March 11

Yesterday was not good… I officially had “Delhi Belly.” Just suffice it to say, 36 hrs of being close by a bathroom followed by a bed after each trip was necessary. That is all I need to say about March 10th!!

Today, I was puny but okay for go. We had a five fifty five train to catch! We are going to Ramnagar. We got up at 0430 and out by 0500, taking a tuk-tuk the little distance to the train station. We boarded and train left at 0604. So nine minutes late, not bad for Indian standards. A couple had came in opening the curtains just as we settled. They said, “We are # 13, 14. You must be mistaken.” Jeff said, “No we are A2 car – seats # 13, 15.” Then they realized they were in A1 car, apologized, and moved on. I was thinking yeah because they were loud. We had the compartment to ourselves for a couple of stops, but then our luck ran out. A family of four joined us. The couple was very nice and we conversed some – well mostly Jeff, as I was still needing to lie down most of the time. Their children were a girl of nine years and a very rambunctious five year old boy. The whole family is of the Jain religion, taking the train to go on a 14-16 km (9-10 miles) pilgrimage. Wow! The mom said they may be hiring a chair for the boy, but that the girl should be able to make it. Anyway, it was nice to interact with the kids some, and well, the whole family. They spoke English very well. I was able to eat a bread omlette, my first real meal and it was on board👍. Jeff also had some stuffed paratha. (I also later ate banana.) Where we got off (Moradabad), the family in our compartment, had two more joining them, so they will be filling the whole compartment section. (This town was her “maternal home.”)

Our train was supposed to arrive at 2:55 pm. Of course, it did not. Jeff had pre-arranged a taxi ride for us for 4 pm, thinking this would be enough time. HAHA!!!!!🤣😂 We arrived at the train station at 4:25 pm!! Jeff had been in touch with the taxi guy, so he was updated. Everyone in India is aware of the train delays and takes this in stride! Amazing! Anyway, we were in the taxi by 4:31 pm. I watched as long as I could (before the sun was gone)… for tigers! No such luck. This area is more forested. The roads are rough, as in Madagascar roads, but the traffic here is mostly their big, heavy, semi-type haulers. Also there were signs to watch for animal crossings with pictures of leopards, elephants, tigers, and some type of antelope!! I'm getting excited. We are going to be on an Indian Safari for three days starting Wednesday; and we will be in the Jim Corbett National Park. (Just will mention here, I don't know what our WIFI situation will be for the next few days, so our blogs may be delayed.)

Anyway, we arrived at our final destination of Dhikuli, after 90 km or 60 miles at 7:45 pm!! Checked into our Zostal Hostel. Had a light supper, and bed by ten.