An auto-rickshaw motored by carrying about 10 schoolchildren! As they drove past, I could see their backpacks hanging out the windows, one on top of the other.
We spent the afternoon packing for the trip to Goa. We boarded the train at around 7 pm. The tickets cost around Rs. 2400 round-trip, much more than the Rs. 500 round trip to Vizag. But that's because we were traveling in air-conditioned cars, 2nd class. We had a section all to ourselves, divided by curtains, with our own fan. A train employee named Abdul Ramen gave us blankets, bedsheets, and pillows (a real treat). The A/C was running comfortably. No beggars or vendors came through. Access to this car was blocked from other cars. It was definitely a grade up from the sleeper cars we took to Vizag. But Dad felt it lacked some personality and intrigue, even though it was more comfortable. Still, we enjoyed what was meant to be a trip for relaxation.
