Visa Visa

So it the morning, and I am listening to the sweet sounds of Krishna Das before I have to leave and pick the kiddies up from school. What a great way to start my day, versus sleeping till 9 and rushing which I have been doing over the past few days.   So reflecting on yesterday, I think it was an emotional day for many reasons.

1.  I applied for my Indian visa.  This signifies that I am about to embark on my journey.  I waited so long to apply because I want to be able to maximize the amount of time that I am allowed to stay in India.  The visa starts whenever it is approved, not from the date of entry.  My visa is for 6 months (unless I apply to extend it for 5 years while I am there).  I truly would love to pick up and  live in India for 5 years and say goodbye to the western world and turn in my designer duds for a more spiritual and balanced life. Who knows, maybe I will.  

2.  I realized I will be seeing my friend Liz on Friday.  As happy as I am to see her, I am really sad to say goodbye to her.  Liz is one of my best friends and I love her.  She has truly been a major impact in my life.  She has always been there for me no matter what.  She is always there to lend a ear and listen to me rant and rave about boys (and then make fun of me about it).   She is also a person who I can talk to about the more personal, emotional, ordeals of my life.  She has this cool, funky, upbeat personality that can make anyone smile when being with her.  I think it will be more difficult to say goodbye to her than my parents.  She at times has been more of a family to me than a friend these days and I thank her for that.

3.   I ordered my backpack with the help of my dad from Eastern Mountain Sports.  I did the research, he did the talking when we bought it.  It will be interesting traveling with a backpack that only fits 65 ounces vs. my huge ass suitcase.  I will only be packing essentials!  It is a little nerve racking though because I will be leaving a lot of cherished items behind.  I did received an email from a friend that previously visited India  telling me to pack light because you are going to want to buy clothes there to blend in.  That comforts and excites me!  I haven’t bought new clothes in a while and so now will probably buy some new clothes in India.