February 5

Yesterday, we awoke again after a great night's sleep, up and about, out by 10. We caught taxi to a mall, (Yes we are going shopping.) We were looking for new shoes and a hat. The store in this mall was a sporting goods store. We actually struck out on what we were after, but we found a pair of pants and a couple of good light shirts for both of us. After we finished there we went to a Pizza Hut for brunch. So good! It had chicken sausage, chicken pepperoni, black olives, and jalapeños. The crust was just right, (the best part). We also had breadsticks. I told the kids who work there that Pizza Hut started where we are from – I used Google translate for this. They were surprised. Then I was surprised, one employee knew the year Pizza Hut started!!

We finished and took a bus back to our hotel, taking a small siesta, then back out at three pm.  We went to museum but it was closed and we could have gone to the zoo right next to the museum, but there was a long ticket entry line and the zoo is not rated well. So… we opted to not do the zoo either. Right in this area was a flower/botanical exhibit/display. It was free so we went through it. There were flower arrangements, figures of animals made of flowers, Bonsai plants, and all manner of potted flowers/plants.  I think some of the show was for plants that have been ranked, some had first place prizes anyway. I also think some (if not all) of the plants were for sale. People were leaving with some plants. I had questions?? 

Finished we were heading back to our place, but we stopped at Persian Darbar Restaurant, and ordered carryout. It was not far to our hotel, so I went back while Jeff bought some wine and brought “home” the food. We had Mutton Roast Lamb Chili and Chicken Dil Khush Kebab. Both were fantastic, and the wine was okay with it.

Then later I talked with my mom and we zoomed our church back home. Bed by 11 pm.

Today we decided to try the buffet breakfast at the hotel. It was pretty good, but expensive for Indian standard breakfasts. The only thing that stood out was a musk melon, similar to a cantalope, but “musky”; and a butterscotch shake. We finished and went back to our room and packed. I had been able to talk with my sister before breakfast, but we were unable to talk with Jeff's sister- will catch up next week. So we finished packing and went down to check out.

We had a little trouble checking out and trouble getting an Ola. We ended up canceling the Ola driver and took a taxi to the train station. We were cutting our boarding time a little too close. We arrived and on the train by noon. It  pulled out at 12:13, 3 minutes late. It was thankfully an uneventful train ride. We were in an AC chair compartment, and actually we got a little too cold – had to get out our jackets along with others. The train route is only six hours. We ate a light lunch – our nuts, raisins, and cranberries. Only a couple of tunnels and we did see more corn fields and grape vineyards – we are passing through the heart of India's wine country. We arrived at Aurangabad, 6:31 pm, six minutes late. Jeff booked us a tour for next couple of day ventures. The tour guy arranged a driver meet us and take us to Zostel Hostel!! That was cool! As we were leaving the train station – WOW – we were glad he offered. It was a zoo! Craziest mass of swarming people, then swarming taxi/tuk-tuk drivers vying for your fare, and THEN the chaos of those cars, taxis, tuk-tuks, and scooters/motorbikes all leaving!! It seemed worse than any train experiences we have had, Jef thought this was because we were at the back of the train, 20+ cars.

Anyway, we got to our place, and checked-in. We have a private room in the Hostel, we are past staying in the dorm style rooms. There is a restaurant, TIF – Twist in Flavors. It is vegetarian, but we are in a mostly vegetarian part of India. We had Alfredo Pasta and Veggies, and a Mushroom Cheese Wrap. Both were great. We each had a lime water- me sweet, Jeff salty. Finished and returned to our room. I blogged and Jeff read up on our sight-seeing tour tomorrow, which begins early. So I wrapped this up early.  …Til tomorrow!