In the middle of the mountains, by the river, we stopped at a restaurant.

And I ordered Chana Masala … with Basmati rice!!

You can see the houses actually tethered to the trees!

I had just enough time to fish out the phone and get a shot as the train chugged along. Apparently, this lady – an ex employee of the train company – dons up the Yeti suit to entertain the passing train passengers. We had seen her waving at us from the middle of the road on our way to the NOC too!

The Great Smoky Mountains Train Ride!!

Sharmila and I did this the second time and this time our experience was even better than the first time. Our conductor cum bartender cum comedian in the MacNeil compartment was a hoot and a half!!