Where we were: India

Kanpur is marked with a red star. The area shown closer in subsequent pictures is indicated by the red box.

Route to Lucknow: Friday 18 January 2008

We made an early start in a very Indian van bedecked with carved wood paneling on the interior.

Train with milk cans

This passenger train is leaving Kanpur station, people and milk cans clinging to every possible place.

Crowded train

The same train leaving Kanpur station. People sit on the engine, stand outside in between cars, and hang out of open doors and windows as the train gathers speed.

Train

Leaving Kanpur station.

Train

Passengers with the best possible view. I wonder if there is a fare surcharge for that?

Milk can-laden train leaving Kanpur Station

If you look closely, there is a lighter blue handle visible between the cars. A man stands there, out of sight of the camera. Presumably, since handles are provided, it is accepted practice that passengers spend their journey standing there.

Milk cans hanging on train

The air is misty with early-morning fog.

Crowded train engine

The jovial passengers on the engine wave at the passing vehicles.

Railway crossing

In Kanpur. Officers with big guns were a common sight.

Gun lovers in Kanpur

Carrying huge, old-fashioned rifles is quite common. Also, a view of the interior of our snazzy van.

Intersection in Kanpur