Chai-Kaapi

Just back from my coffee-break, ... which reminds me of the long-distance train journeys in India, which are 1 big picnic in themselves...apart from all the fun that you have, it is a great place to indulge in study of people not to mention a complete multi-cultural experience...The 'Theplas' (a kind-of masala chapati, made of gram flour ) from the Guju family, the Thair-Chadam & Elmachengai Oorgai ( Curd Rice and Lime Pickle), or the Pulin-Chadam ( Tamarind Rice) from your Tam-Bram. neighbour, the 'Aai, mala bhook lagli aahe, Chakli de na ' (Mom, I am hungry, gimme some snacks) from the Maharashtrian kid, and the best contrast that nature has on offer is on the journey from B'bay to Kerala, via Andhra, those were the days when Konkan Rail was still a concept on paper, so it would be a 48-hour journey, and the 2nd afternoon, would be hot, arid, dusty, lands of AP as the scenery,and by early morning, the next day, we would cross into Kerala, one would wake up to the green, lush, coconutty, lands of Kerala, and cries of 'Chai-Kappi' (Tea-Coffee)from the small kids selling tea/coffee...
Welcome to God's own Country !!!