Being the second most populous country in the world India has more
then it's share of queues. Some are very civilized as you would expect
at home but others appear to be chaos. My favourite are those at the
train station. Mostly you can avoid the lineups by hitting the special
airconditioned tourist booking office but occasionally you need a
refund (when your train is 18hr late) or when you need to make an
enquiry (so what station did my train decide to reroute to). The
easiest solution is to pay for someone to do it for you but this takes
away the "fun",
Step 1 - Stand at the back and spoon the person in front of you. No
matter how hot or sweaty the guy in front is if you can't feel his
heart beat you are leaving too much space. Even a millimeter of space
and you will lose your place.
Step 2 - Push! Not too hard just enough to ensure no one can squeeze
in. The object is not to be rude just extremely affirmative. If
someone still does slip in argue with them. It doesn't matter if he
doesn't speak English. If he knows he has been caught doing the wrong
thing he will let you have your spot back.
Step 3 - As you approach the tiny little hole in the window stick your
hand through. Even if you have nothing to give the man on the other
side this will ensure you are next. If there is already a hand through
the hole make sure you are ready to stick yours through when he pulls
his out. It helps if you have your money and info ready because if you
do remove your hand you have lost your spot. Their is only room for
one hand.
Step 4 - When you are done relax. With the pressure of the crowd
behind you will pop out of the line like a cork in water.
Note - Wear a backpack because it stops the horrible feeling of a
sweaty man spooning you from behind. It also stops hands reaching
through the hole from behind you.
Back in Delhi. My 5am arriving train got in at 7pm meaning I missed my
5pm dental appointment. He was still there when I showed up at 7:30.
My tooth has been successfully removed. The dentist snapped it in half
with a pair of pliers and cut the rest out with a dental drill. It was
pain free, very professional and cost me a little over $10 Canadian.
On to Rajahstan.
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