The Arrival

Around 3:30am local time on Saturday February 6th, I stepped foot on Indian soil for the first time. Disembarking from my plane, I arrived at the very modern and nary 1year old Hyderabad Airport. I emerged from Customs, which was an even bigger joke than at most other airports, and exited the airport to find myself walking toward the curb in between throngs of Indians held back by shiny new railings. I felt as though I was walking out on a red carpet and everyone in sight was there to greet me. I held back on the urge to smile and wave one of those beauty pageant waves. Chuckling to myself, I looked around and found my driver, holding up a sign with my name. At least one face in the crowd was there for me. ;)

Let the Adventure Begin!

Things I can do when traveling alone

I embarked on an unusual journey this evening. It's not just my destination that was unusual, but my travel partners, or more specifically, my lack of travel partners. For the first time I can remember since 2001, I am traveling internationally...alone. No husband, no kids, just me. My ride to the airport was quiet, the airport is eerily quiet, or at least my area of B terminal here at Dulles. As I was sitting here quietly, my brain began to think about all of those things I can do today that are normally difficult or impossible with my 2 tiny travel mates.

I can:
1. use a non-handicapped toilet
2. sit in a chair and close my eyes and rest
3. type this blog
4. go an extended period of time without speaking (which is nice on my sore throat)
5. hear the music they're playing over the airport speakers
6. consider getting a massage at the "Massage Bar"
7. call friends just to chat
8. read
9. peruse the magazine stands (why do magazines seem so much more interesting at the airport??)
10. buy candy and eat it all myself
11. not have my hands full
12. sit in an exit row

Now, this isn't to say that I don't miss my girls. In fact seeing Sammy's little tear rolling down her cheek as she said "Bye Mommy" nearly broke my heart. But traveling with them, especially when I'm the only adult, isn't that much fun.

Well, I'm off to peruse the magazine stands and find something for dinner.

Things I never knew existed

Researching for our trip to India has been an education in itself. I have found a good India travel forum online and it consists of posts and articles from expats, natives, casual travelers and backpackers.

My most fervent research has been about what I, as a foreign white woman, should wear while in India. Shorts? Nope. Sleeveless tops? No way. Snug fitting tops? Nope. A Bikini at the beach? No, unless in Goa. Since others have encountered the same limits, they have kindly posted alternatives such as the (no joke) Burquini. Which is basically a burqua that one can swim in. I think I'll pass on this one...

http://www.ahiida.com/index.php?a=subcats&cat=20

It has been highly recommended that western women try wearing a salwar kameez while in India. It is a long, loose, tunic type shirt (the kameez), worn with pants (salwar) and a scarf called a dupatta. They are said to be extremely comfortable and very cool in hot weather. This seems like something I'd be willing to wear:
http://www.cbazaar.com/salwar-kameez/casual-style/c-sb.html#prdtype_fq!salwar kameez|prdtype_fq!Salwar Kameez|&pno:1&sb:-1dintid=22649
Prices in India range from inexpensive to reasonable and it's also not expensive to have a salwar kameez custom made. Tempting, tempting...

From the backpackers, one item someone mentioned not wanting to go to India without was the shewee. http://www.shewee.com/ I don't think I'll be shelling out the money for that one...yet.

There are only a few weeks until I step foot on Indian soil for the first time. I imagine that's when my panic will really begin.

Use up, not stock up

I guess reality is starting to set in. We have applied for our Indian visas, and we are planning a 'look and see' trip in a few weeks. I guess we're actually going to go to India. The reality is taking up residence in my brain and making me plan ahead, which is a good thing. I was shopping at Sam's Club a while ago and had to restrain myself from stocking up on things. The little voice in my head said "No Meigan, we don't need: 4 more jars of peanut butter, 6 more jars of pasta sauce, 4 huge boxes of edamame.... You've got some at home right now...Use that up first!!!" I think I actually spoke outloud "Yeah, you're right".

So now the mentality is: "Use it up!" Exploring the depths of my cupboards & freezer is becoming a workout for my imagination. Canned pumpkin became cream of pumpkin soup. Cranberries?...hmm I might just have to eat those right out of the can. The real problem is what to do with those things I bought that only I will eat. I have 3 cans of canneloni beans and no ideas. So much for stocking up on things. If only everything you bought came with a recipe. Maybe we'll have to host a 'going away pot-luck' where I supply all of the food.

Note to self....

Next time you're going to shake up a bottle of something (e.g. medicine) make sure the cap is on tight first. I looked like an extra during the prom scene of "Carrie" tonight, and so did my kitchen.

:(

Less is More in 2009

A new year needs a new motto. Rather than coming up with a resolution that is sure to be forgotten in a few weeks, I've decided on a motto: "Be Content with Less". With wallets tightening, and our impending stay in a 3rd world country, where extreme poverty is unsurprising and common, these seem like wise words for us to live by.

Life Lessons at the Fish Counter

Last Friday morning, I went to Giant (grocery store) to pick up Cory's birthday cake. Taking advantage of the better store than the one closest to home, I stopped at the fish counter to get some fish. There was one man working and instead of coming right up to me (the only customer), he continued texting on his phone. Even after making eye contact with me, he continued. I can only imagine what my expression was. Finally he came to see what I needed but not before telling me how he texts 'good morning' to his children every single day. He went on to say that he "doesn't take life for granted any more", so he makes the time to at least say good morning to his kids. At that point, I granted him forgiveness for texting instead of taking care of me.

Catfish: $5.99/lb on sale
Life Lessons at the fish counter: priceless

:)