The Vesak weekend saw a group of us on a train to Nuwara Eliya - no ordinary train but a special “Expo Lanka” coach ride that headed for the cooler climes.
A bleary-eyed dawn saw us lugging our single cases along platform two of the Fort Railway Station and boarding the allotted compartment. Our luggage safely stacked overhead, we made ourselves comfortable and soon realized that our little rail car was heading out – backwards ! It didn’t matter, off we were, on hitherto unchartered tracks, determined to enjoy ourselves.
 |
| Familiar sights travelling upcountry gained new perspective. |
 |
| Siri Pada in the distance |
For some of us our last train rides had been in childhood. When parents who were both government servants had railway warrants, and we occupied sleeping berths that wound their way through the night. On reaching Badulla in the morning the brown and white estate car would be waiting to drive us to Passara and El Tab -the estate we were headed for. (We headed for many such destinations during those times of the great plantation companies when my late Uncle Douglas Lamb was a planter.)
This time in the dawn and early morning –the environs of places such as Ragama, and Gampaha, the marshes, flat land and open fields – all was beautiful. Such a change from the usual road journey when the passing scenery becomes so familiar, known almost by- heart, on the road to Kandy, or Kurunegala, whether it is this petrol shed or that clean eating place and comfort stop. Sad to say but one does get a bit jaded.
Here at last- a different perspective – even if it was the rear that we saw of shops and eateries encountered before and after every major Station.
For breakfast we were served sandwiches and a savoury bun with lettuce and a fish filling, followed by bowls (yes bowls !) of tea or coffee. One understood the need for the bowls – they do not go “slop slop, or splash – splash” with every clack ! The jerks are there especially after a sedentary time - and we take off – and we marvelled at the stewards’ sense of balance during service times.
Ah ! here was “Bible Rock” and “Utuwan Kande” in the distance – Saradiel’s famed out post. Traffic wound its way up, down on the road below, and, like children we shouted out “look, there and there” and “over there”, cameras always at the ready.
Was it soon after Peradeniya that the “natural air conditioning” set in? Out on the open deck adjoining the carriage we balanced enjoying the coolness. Every tunnel saw us hooting like lost souls and we were not the only ones!
There were boys in other compartments hanging on to the doors and entranceways, flattening themselves against the train at every rocky outcrop or confined space the train passed through. Regulars, obviously enjoying this precarious mode of travel!
We saw work in progress at the Kotmale Dam environs. A dignitary was visiting that day and there were flags and vehicles.
The little stations, in miniature brought back memories of old times. Unusually named –“Rozella” and -“Great Western” – where the thought was –‘wear the hats and boots you gun slingers and whistle the theme from ‘A few dollars more’.
On this particular tour we disembarked at Pattipola, (the highest point on the train tracks) because, although our final destination was Nuwara Eliya – part of our rail contingent was headed for Horton Plains.
The rest of us piled into two vans and drove to Nuwara Eliya with a stop at the Ambewela outlet – for hot or chilled milk. The sight of cows grazing on the lush hillsides, was indeed a scene of pastoral perfection.
The following day we entrained at Nanu Oya Station. Our two efficient and polite stewards were there to greet us again and look after us through the return journey. This time our little rail car faced the correct direction – and the larger more populated carriage faced the wrong way! On familiar territory this time around we were even more vociferous, louder, bolder! Friendships were formed – they may not be for life, but it sure seemed that way at that moment in time. All in one accord – and happy !
Yes, happiness was the key word on that train ride !
Somewhere near Gampaha the revelry reached frantic levels !
As they say “Gedara yanta baa baa levels” -We were dancing in the aisles. Saner folk rang taxi and cab services, families were informed that the train would be on-time !
All good things come to an end – and we left each other with the thought that “Yes” we will be doing this again…..
Like our very excursion through life – being thankful - taking a train – enjoying the ride – with those beside you, and those you encounter all along the way, always mindful of the destination, but surely, very surely, appreciative and enriched with all that happens on the journey- in itself ! |
E-mail
