We woke up a bit later this morning and had our breakfast in the hotel. We had to pack up our bags for transfer to the train station later. With nothing planned for today, and a 3pm departure, we were in no hurry, so we just went out strolling. At Assi Ghat, we watched the yoga class for a bit, since two of our ladies were participating. I’ve circled them in the photo. What we saw was not what we thought of as normal yoga, in that many of the folks were sitting in chairs pretty much the whole time. I think a lot of it had to do with breathing and … enlightenment. After watching the yoga class, we strolled around a bit, then headed back to the hotel. Our bags would be brought down ... read more

Well, we both ended up getting about 4 or 5 hours of sleep. We woke when it was still dark and hardly anyone else on the train was up and about. Soon enough, everyone started to stir, except the two ladies staying near us. Apparently, at least one of them had taken some sleep aid! We watched from the bathroom area as people came and went, using the bathroom and brushing their teeth. One guy must have spent 30 minutes brushing his teeth, rinsing his mouth, and hacking. By this time it was light outside, so I could watch the countryside near Varanasi as it went by, sipping the chay I bought from a train vendor. When the train pulled into the station at Varanasi, we eventually got our gear together, having to deal with lots ... read more

Okay, I found the time after our tour of Delhi and before the overnight train to add the photos from Day 1 in Delhi.... read more

Well, we finally made it to Delhi, India. It may be exotic, but it is also a long ways away, even by plane. Everything went well, as far as connections. The first flight, from Pensacola to Houston took around two hours, in a rather small United jet with about 18 rows of 4-wide seats. Houston International is a pretty big airport, with lots of choices for food and such. Since it was lunch time when we arrived, and I’d already found out that the 4 or 5 hour flight to Newark didn’t serve an y meals, we decided to eat lunch in Houston, a t the Panda Express. We split a 3-entrée, 1-side “big plate” for about $9. We had Honey Walnut Shrimp, Mushroom Chicken and Broccoli Beef for the entrees and mixed vegetables for the ... read more

Thoughts on countries so far: Scotland - Cold, windy, beautifully! Drive on the wrong side. People are friendly. Galic is weird! Really like Irn Bru soda! Neil, our guide rocks! Germany - Warmer, but windy on the Rhine. Enchanting towns. Everyone rides bicycles. Inexpensive for a tourist area. Dogs are everywhere... even restaurants, stores, and train stations! Luxembourg - It may be the country with the highest income per capita in the world, but they don't keep their streets and public places very clean! Spend some money on public maintenance! Clothing... women's at least, is expensive! Lower Luxembourg City (Base?) is quite pretty. Brussels - Very diverse in people and buildings. A lot of historical places. European Capital, and buildings to show for it. Never seen so many Kebap or Doner meat restaurants. Waffles are grrrreat! ... read more