I'm really going. I bought my ticket this week for my trip to India. My girlfriend has already been there a week. She said it is like nothing she has ever experienced and it has been a bit of an adjustment. I'm excited to go. I also went and got all my vaccinations. I didn't have any side effects which is good. I had to make sure everything was the "dead" virus, so I had to get the Typhoid shot instead of taking the pill. I still need to get my malaria prescription and also a presciption for any potential intestinal issues. I was hoping to drive to Houston to pick up my visa, but I don't think it will work out logistically for me to go. I'll just Fedex my application and passport down this week. I think it takes about 5 business days.
I'm still fairly nervous, but.. I'm excited. I also booked my Paris hotel. Michelle asked "the King of Paris" to give me a hotel recommendation, so I booked the Hotel Renoir. I'll be staying in the Monteparnasse section of the city. I think I'm going to fill my days with museums and wandering the city. I wish Adam could go with me, but I'm excited for my own little adventure. A bit nervous about the language barrier.
I've been thinking about Jordan's post quite a bit lately.. about self trust. I think a trip like this is in line with learning about oneself and self trust. Although I would love for Adam to be there and to experience India with him, I think a lot can be said about doing it on my own. Sure Marcelle will be there, but I feel like I will be learning a lot more about myself. I know I stay within my own comfort zone far too much, so I'm hoping this will open me up a bit. I know I'll miss Adam and Lulu terribly, but I am proud of myself for taking such a huge leap of faith.
19 comments:
Thats totally awesome!! How exciting. I will admit, I probably wouldn't be as brave as you. But maybe someday :)
Is your sister not going with you anymore?
When do you leave?
I am so proud of you! It is a huge leap of faith. Take a journal, I think you will fill it up. I think this is totally self trust in the making Lara. You are a big, big inspiration to me! Take a journal for LuLu and write letters to her too, about traveling alone as a mom, about solitude, about India, Paris. If you have time, you should read "A Fine Balance" before you go.
I leave October 5-15. My sister can't go, because they just built a house and didn't have the extra cash.
I am going to take a journal, but I love the idea of taking one for Lulu. Thanks for the book suggestion. It is actually 24 hours of flight time, so I will have lots of time for reading.
You are so adventurous and brave, which is pretty much the opposite of me. It's a romantic notion to travel alone and experience everything, but I know I'm not doing it any time soon.
I'm excited for you to go though and look forward to your awesome pictures, stories, experiences, and all that comes with such a trip.
Did the vaccinations wig you out at all? That would have been a deal breaker for me.
No- I've been a bit under the weather, but I think it is more from a cold that has been circulating. Lulu and I are actually staying home from church today because of it.
The vaccinations just hurt when she stuck me, but other than that.. it was remarkably easy. I should have gotten a Hep B vaccination ages ago, because of Adam's job. Note to the other medical girls- you should get your Hep B vaccination.. the ID doc I work for about throttled me when I told him I wasn't vaccinated.
Another thing you could do before you go. I have seen this numerous times and thought it was a great idea. Put together a little mini scrapbook album that is already made up for the trip. So while you are there and taking pictures, getting receipts and stuff, you can add what you can than, journal in it, than when you get home you know what pictures to put in. Allie Edwards has done this, (I think just recently in a ck article). I am nervous for you, but hope you have a great time.
I am amazed!!!! I felt adventurous going to Paris with 3 other people. I got major mad-handled fondled right off the metro, so PLEASE be careful! Also, David did the whole Nepal, India, Romania trip with a buddy- he could give you any pointers if you want- He did lose 20+ pounds during the trip and came back quite green- so if you happen to be wanting to shed a few pounds or change your facial skin color- this may be the trip for you!!! (I don't want to frighten you- David did it to himself by eating a lettuce salad- that's how he got really sick). I think it would be incredibly freeing to travel alone and go, do, and see what you want-when you want. Be careful and have a wonderful trip. Can't wait to hear all about it!.
Mindy- I can't believe you got man handled off the metro. I've only had that issue in Rome, but Adam was there so it wasn't as bad.
Thanks for the heads up with India. If David has any tips I would love to have them. I knew about the no eating veggies unless you can peel them. Silly David. One of my doctors is going to write me a script for Cipro.. just in case.
Lara, Lara, Lara, oh to be a stowaway in your luggage. I went to Ireland (which only has the letter "I" in common with India and doesn't compare at all) on my own after my first year of college. I lived in a house full of other students in Cork and remember one particular day when I was lying on my bed and thinking, "if I disappeared, no one would care or mind". These thoughts, luckily turned me more towards that self trust--a sort of making your place in the world that no one can take from you, becoming real, believing that your contribution counts. Does that make sense. Anyhow, what I'm saying is I think the kind of travel you are about to experience, for which I am ferociously jealous, is definitely "in line" with this concept. Do take care, think on your toes and come home with details to spare on your blog! Oh, and Paris! do I have stories of Paris...another day, another blog, I guess.
Oh boy, Lara! What an adventure! Like Jordan, I want to be a stowaway in your luggage. Would that be o.k. if I just came along?
I must admit, the Paris part of your trip sounds like the best part to me (have always wanted to go there), but India will be amazing, I'm sure. I echo everything that's already been said, and send you all my best wished for a wonderful journey. I hope it's everything you are dreaming it will be.
Happy trails!
I am so excited for you. What an adventure! Be sure to take plenty of photos. I did see the album that Ali Edwards took with her on a trip, it was a cool idea. Why do you need a visa? We just realized that we have to get all our kids new passports, and mine is expired as well...
Michelle- yikes- get the passports renewed now while you have the time, otherwise it will cost a fortune. Where can I find this Ali Edwards photo album?
Talk about a leap of faith! How wonderful for you! You will have an amazing time. I have no doubt you will learn a great deal about yourself. I get nervous just thinking about it. Can't wait for the slide show!
libferg
sorry about above! So sad I can't go with you. But knowing you, you'll manage without me. Can't wait to see the pics.
L
Wow, good for you. I'm so excited for your adventure and what a great opportunity to get to know your self even better and to really appreciate who you are. Have a blast.
Lara that is one of the many things I have admired about you. I hate going to the mall by myself let alone India. I remember thinking how weird it was when you would go to the movies alone and then I realized that you were that independent. I think that is something I never was able to grasp. I am very excited for you and I wish I could go. I have always dreamed of going to New York and Paris... New York has a check mark but Paris i am afraid possibly never will. Think of me and if you find anything that you think a certian someone might like then pick it up. I wear a size 9 1\2 shoe and large in shirts and 8 long in pants. hint hint... Joking really! Have fun and be safe. Love you!
Oh my!!!! how wonderful! I was beginning to think you had gone already! WOW WOW WOW, that is soooo cool when are we leaving????? What an adventure! India! Fabulous! Paris Magnificent! you will be okay missy! You grow so much from experiences like this...it does force you to go out of your confort zone but those times are the best because you validate your sense of BEING...there is nothing like travel and what it does for your soul so tremendously excited for you! Can't wait to hear all about it. ps..just saw Vanity Fair, I loved that movie! and ohhhh INDIA it is mystic!
Coming out this way is definitely a personal journey of many sorts -- almost a test of one's ability to exist outside of your comfort zone, yes, but also an exercising of one's spirit and mind to explore and to grow. In my opinion, it helps us recognize that we might be taking "it" for granted. See you soon!
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