Coonoor and the Miniature Train

Tuesday, June 10, 08
The day begins cloudy with a wind. The flowers at the front of the two story line of rooms sway in the breeze - chrysanthemum, dahlias, zinnias, snaps, hibiscus, creepers, berries and many more. The lodging is up the slope from the main house where the family resides.
These hill towns are much more Christian. A Christian church is a frequent sight. The houselady has Christian mottos on the wall in the entryway and dining room.
We walk the town, we change hotels and hustle to the train station for the queue at 11:30. Rs 4 buys a ticket Otty to Coonoor - 3rd class. This is the World Heritage Miniature Train. The crowds are too much for Milan and he asks to be excused. The taxi driver will meet me in Coonoor, the best way to get things seen quickly. I find my way, after the unloading frenzy, and find a fine seat at the window across from a family of 4. The young boy and I make friends. This is a meter train and we crawl down the short distance, 1 hour to Coonoor passing stations like Lovedale, Ketti, Aravankadu and Wellington. Over bridges, under bridges, through tunnels, into gum tree groves, sights overlooking valleys and hillsides of tea, past tile, tin, eternite, and thatched roofs, temples, houses of the rich and poor, with soot and whistles all the way. Through trees fallen and trees standing, decidulous, and evergreen, we stop at a station where the family offers me a small portion of Bonda, a spicy hunk of deep fat fried dough. Finally Coonoor, where Milan and the driver greet me. Where next? To find Hebron!
Otty and Miniature Train pics: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/musungi/UdagamandalamOttyIndia