It’s Thursday night on a Saturday before I leave for India, and finally leaving work today it really sunk in. I don’t work tomorrow, I’ve packed my laptop, my extra battery, my cell phone charging station, my USB-monitor… everything that makes my life easier here. I’m going to India, to train my peers and provide any mentoring or education possible, and to introduce myself again to a different country, different people, a different life.
This trip I’m going solo, and I’m disappointed that there wasn’t a way to make it work for both Jen and I, though nothing could have lined up properly and this is far from a vacation. I’ll be spending six weeks in a very swanky hotel in Bangalore, India, and traveling most days from the hotel to the office, and back. I went to Costa Rica the same way last year and didn’t see nearly as much as I should have. This time though, I’ve planned much better.
Mid-May, over the US Memorial Day holiday, I have a trip planned to see the Taj Mahal and surrounding areas. I’ve got a friend down there already (Hi Brian!) who is helping to set me up with some of the guys I work with and have some home visits, some nice authentic meals, and a few parties here and there where there is a promise of a drink or two. It’s going to be an amazing trip, I can’t wait to get started… I wish I was there already!
It’s an inordinate amount of time… six weeks. Luckily there are laundry facilities in the room (apartment, really) and most of the places I will be are very modern, and very Western. I’m not actually sure that last part is a good thing, but we’ll see how it all pans out. As with all my trips and business adventures, it will be an experience I won’t soon forget. I’m bringing a half-empty suitcase… just so I can bring a few things back with me as well. I’m sure I’ll find some treasures during my travels!
I was thinking today just how odd my life is, and the interesting experiences I’ve had through meeting the right people, having the right skills… and overall being extremely lucky. For two years in a row now, with Africa and India, I find myself sitting back and thinking “This is the craziest thing you’ve ever done”. Next year with Antarctica it will be more of the same I am sure… To have three years in a row where you do the craziest thing you’ve ever done, to have new experiences and extend your comfort zone ever further outward… I couldn’t be happier or feel any more lucky.
I live an amazing life everyday, and I love each and every minute of it.
More updates to come, more travels and pictures. This trip I’ll have my laptop and the ability to edit and share photographs, expect some great shots. May every trip be the best trip yet, and may I be lucky enough to keep having them. I have a lot of packing to do over the next 36 hours to be ready!
