Train to Jaipur, India pt.2

We went on the train to Jaipur ‘the Pink city’, It was pretty comfortable with breakfast, tea and air conditioning. I always get so mesmerized when I am in any kind of transport vehicle. The train chucking through the rural areas of Rajasthan revealing beautiful colourful saris amongst camels, goats and tree huts. The wildlife and nature of India is amazing but also robust and taunting at the same time. We left the train station early in the morning and I was relieved to leave busy Delhi. (I thought). The train was something like a train you would never find in Norway or Australia. Of course there were people on the roof and people sitting as in a sardine tin on the floor. We however, paid 10 AUD for a second class A/C Berth with morning tea and breakfast included. What luxury. Sitting on the train, next to a Japanese lady obviously influenced by the Indian culture with her nose rings and big teabags, I could not see the beautiful colours of the life around the rails due to the brown stained windows. I did however see the cows, kids and dogs playing, eating and sleeping on the railway. I saw the women washing their clothes in a little dam made by a shovel and rainwater. Shirtless kids are sweeping the unsweepable dusty ground whilst pigs are used as a bad solution to a environmental infrastructure that does not exist by eating the rubbish in the streets. Suddenly, 3 hours have past and I have inhaled the real India. Not the silk stores and perfume sellers in the streets of Delhi, but the people living on the railway in 50 degrees. Whilst sitting on the train driving past little slum villages illustrating chaos I see my first shrine. Or temple, but it looks more like a little shrine. It is overflowing with flowers, gold and colours. The painting of Ganesha (Hindu God) are sparkling and lights are surrounding the little peaceful temple. A couple of dogs are sleeping on the steps. Suddenly I understand where people find peace in the chaotic culture of India. Suddenly I understand that these people do not need material stuff or have a need for a television in their little hut. The Hindus get protection and love from their spiritual beliefs, not their house, their money or nice clothes. The need for a shower and a nice creamy cappuccino was gone.