The Chaiwalla

Asia » India » Maharashtra » Mumbai
December 2nd 2017

Published: March 16th 2018

Odd to say, but my favourite part about India was the Chaiwallas. My ears would perk up immediately when I'd hear their weary call, somewhere off in the distance. Chai... Chai... Chai... Chai...Chai... A man carrying a shiny, chandelier-like thermos would magically appear. Whether it be on a local bus, in a traffic circle, on a train carriage, or in a street market, there he was, the Chaiwalla.... Read Full Entry

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Andrea

cabochick

This Canadian girl's passion for travel comes from my adventurous parents. My brother and I spent most of our youth traveling all over North America in the family’s camper van, airplane, and boat - going as far west as the Hawaiian islands, as far north as Tuktoyaktuk, and as far south as Mexico doing lots of adventurous stuff...canoeing, surfing, fishing, camping, hiking, skiing, exploring, jellyfish poking...it was the best childhood ever! That same adventurous spirit fueled my travel passion for over 30 years. I’ve been all over the shop. Now that I'm newly retired, I split my lif... full info

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Busy Mumbai train station

Such a crazy place, India with all the people and chaos. hard to get used to.

Streets of Mumbai

Just another street in a chaotic place like India

We are all one

Love this quote from Gandhi. The culture is definitely peaceful and loving but its also dog eat dog.

The Goats of Elephant Island

This goat knew it was safe from a curry.

Bombay High court

Interesting how the British subculture is so interwoven in the Indian fabric. Seeing cricket matches and the old taxi cabs felt nostalgic.

The other side

Seeing the endless trash and filth gives you a sense of hopelessness, but I heard a resident doctor started to clean up a beach here one piece of trash at a time and the city came out to help.

16th March 2018

bvchef
Brendan Vermillion

Over my dead body
Oh heck no Andrea. Words cannot express how much I do not want to experience what you had to go through. Wow, I read this thinking to myself that it was going to get better, but no, it really didn't. What a trip. Glad the Chai brought some happiness to the days.

16th March 2018

cabochick
Andrea

Well this will be my 5th train experience and I’ve seen both ends of the scale now. Trains are a great way to get around, meet new people, and see the countryside. I’d still recommend it!

16th March 2018

Yeti
Andy and Ali Bell

Indian trains
Hi Andrea, We, like yourself, adore chai. However, I am sorry to relate that you haven't sampled it at its best: no mater how great the brew it still pales unless served in bhar (unglazed handmade disposable clay cups) - whilst once ubiquitous these are now very rare (outside of Kolkata). Equally on your next trip to India - you know you will - you must visit Krishna's chai shop in Bundi, Rajestaan, for surely there is no finer chai. The trains... Your journey did sound a bit rough admittedly - not helped by the cheeky, incompetent guide.... It has to be said that we adore them (having ridden way more than 100 over the years) and, although dodgy rides have been known, the locals are typically wonderful: sharing tiffin tin contents, rum, cigs, chat and generally looking out for you. I do hope you aren't totally put off them as there is no finer way to travel around India (and really meet the locals). As always we're enjoying your blogs... A&A.

16th March 2018

cabochick
Andrea

Hi A&A! I Absolutely enjoyed the experience on the Indian trains despite my cheeky report. I tend to highlight the silly stuff, but overall it was fine. 17 hours did seem long after 12 hours of Indian delays and detours. Most of my interactions with locals and families were sweet, we passed food around and chatted. but there was this intimidating factor being a solo female alone in a whole train carriage of men. Oh and yes! In Udaipur we drank our chai from clay pots, you are right, that was the best. After you finished you threw them to the ground, little piles of broken clay in corners. I can see why you love India and I think if I return I will develop a love as well. For now this was a great intro.

18th March 2018

alex waring
Alexander Waring

Indian Trains
My goodness, what a read, and what an epic train journey! I think you're right that an Indian train journey is one of the experiences that one has to have in India. And what an experience you had! Of all my adventures during my first trip to India, it is the train journeys which stand out the most for me. Especially a two-nighter from Calcutta to Bombay. Another wonderful read, thank you again :)

20th March 2018

cabochick
Andrea

ooff. 2 nights might have killed me! Still a great experience for you I'm sure. That's what I like the best about travel. Experience. Cheers!

25th March 2018

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

I want the rights to your book!!
What adventures you have and an expert story teller. Never lost is your ability to see the sunny side of a situation. Sarcasm never far behind. Your eyes tell all.... chai, chai, chia. We love the drama of the exaggerated pour. Such style a performance in each cup. Guides around the world are hit and miss. Most we've had have been outstanding but the lame ones live on forever in our brains. Love the description of travel neophytes. These young ones do seem to need constant stimulation and connection. If you want well timed travel they should go to Switzerland or Germany and not India. Life on the road does not go by the clock in India. Next time we get together we'll give you the details of our train ride from hell in Vietnam.Tt was sugar coated in our blog. The sewage wafted. We love to enjoy ourselves in the face of adversity and unbeweavble shit... that is why we travel. We are going to the Seychelles later this year. I long to go to the Maldives. Loved the blogs. MJ

27th March 2018

cabochick
Andrea

Tongue in cheek travel!
Next time I see you, I definitely will need to hear your story about the Vietnam train!

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The Chaiwalla

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