I started traveling alone 4 years ago. I have been through at least a 100 bus journeys, 4 flights but only 2 train journeys, on my own.
A train journey in India is different form all other forms of commute. And when one is alone its always an experience.
For a couple of days men become best friends,get down at a stations together for a smoke; auntys, uncles, grand parents have 'chai' together; Everyone has fun with the little kid in the compartment; Snacks and meals are shared.
I see it like a house on wheels. Passengers behave like family, asking intruding questions, routinely; politics are discussed, faiths examined, life history dramatised and ethnic lineage scrutinized. Arguments happen in the process.
Passengers leave the train at stations, goodbyes and perfectly functional relationships are forgotten. Few exchange contact details, fewer keep in contact. Nobody complains. Everyone knows the deal. And why should one when a journey is satisfactory...
What i know now is that i love traveling alone and in a train, there is enough time to get to know few people and forget them... I am alone i can talk to anyone if an aunty asks me personal questions, i can always find a cute guy somewhere, an amiable girl or a group of youngsters to share thoughts, books, and watch movies on a laptop.
My satisfactory journey...
