Hell on Wheels

We didn't want to be late for our bus to Ramnegar as there is only one a day. We arrived at the station an hour and half early, which is much earlier than planned. As ourtimegot closer we got a bit edgy as no one seemed to have any information on our bus. At 9:00 am when the bus wasmea t to arrive we really panicked. Running to the office, which we didn't know was there, we found out we'd been given the wrong bus number. Even though it was ten after the bus was still sitting there. We jumped on and got ready for our 4 hour bus ride. As it turns out it was a 9 hour bus ride and we did not have enough food. We sat as, what we can only guess were pilgrims, marched on the side of theoad with decorated sticks. For 9 hours and 236 km we watched the people as we raced by. That's right 9 hours and the cities are closer than Edmonton and Calgary. On a city bus. In the heat. Without AC. It was a bit painful. By the end I was ready to jump off the bus while it was moving. We survived though and I busied myself by taking many pictures. In fact, I rather enjoyed the first 6 hours with all its sights. It was the last 3 that killed me. Being squished into a  seat and not being able to move, not to mention eat.

We arrived and hopped in the rickshaw that took my price and found our way at Corbett Motel, in the mango grove. What they don't mention is the grove is paved and gravelled. We ate a delicious meal only to find a steep tax of 12.5 % on our bill. Yikes! I was in bed at 8pm after a hot shower.

Then........

At 5:30 am I woke up, got ready and met the driver who took us for our elephant safari! It was so neat being on top of an elephant in the jungle (forest) when it woke up. Our 20 year old elephant name Ronnie was a sweetheart and a bit of a rebel. We saw peacocks, spottedeer, bucks, and another elephant safari but sadly no tigers. I was a little disappointed with our trek but it was a great experience! The elephant was much more fascinating than the animals we came across....though I did get excited about those too!Thanks Amber for the gift! My plan is to go see some tigers for you in Thailand!

Tonight we take te trai to Delhi and then Agra in the morning!

Just an afterthought. Last night we went to a great restaurant where we'd had lunch....it was like we were on safari all over again. As I finished my Dal and Rice I looked over and saw a chipmunk....aw how cute! Oh wait, nope that's a huge rat climbing the curtains in their attached party room! The jungle tour never ends here!