India

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.

IMG_4409

IMG_4416

IMG_4405

IMG_4412

Hello from the Ranthambore National Park. We are having a good time at the Jungle View Lodge, but our internet is very limited right now. I hope to be able to post some pictures and an update soon!

Baylie and I really enjoyed spending time with the rescued animals today. We gladly would have done some hard labor, but they really just wanted us to help give the crippled dogs some attention so we spent some peaceful hours with some really great dogs. Tomorrow we leave for the Ranthambore National Park where the possibility of seeing tigers is apparently very high. Looking forward to a wonderful five days hiking (NOT in proximity to tigers!) and going on a little jeep safari. Only downside is the LONG car journey to get there (about 9 hours).

We have been in the city of Udaipur for two nights. There was a problem with our room reservation, so we don't know where we will be from night to night, it hasn't been very restful! Since we are still in the middle of the Diwali holiday, rooms and transportation are a bit of a problem for tourists who just bumbled into the middle of it and didn't realize the impact of so many Indian families all traveling at once!

The lakes in Udaipur are very pretty and peaceful looking, but the little streets still have that frantic traffic and feeling of chaos. Shawn described India as a "beautiful disaster". The hardest thing for me is that there are constantly piles of trash burning and the plastic (or something?) feels so toxic in my throat. Sinus and sore throat problems hit me for the first time on this trip this week.

Not sure where we are headed next, but we all would love to tour one of the national parks in this part of the country and try to get get a glimpse of a tiger! We will stay two more nights here though because Baylie found an animal shelter that takes care of the huge problem of street animals here that need medical attention. We spent some time talking to the founder today and Baylie is commited to going back and spending several hours tomorrow giving baths and helping to exercise some of the crippled dogs. The donkeys were my favorites so I may find myself doing a little shoveling or something in their area. Give it a look - www.AnimalAidUnlimited.com

We have a great rickshaw driver that attached himself to us yesterday. His name is Dream. He has made it his personal responsibility to show us ALL of Udaipur. Very nice guy, and the rickshaw ride doesn't even seem as terrifying anymore!

IMG_4362

IMG_4347

2011-10-28 09.02.37

IMG_4353

It is my wonderful grandmother's birthday today and we are all missing her. Thank you, Tootsie, for being one of our biggest supporters. If you hadn't been such a world traveler yourself I would never have thought to do this adventure. You are an amazing person and we wish you a Happy 80th!