Riding a train in India

Wow, I am so happy riding a train in India better than the bumpy bus for sure. I was so scared about getting on the train. I was afraid I was going to be disappointed, but actually I like it much better than taking the supposedly fancy Volvo bus. Yesterday, we took the train to Kannur(Cannanore), this region for centuries the capital of Kolathiri rajas. This region was very important and continues to be important for the trading of spices. The majority of the train passengers were men, I was wondering why? I could see the a few Muslim men wearing their white garments. There was the coffee and tea salesmen. Beautiful women wearing their beautiful colorful saris, staring at wondering where am I from? Some men dared to ask me very politely Where are you from madam? or Which country are you from? I wanted to respond immediately, but unfortunately, the clouds of dark heavy smoke from the train engine prevented me for responding immediately, and often times I couldn't understand their English, not being myself a native English speaker. Most men seen to be respectful on most occasions. Sometimes they make me very uncomfortable when they stare at me. Is it because I am wearing pants? hum, I am not sure.