#Roadtrip Notes (JAI-BPL-NGP-HYD-GOXJP-NGP-BPL-KGC-HYD-GOX)
Super Folks
Just as in Chandigarh, the visits to Bhopal and Nagpur were day visits. The Robinhood Army at Bhopal really stood out. Led by Abhijit Giri, four Robins took time off their work to spend the entire day with me. That’s a real commitment. It was a topsy turvy day that started well, was about to be derailed before and then it came back magnificently by the evening. We even had time to go to old Bhopal for some awesome chat and kebabs.
A super super big cheer ro two proactive principals. Mrs. Verma of the MP HMCT wanted to host the Chefs Ride meet-up, but space constraints put paid to it. Her introduction to Mr. Valuskar of the hospitality programme at JLU, got our train back on track. It is a very proactive team and in quick time, they confirmed us as our Bhopal hosts. Awesome.
In this vein of super, the wonderful Akash Salve of Nagpur must feature prominently. A senior nurse of the city’s top govt. hospital, Akash took the day off for my visit. A die hard biker, no part of the city was too far as we went everywhere on his motorcycle. We had five meetings, all fruitful. Awesome.
Train Time
A renewed respect for the railways. Most of this week’s trip would be very difficult, possibly impossible, without the Indian Railways running on time. I had four bookings (JAT-CDG, JP-BPL-NGP-KCG), all in 1A or 2A coaches, all confirmed. I’m told, in season time, such good fortune is rare.
All trains arrived, departed and reached on time. All were clean, to Indian standards. All were efficient. The berths still have a lot of improvement necessary, the stations are already being overhauled. Will I choose to travel by train again? Surely, I just never had the opportunity this year.
A bawarchi who rides, a rider who cooks. For me, a motorcycle is a tool to explore new lands, cultures and cuisines.
