My Train Through Vast Land

The train ride became truly exciting when I single-handedly took down one terrorist after another. They no longer just called me Mandy anymore, I'm now known as SuperMandy.

Okay, for real though, the ride was alright. Not as smooth as a plane. It's the longest I have ever spent in a train before. The most before was I think 14 hours to get from Kerala back up to Goa in India last year at about this same time. But trains are most definitely different between the two countries, and not only in cost.

For example, the cheapest train ride in India is the Sleepers class. Basically you have 9 people in one little cube area (that's if its not overbooked and way too many people on board). You all sit on one bench which happens to also be the bed for the person who is assigned that seat. Your backrest comes up and forms the second bed and then there is one more over our heads. (the best one to get is the top cause then you don't have to wait on everybody else to go to sleep!)It's all pretty close quarters. And then at every stop you get the people who just walk through just trying to sell you chai, food, little gadgets and thing, and also the people who are begging for money, people I never quite understood how they got the deformities they got. It was probably due to lack of accessibility to hospitals and medical treatment, and perhaps some due to big dogs out there who give it to them so when they beg they get more money. (the last one is more speculation) I didn't get this as much as some of my friends on the trains there, but you get cockroaches crawling around you and in some cases on you. It's all a whole new experience. And, oh, there is no checked baggage, so you got to keep an eye on all your things. Some people had chains they used to lock them up. I used my big bag as a pillow at night.

Now, in the US, that experience on a train is much different. The cheapest train is in coach and there are no beds provided, just the chairs that slightly recline and have something that comes up for your legs to rest on. I got a spot with plenty of leg room and both the chairs to myself and next to a window. Yes, it was only coach, but it felt like luxury! :) People were spread out and nobody was touching elbows. I got to check bags and I don't recall seeing any cockroaches. Nobody came on the train to try to sell me anything or to beg for money. They even had a car for people to come and lounge in.

It was definitely a long ride, about 36 hours total when you include the 5 hour trip from Indy to Chicago on the train. The countryside was open. It was real exciting getting more into the mountains in Montana. One, because I love mountains (totally miss the Himalayas!), and two, because this whole month of anticipation of getting here and starting my next big adventure(s), was finally coming. I have left everything and everybody I know behind. No, not forever, but it's such a great feeling to be on my own again, being on an adventure, not knowing truly what I will be doing from one day to the next, one month to the next, one year to the next. I have the general idea, but it will all be exciting and new.

I am glad over the last few months I was able to see many of you (sorry if you weren't seen by me, I really tried to see just about everybody). I am also extremely greatful for the people who allowed me to bum on their couches or floors. It's nice to know you really got friends out there and people are genuinely nice, even out in LA where people as a whole can be jerks, but a person there can be great. It took me about 8 months to get here where I am now and it wouldn't have been possible without all the people I knew and have met throughout this time. I think I did already say thanks to everybody, but I just wanted to make sure EVERYBDOY who helped me really knows I mean it. If I can't get you back one day for helping me, at least know I will do my best to "pay it forward" and continue the generosity.

And here I am, with people asking the question, "Where's Wal...I mean, Where's Mandy?" Keep yourself updated by checking out this blog. I will e-mail when I update it sometimes. I'll try to do my best at updating it...

And one more thing, feel like packing up your bags and heading out somewhere? I suggest 2 things: 1) DO IT! and 2) Visit me while you are it. If you are willing to sleep on a floor, let it be a carpeted and one in Montana, come see me here in Montanaa. If you are willing to sleep on a floor, let it be mud and you might need a mosquito net, come see me in Africa (where I will be, I'll let you know when I know). If you are willing to do either, be my second luggage and I'll stuff you in. :)

Well, I'm off for now to check out my new area of living for the next 7 months. So far what I've seen in the dark, I like it. :)