The rumors of a special express train kept me at the station. My rationale was that any seat on the train would be better than a seat on the government bus.

I persevered in numerous lines at Egmore Station for 3 hours before ending up with an "Open Ticket". Total cost: 117 rupee (about $2.50).  What did this great expenditure get me?  I am writing this while reclining on a hanging wood plank luggage rack at the back of a train that reeks of old urine.

I haven't slept more than 4 or 5 hours a night since arriving, except for 1 night in Pondicherry.  I think I will either fall fast asleep and have a sore back tomorrow or be so exhausted I won't be able to do anything.

Not sure if this is better than the bus...

Maybe I will try to snooze while remembering Yuri from Doctor Zhivago riding across Siberia in a very similar train car.  If only I could trade the oppressive heat for the Siberian chill. 

Shawn