I am in Chennai for the wedding of a friend's daughter.
Travelled by Shatabdi Express. It's after so many years that I am travelling by this train. It takes 5 hours to cover around 350 kms, with just one halt, at Katpadi, after it leaves Bengaluru at 6 am.
The lack of on-board catering service was felt. The government had removed it from trains when Covid struck. Apparently government has resumed this only in very few long-distance trains.
If cafeteria can function, I don't understand why food can't be served on all trains.
Saturday, March 5
Checked into a hotel in Padur.
When my wife and I entered the room that was allotted to us, we were surprised to see that it was a three-bed room. (One double cot and a single cot).
One cot is a waste. Probably it could be allotted to a family of three.
I checked with the reception, told them we are only two. We don't need three cots.
It wasn't an oversight on the part of the hotel. I was told that all their family rooms have three cots.
(To be continued)
I suppose the extra cot is good for larger families.
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteMaximising potential! Have a wonderful time - also too long since having such gatherings... YAM xx
Have a great time in chennai. The weather must be beautiful. Beginning of 3 seasons. Hot Hottest Murder.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteLuckily during the past two - three days, the weather had been very kind. It hasn't been hot. Hope it stays that way for the rest of the trip.
Hi Pradeep - it's good you could travel for your friend's daughter's wedding - and we're still adjusting to what's changed ... I just hope you enjoy yourself. I guess it's better they have that 3rd bed available. Enjoy - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the wedding Pradeep - and I hope the train journey was restful and scenic (even if it didn't have a functioning food service). Darn covid is still messing with the big and little pleasures of life!
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a wonderful time Pradeep. Are photos available for us?
ReplyDeleteWelcome to Chennai. Surprisingly the whether is pleasant now. Enjoy ur stay here :)
ReplyDeleteDestination Infinity
Enjoy Chennai Pradeep. I have a soft corner for this city--met my husband there:)
ReplyDeleteThe last time I visited in 2017, I took a walking tour with a fabulous guide. If you do find some free time, you may want to check out https://www.storytrails.in Our guide was called Akila Raman--a retired professor. She made the history of Mylapore come alive for me with her stories.
Hi Arti - The walking tours are really good I am told. I have checked out Storytrails. It's fabulous!
DeleteYou must have had to get up so early! And then there's no dining on a five-hour trip. Hopefully the wedding was nice, though.
ReplyDeleteI am enjoying 'taking' this trip with you. ~grin~ What a nice story departure from all the world's sorrows.
ReplyDeleteAh, now I know why your are there in Chennai!
ReplyDelete