Friday, September 9, 2011

7 days and counting

Next Friday I leave for a trip of a lifetime to India and Nepal.  But before I leave, I must move into a  2 bedroom apartment plus complete numerous work projects.   I was not planning on my house selling so quickly and thought if it did sell I would move after the trip.  God had other plans and the good news is I sold it in less than a week for the asking price.

Due to the downsizing I had a moving sale last weekend and it was an eye-opening experience.  My sister Linda is an expert and I could not have survived without her efforts.  We made some cash that will fund the move and selected souvenirs.  It was so interesting to watch people buying my "stuff" and the last thing I want to do is bring more "stuff" home but I want a piece of art or a rug that will not be discarded.

I thought I would provide an overview of the trip sponsored by the Whole Planet Foundation (previous trips included Kenya, Peru and Costa Rica) befroe I leave.  I arrive in Mumbai for two days before we fly south to Trivandrum and meet with the Grameen Trust and several clients of the microlending program. We will also visit an orphanage run by the Miracle Foundation.  I am really looking forward to this because it is one of the areas I will pursue after retirement.    From there we will fly to Delhi and drive to Agra.  We will visit the Fort and have a Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour on Saturday. After our tour we return to Delhi.  At that point we will all head in different directions, some home but most of us on personal quests.  Mine is to the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal.  I have a guide for a four day visit but will be travelling alone.  The guide books have many suggestions for single women and they recommend you wear a wedding ring and tell everyone your husband could not join you at the last minute or that he is meeting you at the next location.  Apparently we are singled out (no pun intended) for scams, rip-offs and criminal activities.  I will be vigilant and the guide comes highly recommended.
I am very grateful to Seventh Generation for allowing me to participate in this program and to be able to use vacation time while in Asia.

No comments:

Post a Comment