This week there are a few Americans and British at the office for various meetings. I saw more white skin in one day than I had in the last 3 months at the office. Most of the people come out here a couple times a year for 3-4 days at a time. In and out. They still all have their own personal adventure stories for that short time frame. My old man story still sits alone at the top though.

Last night I decided to finally try an Indian Fast food restaurant. The prices were inexpensive and the food tasted good. I had a Big Daddy Mutton Burger, a large fry and a large coke for $3.50. That was by far the most expensive combo on the menu. Most of the combos included a vegetarian sandwich and a coke for less than $1. They also served ice cream and I test my luck with a Sunday. It was great and no side effects yet.

I also complained to a couple people at the office about the cab driver taking me to the rug store without my knowledge. They all said it was no big deal and he must have misunderstood me. That did not sit well with me either.

I have my train tickets for the weekend adventure. Unfortunately I am on a different train than the majority of the tour group. The first train sold out. I have to find my way in a different train station. It leaves at 6 am on Saturday. I will be leaving my apartment at 4:30am to get there in time. The trip consists of 3 rafting trips on the Ganges and sleeping in tents on the beach. I hope my bug spray will protect me. I am also keeping up with my malaria prescription just in case. What scares me the most is the water comes from a spring then they add iodine to it. I will be bringing a few liters of bottled water just in case.

I received some info on the trip. The toilet description is the most interesting. “There is a hole in the ground with a western style wooden “thunder box” placed over the hole. No squatting required. The back of this “thunder box” is open so that it is easy to scoop in sand from the back for covering up. A scoop is provided for this purpose.” As a bonus toilet paper is also provided.

On the way home it took 30 minutes to go 3 car lengths. Traffic is ridiculous. We were trying to make a right hand turn and the incoming traffic was intermingled with the traffic turning. It could not get unlocked.