What does NRI mean?

And I mean no disrespect to Indians etc, and I expect nothing in the way I'm back visiting my 'home country' and I have returned. I've worked with Indians (In India) on a daily basis for the past 8 years in my industry and occupation, and well aware of their capabilities and skillset.

I am excited to see this change in India which I've been told about, however, all I have to base my current trip is on what my uncles and aunties here are telling me who were born and raised in India but been in Canada for years now. All saying I need to be safe, be careful, hide money here, here and here, don't stare at people, don't trust people etc. I'm sure it was different time then, but, this is all I can base it on. As well as sites I've read saying be weary of cab drivers, strangers, things that seem too good to be true etc. And, been warned many times about travel at night (Which I am).

My comments regarding traveling around Europe and North America was primarily that I've done it before, and felt more comfortable traveling there with less hesitance, while, always, still aware and conscientious of my safety and any dangers. I think it seemed safer or easier to know I'm surrounded by more tourists besides only locals. Strength in numbers perhaps?

Also, I didn't mention before, my Panjabi is not very strong, I can get by, and can understand for the most part, but not going to lie, I am a bit scared of my communication skills and think that anyone, someone could see this as a vulnerability and abuse it. And my lack of knowledge of your laws, and procedures. Be it a Gov't official, someone of authority, a vendor or any other person in a service role.

Now, back to the site, i'm sorry, that original site is poorly designed with what appears to be antiquated functionality and is not in the league of other countries rail sites I have used in the past in my travels. it seems to get any information on that original site was almost cryptic in how you needed to provide it information to get information and ambiguous titles and headings.

That being said, I have tried the site you linked me to. Unfortunately I cannot register as it requires a valid Indian mobile number (does EVERYONE have a mobile number there?) to receive an activation code. I've followed up with some blogs and forums which all tell me I can scan my passport and send an image to an email to be verified and sent a code. Again, doesn't seem very secure to be sending a copy of my most valid and authentic piece of identification to some publicly posted email address. Thankfully I am not that paranoid. However, they do allow you to enter a non Indian address, select your nationality as any other country, BUT cannot put in a globally accepted format of postal codes in many countries which include both letters and numbers.

The other issue with that site that, again, based on things I've read in my research is that I cannot pay for my ticket, since my credit card is not of Indian origin (ie, they do not accept credit cards MC/VISA/AMEX issues in other countries).

I heard I might be able to get away with it using my AMEX, but first I'll need to send in a scan of my passport in the morning and see if they will send me my activation code by email.

I just can't understand how a tourist or visitor is supposed to book tickets prior to their trip with any sort of ease. I had to go onto reddit and read 4 other blogs to figure thsi much out from people as helpful as yourself.

Does something there in the above paragraphs seem odd?

Lastly, you've been very helpful, and I appreciate your assistance. And I hope your 'passive aggressive' comment was not pertaining to your own feelings from reading my posts, because I truly did not mean any disrespect.