I was looking at my Facebook pages the other day and noticed an ad for traveling in India.... backpacking in particular. The part that struck me was the pictures they showed as you see above. The ad said, "Backpacking through India...Why not?" After looking at the pictures,I had to laugh.
Back in 1998 my sister and I did go on a backpacking trip through parts of France and Italy. As much fun as that trip was, I think I have hung up my backpack for good. Maybe its because my older self is now "built for comfort and not speed" more. Maybe I have come to believe that a vacation is just that... a vacation where one can spend time relaxating and enjoying the moment in preparation for the next long stretch of work. Even going on tours (something I thought I would never do) actually excite me more than they used to after going on one in Egypt.
Which is why after looking at that picture of a million people jammed on a train in India, I don't have any inkling to backpacking again, or travel in India for that matter. Maybe someday if I really develop the urge to see India, I will have to go on a well-designed tour; hopefully eliminating some of the pitfalls and headaches that I would have if I traveled on my own.
I realize that not everyone who goes to India goes by train. But, if these pictures are any indication of what can be expected, I will pass for now. I think I would have a heart attack if I was dropped down in the middle of that. If the outside of the train is like that then what is the inside like? I just stare at the photos in awe, shock and wonder. But I guess, most than anything else, the pictures make me appreciate what I have.
