18 total people signed up for this insane trip. Who is to finish; only time will tell. Everyone has his or her own personal reason for joining, some as simple as no real reason at all, to finding love (love for India I hope, as finding true love here on a train might be next to impossible).
We might all be different but were the same in one-regard, we want to explore India and trains are the best mode of transportation for doing that. With 7 British, 4 Americans, 3 Australians, 2 Indians, 1 Bulgarian and 1 Singaporean, were a sight be seen when boarding trains. We’ve all gotten some strange looks, to happy smiles just because were different and it’s these interactions that seem to keep me going personally.
Meet the group from our adventure:
Drew from Vermont, USA
Job: Graphic Designer/ World Traveling Dad
Why did you join this trip? “I was needing something crazy to do in 2011. So when Troy sent me the link to this trip, I was all in!”
Voted: best luggage packer with his man murse.
Todd from Sydney, Australia
Job: Co-Founder of GlobeTrooper.com
Why did you join this trip? “I always wanted to visit India, love crazy adventures, so just couldn’t say no to it!”
Voted: Most not likely to become a pharmacists because he tried to kill his cold with malaria pills.
Courtney from Sydney, Australia
Job: Project Supervisor (Ecologist) for Environmental Restoration
Why did you join this trip? “I’d like to visit and experience almost every country in the world. Especially those that are culturally different. This came up, so I went for it! All I had to organize was getting to India.”
Voted: Mostly likely to get arrested at a temple because she photo-bombed inside the Golden Temple when it was clearly marked “No Photos!”
Usha from Singapore
Job: Undergraduate in Medical Studies
Why did you join this trip? “I was free. I love trains and I haven’t been to most of the places in India on the route. Voila!”
Voted: Toughest traveler for carrying her own body weight in luggage.
Fact: Youngest Traveler at 23
4 compartment berth in AC II, roomy and very comfy!
Narain from India
Job: Retired Fabrics Developer
Why did you join this trip? “Because it was there, so I decided to go!”
Voted: Most talkative of the group!
Steven from London, England
Job: Self-Employed Business Owner
Why did you join this trip? “A love for India, plus I wanted to see how “first timers” dealt with India”
Voted: MVP (Most Valuable Player) because he did something for everybody at some point and could find the best places/stuff in any city.
Emily from North Carolina, USA
Job: Public Health
Why did you join this trip? “I’m doing this because I have a limited time to travel and it’s a good way to see a lot of the places in a short amount of time. I also just love riding Indian trains.”
Voted: Most adventurous with food in India as she wasn’t afraid of trying anything, including the water.
Stoytcho from Sofia, Bulgaria
Job: Entrepreneur
Why did you join this trip? “Its my first time to India, so I wanted to see it uncensored! Plus trying to raise money for charity work in Bulgaria.”
Voted: Most likely to call the Austrian embassy in the case of being kicked off a train.
At the train station in Mumbai for our first train
Lauren from Sydney, Australia
Job: Co-Founder of GlobeTrooper.com
Why did you join this trip? “Racing around India by train for two weeks non-stop? Now that’s a unique challenge I wasn’t willing to pass up and it soon became the most popular trip on GlobeTropper. India has also been at the top of my list ever since someone told me I’d hate it. I love proving people wrong!”
Voted: Most likely to crash a wedding (because she actually did once while on the trip so far)!
John from London, England
Job: Visual Effects Artist
Why did you join this trip? “I’m on this trip because Mark made me!”
Voted: Best Indian head wobble
Bella from Portsmouth, England
Job: Teacher
Why did you join this trip? “I love India! The chance to spend two weeks traveling around on trains, see new places and to meet new people, seemed too good to miss. Also it’s been a great way to raise money for an important cause to.”
Voted: Best dressed minus the one shoe (because she was the first person to lose a shoe when boarding a train), plus the biggest chai addict.
Mic from Cheshire, England
Job: Social Worker
Why did you join this trip? “Found India in 80’s and kept coming back. Guess I’ll never see it all but I will keep trying!”
Voted: Most independent traveler or Magic Man because when we would stop he was there, then he wasn’t, as he’d be off doing his own thing most times.
Fact: Oldest traveler of the group at 63.
Mark from Manchester, England
Job: Internet Mongol
Why did you join this trip? “To make John come.”
Voted: Least likely to organize the 2nd annual Great Circular Indian Railway Challenge.
Kothanda from Mumbai, India
Job: Retired
Why did you join this trip? “I am interested to see how foreigners see India and Indians on trains. Besides, I want to do something similar to my all India road-trip of a few years ago but this time on trains.
Voted: Mostly likely to sign-up for the 2nd annual Great Circular Indian Railway Challenge.
Jason from Fowey, England
Job: Owns a Construction Company
Why did you join this trip? “I’m on this train trip looking for love!”
Voted: Most mistaken for a Rock Star!
Andrew from Kendal, England
Job: Gardener
Why did you join this trip? “I’m on this trip because I’m a proper charitable bloke… and ever so slightly mad!”
Voted: Mr. Congeniality, because no matter what’s going on he’ll always ask “How are you doing?”
Tim from North Carolina, USA
Job: Photographer
Note: Tim got sick before I could get a chance to ask him this question. If he makes it back to the group I’ll update this spot with his response.
Voted: Mostly likely to carry a bottle of Immodium AD on his next train trip.
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