August 30th, 7:45 PM – Agra, India

-No internet connection, no TV, no company.  Starting to feel like maybe traveling alone this year was a big mistake. Questioning my whole existence. I got ripped off by the cab driver on the way to the train station. He snuck in a 50 instead of a 500 bill for change. Long hot train ride to Agra. Staying in an overpriced dirty hotel, but at least the room has AC. Without any way to connect home it can get very lonely. I didn’t meet any travelers today. It was nice though to see the countryside of India on the train ride here. Maybe I am too old for this. Maybe I  missed the boat. I miss my family. I miss football. Tomorrow will be better. I just have no stinking idea what I’m doing. I have no experience traveling in India and no guidebook. I can’t even understand what people are saying depending on how strong their accent is. My poor hearing doesn’t help. South America I think I could handle better. I just have no idea what’s going on.

August 31st 1:15 PM – Agra

-It’s just so darn hot and it takes it out of you after a while. I went to the Taj Mahal this morning and am now at the Agra Fort. Even in the shade it’s just so warm. I’ve got a nice rickshaw driver for the day. Again, I am going on good faith that he’ll keep me safe. The roads are just crazy. Saw some kids playing pick-up cricket. That was a highlight. Tonight will be an uncomfortable one on the train. I have a spot in a sleeper car, which is basically what I had yesterday during the day, and not as nice as it sounds. Vey crowded compartments. $5 dollars for a thirteen hour ride. That was all that was available.

September 1st 11:30 AM -Somewhere between Agra and Varanasi

-The train is stopped, and has been for well over an hour. Maybe closer to two. We are due in Varanasi in 25 minutes but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. I slept well and for a long time after taking a milligram and a half of Ativan (which is going to be a problem at some point). It got hot in the train car around a half hour ago, but it actually felt somewhat cool before that….

Finally! A train has passed. Hopefully that means we’ll get rolling again here.

It seemed pretty hopeless last night trying to find a place to sleep on the train. Somebody finally took my ticket, looked up the information on their phone and said I was on the waiting list for a bed. But he and his friends made room for me. I was anxious because I was so near a ceiling fan and the noise bothered me, which is why I took that extra half pill….

Well we’re still not moving. Bummer!…

Last night was a long evening before getting on the train. Just so lonely. I finally briefly talked to two young Polish travelers. But I am  aware that I am older than they, and my options feel limited as to who I meet and connect with.

The Taj Mahal

I can’t tell you how many time strangers wanted to get pictures taken with me. I think they are confusing me with Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers.

The Taj Mahal seen through the barracks of Agra Fort, an ancient walled city (below)