T-9hrs

Well, my friends, this is it. According to the clock on my computer, it's exactly nine hours from my scheduled departure time from O'Hare Airport in Chicago.

No, I'm not done packing yet.

Mostly, but not quite. I've got a load of laundry going, I'm filling up my iPod with 4 months worth of music (including the obligatory Sweet Home Chicago), and I'm double-checking that I've got all the essentials for what feels like the millionth time. Passport? Check. Visa? Check. ID? Check. Delicious snacks? Check. Gameboy, charged, with Harvest Moon and Phantasy Star Collection? Check and double check. Half a dozen books (all given to me by you, my friends)? Check x6. I feel like I ought to be able to finish at least three of them by the end of my 15-hour flight from Newark to Delhi.

Also tonight, I counted the cash I've received from friends and family in the last couple of weeks and am looking at my fundraiser page and am pretty much floored at how generous you all have been to me.... I am truly and deeply touched by your philanthropy, and I sincerely hope that my trip lives up to all our expectations!

Much love to you all! <3

The final stretch

We're down to the last few days before I go!

Monday I got my visa applied for and was assured it would be ready by Friday afternoon (nothing like cutting it close to add some spice to the experience), and both my arms are still sore from my immunizations. Normally I'm not a big fan of vaccinations, but seeing as I'm not sure what to expect on the other side of the world, I think I'll play it safe this time.

Packing is underway and I'm making more lists to minimize the chances of forgetting something important. It sounds like the plan now is to spend a day in Delhi before taking the 12-or-so-hour bus up to Dharamsala, which means I'll be arriving a few hours before the opening ceremony on the first day (August 1) of my charity work. I hope I end up with a reliable internet connection so I can keep you all posted!

There's no turning back now

My flights have been booked! I'm officially leaving on Sunday, July 28 from O'Hare, spending a nice long layover with my dear friend Brandi in Newark before the long leg of the trip (Newark to New Delhi), and returning December 6. Jet lag oughtta be fun.

Preparation begins!

I've been making lists. Lots of lists, full of things that need to happen in the next two weeks.

Recently Dad and I went about obtaining a few travel/survival essentials like a nice new backpack, an electricity converter, and some parachute cord. I'm thinking I'll pack a big suitcase and use the backpack as my carry-on, plus when I get to the Himalayas (because that's where I'm going, you know) I can go hiking if I so desire. Sweet.

Immunizations have been scheduled, as has my visa application interview. One involves going to Morris, the other to Chicago... so next Monday should prove to be all kinds of adventurous.

I've emailed a friend of a friend who lives in India hoping to get some inside info as far as what to expect. Another friend has asked coworkers from India and apparently they say there's no particular reason to be concerned for my safety on my trip. This makes me happy.

My biggest concern right now is getting TO Dharamsala. I figure once I'm there, it's just like being in any other new city: you find where you're staying, you unpack a little, you roam around and familiarize yourself with your surroundings, and then you pass the hell out and try to sleep off some of the jet lag. Maybe not exactly in that order. Luckily, someone from the charity I'll be working with is going to meet me at the airport and we'll travel the rest of the way to Dharamsala together.

In the meantime, preparations for Summerfest, which is rapidly approaching, continue! This Friday at 9pm, at Braidwood city park. It'll be my last big public performance before my trip, so it's an even bigger deal for me than it usually is. Come out and watch -- I promise it'll be a great show!

Any suggestions of things I should take with me?