Toy train, Kalka to Shimla 20 Dec 12

We could have slept a few extra hours because the 5.10am train was cancelled.  Once again Deepak came to the rescue and spoke to the rail officials.  We had to purchase new tickets for the 7.30am train.  This done we waited in the car, which was the only warm place to be.  Once again the boys talked gadgets and played with their phones, while I snoozed in the back seat.  The Tata is like a second home to us.

There were people asleep on the station platform.  One clever street dog was asleep on the corner of a sleeping person’s blanket.  He knew how to keep warm.

We boarded the train at 7.15am where we waited again till 8.30am, another delay.  Whilst we were waiting a group of teenagers on the platform were intrigued by us.  We were the only white people around.  They introduced themselves one by one and shook our hands.  Some were braver than others trying out their English.  It was a funny to be such a novelty.

The toy train trip was the only thing we really had in mind to do whilst in India.  We were determined to catch the train.  The wait was worth it.  The scenery was spectacular, almost tropical in places.

The train was first class so came with a meal of vegetable patties with bread and sauce and tea.  It is amazing what you’ll eat and do when you travel, when your norm is no longer.

Enjoying a warm cup of tea for brekky

The toy train is a narrow gauge train so it chugged along slowly.  Being so tired the rhythm of the train was putting me to sleep, I had to keep repeating to myself “stay awake, stay awake”.  I didn't want to miss anything.

7 carriages in total 

First glimpse of The Himalayas coming into Shimla