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?