Here are a few shots from our train which took us to Palakollu - our disembarking point on our way to Lankalakoderu village.
We got on at Vishakapatnam station – and were in the 2nd last bogie on a train that was going to Guntur – just before 7 AM. Just after noon the last 5 bogies of the train were uncoupled from the Guntur train (much excitement for Enoch and I to watch the deed being done), which steamed off Guntur-ways. We then were picked up by an engine that took us on a single-line branch route to Palakollu.
Breakfast on the train. Passing by the beautiful Andhra coastal country side. Seeing the 'march of progress' by way of roads, factories and power cables intersect with the agrarian land.
Crossing the mighty Godavari River.
Trains are human-shaped in that they give you time. Time to do the Soduku puzzle from the Hindu newspaper. Time to devour a crisp morning paper. To sip cups of tea from the vendours.
To look through Scripture. To get SMSes and send a Bible-based reply. To play travel games. Both things like chess and looking out the window and counting cows and buffaloes with Enoch. To think. To doze off. All the while while taking in the beautiful green of the paddy that is just about to be transplanted – framed by rows of coconut trees.
Small station called ‘Atilli’. So small it doesn’t even have a platform.
Generations of young boys have enjoyed the indoor climbing facilities trains offer. Enoch struck up a friendship with a Telegu speaking boy called Shriraja. Enoch was quite sad and teary when it was time to part ways with his new friend.
And so the train moves onward. Its single engine pulling a grand total of 5 bogies along a single line. Tooting its horn furiously as it crossed innumberable roads as we moved deep into the heart of the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh.
oh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
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