India (Trains of people)

I remenber trying to communicate with this girl in India. She was from Gujarat- the home state of Gandhi- and she could not speak English at all, hardly even able to understand the language. She look somewhat younger than me, she was a helper in the house, cleaning the house, serving the guest, of which I was one, and washing up after that. And so when I asked her questions or tried to it was met by a polite smile and giggles. Finally, I thought of a way to ask her age. So I pointed to myself and that started using my fingers to communicate my age.. one, two, three.... eighteen. And then I pointed at her and said one, two three, we counted togehter to sixteen fingers.. It was really an interesting little experiance. It felt nice to be able to bond and communicate with this person , her face full of cheer. I mean I could see all the loneliness and problems of her job and yet here was this person teaching me about cheer, briming with fun in her face while I was depilated with the fatigue of journey.
There was on the train, this army colnel, yes the indian army... He had a stern look and he was poised and when he did his meals there was something meticulous and strong gracefulness to which he peeled those onions and added the spices. I was just looking at him and thinking he must be quite a dignified person and then later I found out he was from the army. So he was talking about politics and India, quite interesting conversation.
Then I think this guy was a Gurkha, he was sitting on the top bunk and there was something very sullen and strict about him sitting on the top bunk. He held his poise and composure not getting bored or ruffled by the boredom and dreary journey. When he came out of his position or bought a tea, I was just fascinated becasue he wouldn't move for hours. And yet his eyes revolve around the train like somebody well trained and comtemplating, suspicious for the first sign of trouble nad yet so calm.
Train talks are fun! Here and there were interesting ones...