"Delhi Belly" Strikes!

We have encountered countries along the way that seem to be lacking little fundamental items that we just take for granted...ice, laundromats, predictable hot water. But we have now added a true necessity to that list at a most in-opportune moment. Toilet paper. The Indian people simply do not have a need for it apparently. The hotels seem to keep the tiniest supply on hand for those westerners that just don't get the process, but getting our hands on a sufficient supply has been the quest of the week. If only I had planned for a giant care package to be waiting for us right about now.

Despite our "difficulties" we managed to go on a bus safari into the national park today. As it turns out this is the only way to enter the park. Our week of hiking has turned more into a week of walking through farmers' fields, but that has been enjoyable in its own way. We saw lots of animals on the safari...deer, antelope, a crocodile, monkeys by the dozen, but none of the famed tigers. When we got back there were people at our lodge who had been in a different vehicle who had grand tiger sightings to report, but I wonder if they got a break on their price if they agreed to return with tales of tigers so the rest of us would immediately sign up for another trip tomorrow? (sorry, cynicism creeping in)

Update...I actually wrote that first part of this post several days ago, but couldn't post it until just now. The connection here has been very unpredictable. I was pretty sick for a couple of days and Shawn and Baylie each had their own episodes, off and on. Today we finally all seem to feel back to normal. We leave Ranthambore tomorrow for Jaipur. Not sure how long we will be there, but we fly out from New Delhi on the 14th. Today we are going to walk up to the Ranthambore Fort, but I don't think we will be going for another "safari", guess the tigers got away this time.

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