went to Somnath and the other one yesterday. People say that when you see a falling star, you should make a wish. Well, I did make a wish at Somnath (and no, it hasn't come true yet, when it does I will let you know) but yesterday when I saw that falling star, didn't know what to wish for. I have what I want and what I need. I have choices and options and work, and food, and freedom and water, and time (at the moment mostly for myself), family and friends. Didn't know what else to wish for, so I just watched it fall across the sky and that was beautiful enough in itself.

I am glad to be back in Ahmedabad. Unlike my last trip where I had a few things planned, things I wanted to get done, I have left this trip open-ended. I will take what comes my way, but I am certain about one thing: GOOD FOOD!!!!

I have been trying to post up pics on blog, but it's not working. Will keep trying, but if it doesn't work, then I will figure out another sight for you to access my pics. Till then, hope you are all well. I have been hearing back from a few of you through emails and that has been really great. So keep emailing and keep in touch. Till then,

Love