New York Subways to Mumbai Locals

~ Grand Central, New York

I remember my initial reaction to this city. I wanted to go back.

Now after almost a month here, I realize every place has something unique to offer. It's unfair to compare, and the real traveler always tries to absorb the beauty of the place in it's own way. Technically I work here, in a lab...but in my heart, I always feel like the vagabond, moving from place to place in search of something new, some different road. I meet different people on my journey, I make friends who light up the way...and eventually I bid them goodbye too. Nothing is forever, life is a fast

moving train...and the sights just pass you by.

Train. That brings me to the subject I was about to talk today. Back in Fermilab, I would take the train to Chicago..what was called the Metra. In New York, they had the subway...the stations not much better than those in Kolkata Metro Trains, but the best part was it connected us to everywhere. A $8 daily pass could take you around the city, and you could have as many rides as you want. Chicago and suburbs...private vehicles highly dominated. Where as in New York subway was indispensable. Here in Mumbai, it works similarly. I have not traveled much in local trains in India...I never had reasons. In Kolkata it was for people who came from outskirts. I lived in the main city and the taxis and autos and buses worked fine for me. I was initially really scared to take the train here. The crowd is unimaginable...and it is in a word, crazy. But I understand the best way to feel a culture, a place or a habit...is by enjoying the way common people do. To see the world through their eyes and analyze through your own intelligence. So I havestarted boarding the train, from work to the apartment sometimes (and didn't take the institute bus). Also, last time I went to Akash's place in Vashi..I took the train. And somehow I enjoy it. Standing by the door, feeling the breeze through my air...and looking at the city, at the real India. The mix of the high sky scrappers and the dinghy slums, the sea, the small shops ....the new generation shopping malls~ the sights are unique. The busy crowd...a group of old men playing cards (I guess they meet everyday in the train), some young lewd men watching lustfully at the crowd of women on the other end of the compartment, a bunch of college student, some lonely traveler, some foreigner backpacking in India, some vegetable seller...and some confused soul like me. The versatility is truly unique and fascinating at the same time...that is, how on such a small platform we all are united.