The Fingerprint of Travel: A Rodeo Adventure by Train Through India

Travel, in its essence, is about the journey. Each trip carves its unique footprint in our hearts, a memory that remains forever. For me, one such cherished memory is a train journey across India in the mid-1980s. It was a journey that showcased the vivid tapestry of rural India and provided me with an unparallelled sense of adventure and freedom.

Welcome to a Different World

I#39;ve always been a fan of road trips, partially because the experience allows me to meet and interact with a diverse array of strangers. These interactions give me a fresh perspective on the world and nature. During my teaching stint in a remote village in the Himalayas, I grew more accustomed to the laid-back backpacking lifestyle typical in South Asia. My travels were defined by simplicity and the willingness to embrace uncertainty and diversity.

A Sign of the Times

During one of these journeys, myself and a friend were embarking on a trip across India by train. It was a journey intended for visiting religious sites along the way. The Indian summer had been exceptionally hot, but the monsoon season had been sporadic. We were seated in a reserved second-class carriage—an open-air wagon with hard wooden benches and windows that partially blocked the dust. The train was bustling, but not as overcrowded as I had previously encountered in lower-class Indian trains.

Standing at the Edge of Adventure

Feeling restless, I decided to stand and explore the back of the carriage. As I reached the door, I found it wide open. With my hands on the side handrails, I leaned out into the rushing air. This moment was less about being the king of the world and more about the thrill of having something that not everyone had. The Indian countryside stretched out before us, a mix of wooded and pastured landscapes, with the horizon alight with the hues of dusk and the sun sinking lower into the sky.

Trusting the Journey

As the train coasted through the rural heart of India, I felt both lost and in awe of my surroundings. The vast emptiness and the vivid colors of the landscape were a stark contrast to the bustling cities. The train ride was both daunting and comforting. I leaned into the trust that my current journey would lead me to new experiences. It was here, precariously standing on the threshold, that I sensed the profound nature of this journey—a memory that would endure for a lifetime.

The Enduring Lure of Travel

Reflecting on this journey, I came to understand that the allure of travel lies not just in the destination but in the experiences that make the journey. It was this experience that taught me to trust the ride and embrace the unknown. The adventure was not just in the landscape but in the sense of freedom that came with it.