The one where 'We almost missed the train to New Jalpaiguri'

1st October 2009. An uneventful day spent in Kolkata. Tried silver shopping but the skies had opened up and the shops were shut. Gave up and went back home. Meeting T at Park Street before we head out to Howrah Station. Met, had a cuppa, visited Flurry's which is like this 100 year old chocolate institution in Kolkata. We bought some dark chocolate here (couple of bars) which lasted us till North Sikkim finished. Realised lateness of time and caught a taxi for Howrah.

Hyperventilating slightly as it was 4.30 pm and our train was at 5.30 pm. M, the other friend who was with us was like, 'Why don't you take the ferry? It would be faster'. Luckily decided against it and reached actually very much in time. The train, Kamrup Express - everyone had dissed it talking about it like it was some third-class train. Kamrup was fine (it had been bombed a couple of years back but well these things kinda happen) and the vendors...

Well the vendors were also another highlight...25 atleast with each one carrying a different item. You could potentially start your journey with an empty bag and fill it up as the train chugged along with everything from pyjama cords to desserts. But our favourite guy with a tagline of 'Ta-Ta-Ta Time, Pa-Pa-Pass'. He was howlarious selling shengdana and the like. For more on him, you've to meet me or T to get a real-time imitation! There is no other way unfortunately....

Reached NJP at 6ish next morning...