5 – Train from Delhi to Jaipur; Then on to “our” village Kalwar!

With a 4:00 a.m. wake-up call, we grabbed some snacks-to-go from our host at the Homestay, and greeted our escort to the Delhi Railway Station.  Thank Goodness we did NOT have to try to negotiate getting on the train by ourselves !!  First of all, the train station, even at five in the morning is unbelievably crowded.  Then (as was discovered by our escort) our ticket numbers were incorrect.  After running for the correct train car and throwing our luggage aboard, we finally settled down to the”meal” from the Homestay.  It was an interesting trip (although packed with people) and lasted approximately five (5) hours.  In case you are wondering, Bill felt it was very important to take a photo of the restroom facilities so that you might see them up-close-and-personal!

Bathroom for boys and girls!!!!!!!

We were met by another escort (thank goodness) in Jaipur.  He assisted us in getting our luggage off of the train and into his car.  We then took off for Kalwar, the village where we teach.  After slightly over an hour, we arrived in Kalwar (by the way, we will discuss traffic in India later !!!  Suffice it to say, neither of us will NEVER drive in India).

In Kalwar, we were greeted by the Service Program Coordinator and the Kalwar Castle staff with marigold leis, and traditional “dots”, red for the sun and white for the moon.  We were also offered fresh mango juice.  A wonderful welcome after hours on a train and in a car !  We then were provided a lecture on “International Service Learning”, after which we were a superb dinner of traditional Indian food.  At this point we were exhausted.  Good night!