DUCKS & GEESE & CHICKS BETTER SCURRY . . .

Started the day with a ride in an ox-driven cart through some villages. It's another festival day (there are many, MANY festival days) so there is much preparation of rice treats, special breads, etc. and many looks from the locals that say "when are the tourists going to quit gawking at us and leave already so that we can get back to work?"

Next is elephant washing for those so inclined. It seems to consist of the elephant spraying you with trunkfuls of water vs. you actually scrubbing the elephant. We load on the truck at Noon for long drive to Indian border, which we plan to cross around 5AM tomorrow. We'll stay on the Nepali side tonight, in a hotel of sorts which even the leaders say is a "shit hole."

The Rhino Lodge at Chitwan has been awesome - I like it much better than the more upscale lodge we stayed at with World Expeditions. Pretty peaceful gardens filled with birds, geckos and the ubiquitous mange-ridden dog. Gorgeous sunset drinks at the beach with the Himalayans looming in the distance. We went on another elephant ride yesterday afternoon and were rewarded with a lengthy, AWESOME rhino sighting. Lots of great pix, which hopefully I may be able to start posting some of soon.

The group is great - no complaints there. Much different vibe than World Expeditions and much later nights. I am in charge of the Safety Deposit Box, which is pretty easy as far as truck chores go. We supposedly switch seats every major drive so that everyone gets to experience all the good vs. not-so-good seats. We'll see how that goes. Some people supposedly get carsick so they "have" to sit in front, some people ARE sick and so MUST sit in front, some people can't face backwards, etc. No concessions made for bruised tailbones, so I'll take whatever:-)