The Planning Stages

It all started in the fall of 2008 when once again Steve and I were craving an adventure and change in our everyday routine. For us an adventure could be a job change, a move within the states or back overseas or maybe even semi-retirement (translation - more time to do what we want to do). We originally wanted a year off to feel the real impact of an extended sabbatical and to travel to far-away lands not possible in a two week vacation. However, after months of debate, we both realized it was best to start small and take three months off vice a year.

After traveling 20+ countries, India was still on our wish list, but would be a little more difficult logistically requiring more time. We’ve been intrigued with the culture and I have dreamed of practicing yoga and meditation in India, and of course experience their famous Ayurvedic massages. And we both LOVE Indian food and the exoticness of a country on the rise. Best to go before it gets over exploited.

In November 2008, we both approached our employers with a request for three months off in a year. To our surprise both employers were very supportive, especially since it was a year off and arrangements could be made. Maybe they thought we were kidding. Who knows?

But here we are. After a year of planning using Frommer's, Rough Guide, Internet and IndiaMike On-line Forum as our resources, we have tickets in hand and are ready to leave on January 10, 2010. We also were fortunate to tap into others who visited, or are from India, for some good advice. Our dentist Dr. Prasanna took a day out of his busy schedule to give us a slideshow of his hometown of Mysore and took us out for a fantastic buffet of the best Indian food in the area.

We are beside ourselves with excitement and at the same time anxious since we are relying 100% on our research and plans, and not any travel agencies. As of now we have the first two weeks locked in, from there we have tentative plans leaving room for whatever interest us along the way.

The only glitch to date is the netbook we bought three weeks ago to log our travels through India, went dead last week and had to order a new one.

Other items in prep for the trip are a HD video camera, a new lumix camera, backpacks, light weight cloths, etc. We better go soon before we blow our budget on the preparation.

More to come.......

Laurie