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Our last morning (for now) in Mumbai was a relatively laid back affair, as we had the train to catch just after lunch. We had a leisurely breakfast and then wandered down to the harbour, before Dan returned to the room, and explored the wonders of the local fruit market. We checked out of the room at 12, and headed to the station inplenty of time to get the train.
At least, we thought we had.
You see we asked to go to Mumbai Central, thinking this is where we were meant to catch the train, at 13:50. Mumbai roads are as busy as you would expect, clogged up with black cabs and heavy duty delivery vehicles, so by the time we got there it was about 13:20. Ordianarily, no problem. We paod the driver and he left us to continue alone. Fair enough.
Our now usual practice in the station, was to check the train number, and the platform ot was leaving from. This time, however, our train was not listed on the board. We were a bit bemused. A local driver, obviously noticing our obvious confused faces, offered his assistance, and was quick to tell us that we were at the wrong station.
We didn't want Mumbai Central, we wanted Mumbai CST.
12km away.
On Mumbai roads, around 25 minutes, on a good day.
We had 20.
F***.
The driver yelled at us to follow him, and he ran off at apace. We had all our bags with us, but managed to just about keep up with him. (I knew flip flops would have been a bad idea. Sandals rule!) He threw our luggage in the cab, and assured us he would get us there in time. By this point a crowd of other Indian drivers had gathered round, and when our cabbie had explained the problem, one of them laughed at us, and said we would never make it. This just lit the fire under our mans little Indian behind, and he sped off, I hope leaving a trail of fire and smoke behind him.
Now, I'm not sure whether you are familiar with the game of 'Crazy Taxi' on the computer, but I will briefly explain: the aim of it it is to pick up passengers and transport them to their destination in the time frame, by any means possible. So, with disregard for other drivers, squeezing through the tightest spots, and norrowly avoiding pedastrians, you go on your way. And this is exactly what he did, attempting to turn a 25 minute journey, into a 15 minute journey.
But did it work? Did we make it on time for our train?
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