Journey to India

Everyone tells me India has changed. Someone who goes every year tells me that there isn't as much poverty on the streets as before. It's there, but not as much as before. Last time I went all kinds of consumer goods were in high demand, and it was hoped that we would come with many such luxuries... tampons, electronics, perfumes, makeup, etc. Now it's all available there. Everyone has a cell phone there apparently. Even rickshaw drivers. And why not? Still, I hear from others that in many ways nothing has changed. I am excited and anxious to go and find out how my India has changed. I spent the first seven years of my life there and I have memories, illusions perhaps, and a lot of sentimental attachment to this idea of India.

Traveling was always easy when it was just me - I was 27 last time I took a major trip. I did it alone. It was easy. Now I am 50, and I am taking my three boys and one of their friends. We will be gone for more than four months. I have so many details to take care of... connections to family, old friends, rough itinerary, where to stay, who and what to see, making sure the house runs well while we are gone, the plants, the bills, the pets... our health, budget & money, passports & visas... but the day is coming soon and I am very excited. Journeys like this change you forever. How will I change. What will my children think of India, the world, their place in it?

Here is a photo of a brilliant sunset from our backyard, overlooking Georgia Straight between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia.