Well I figured I should post once more based on the attacks on Mumbai the past few days. My heart and thoughts are definitely with those in Mumbai right now, I am very thankful to hear that the violence is finally coming to an end.
I have been monitoring closely the news, the Canadian Travel Advisories for India, and have been in touch with travellers currently in India. I've also been asking for the honest opinion of friends from India and was able to reach my hotel in Mumbai which has been unaffected by the events. After a lot of consideration (and a little stubbornness) I've decided to go ahead with my plans to travel. I am not due in Mumbai until January 15 so that plays a role too, there will be plenty of time to decide whether to go or not. In all honesty the advisories for Mumbai are BETTER than other parts of India (Kashmir etc), this being updated from the events of the week.
Apparently there was a cricket tournament in Mumbai that was cancelled due to the week's tragic events. I can understand that - the authorities need to figure out what's going on, who is behind it, and what they can do to increase security. I hope by January 18, the date of the marathon, that they will have it sorted out and very tight security. They are expecting 20,000 runners that weekend, many of these runners being internationals, so if things are not under control by then, the weekend could be cancelled. That would send a pretty clear message to terrorists: "We don't have the capability to predict your next move and therefore give into you" That's a message that I do not support and will not be supporting in my choice to continue to travel there. As soon as travellers decide not to go to India, the terrorists have won.
Obviously I will be very cautious and alert while travelling, especially with these events. But usually when something like this happens, security measures are heightened everywhere. So it may be an even SAFER time to visit India.
I've been lucky enough to have 2 friends originally from India that have passed on the contact info of their friends and relatives currently in India. So if need be, I have people to call on should I need any help. I am extremely grateful for this and feel much more comfortable travelling so far away from Canada.
Anyways, I have a few things left to throw in my pack so I better get on it. Thanks to all for their thoughts and concern.
Next post...from INDIA!!! :)
Erin
Friday, November 28, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
The Countdown Begins!
Let's just start off by saying I am no techno wizard. I've never done this blogging thing before but thought I'd give it a shot.
So why India? Why Nepal?
On previous vacations I always asked backpackers their most favourite travel destination - India kept coming up again and again, along with mention of the beauty of the Himalayas. I heard that India is every sense magnified about 100x: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch?...complete sensory overload. And one other small (but nevertheless very important) reason: Indian food!! Mmmmmmmmmm! Curries, butter chicken, tikka masala, and Indian sweets!! And I get to experience it all right at the source!!
My goals during the 6 week period:
- trek to Everest Base Camp (South) at an altitude of about 5400 m (18,000 feet)
- witness the beauty and wonder of the Taj Mahal
- learn to meditate, further my yoga practise, develop a better sense of inner peace
- increase my culinary talents (or lack thereof), at least take a cooking class on how to make a mean butter chicken
- be an extra on a Bollywood film (I'd make a good token blonde)
- run a marathon (Standard Chartered Mumbai) on 2009 January 18, one of the largest marathons in Asia
- experience if and how Nepalese people celebrate Christmas
- learn a little of how the people of India and Nepal live: their customs, traditions, and outlook on life
It's an agressive itinerary, but I hope to do as many of these things as possible. India seems to be in a rapid state of change so I want to get there before it changes beyond recognition.
Not sure how often I will be able to get on the net, but I will update whenever I can. Everest Base Camp Trek may be difficult (Dec 7-21) and if I decide to trek part of the Annapurna Circuit afterwards I may be MIA for longer.
Cheers
Erin
So why India? Why Nepal?
On previous vacations I always asked backpackers their most favourite travel destination - India kept coming up again and again, along with mention of the beauty of the Himalayas. I heard that India is every sense magnified about 100x: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch?...complete sensory overload. And one other small (but nevertheless very important) reason: Indian food!! Mmmmmmmmmm! Curries, butter chicken, tikka masala, and Indian sweets!! And I get to experience it all right at the source!!
My goals during the 6 week period:
- trek to Everest Base Camp (South) at an altitude of about 5400 m (18,000 feet)
- witness the beauty and wonder of the Taj Mahal
- learn to meditate, further my yoga practise, develop a better sense of inner peace
- increase my culinary talents (or lack thereof), at least take a cooking class on how to make a mean butter chicken
- be an extra on a Bollywood film (I'd make a good token blonde)
- run a marathon (Standard Chartered Mumbai) on 2009 January 18, one of the largest marathons in Asia
- experience if and how Nepalese people celebrate Christmas
- learn a little of how the people of India and Nepal live: their customs, traditions, and outlook on life
It's an agressive itinerary, but I hope to do as many of these things as possible. India seems to be in a rapid state of change so I want to get there before it changes beyond recognition.
Not sure how often I will be able to get on the net, but I will update whenever I can. Everest Base Camp Trek may be difficult (Dec 7-21) and if I decide to trek part of the Annapurna Circuit afterwards I may be MIA for longer.
Cheers
Erin
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