"Sari" for the delayed post...

It's been awhile. I kept putting off writing and now I can't even think of any interesting tidbits to throw out into this e-world.

I am leaving in six days for India, which is absolutely difficult for me to fathom at this point. I lined up my visa last week, had a struggle trying to find clothes for the journey, and started my preliminary packing today. It's more difficult than usual because I'm not backpacking, but going as a professional. At the same time, it's going to be superhot and I need to be comfortable and touristy.

And there's even more pressure because I'm staying at the TOP hotel in the world for 2007. The Oberoi Udaivilas is #1, but I'm also staying at #10 & #11. How does a flashpacker dress for lodgings of this caliber? Plus, I am traveling with four other professionals from another luxury company. I'm hoping I don't embarrass myself by eating my abu gobi wrong! But, boy am I excited about lassis! And shopping!

So, my tour is going to take me for two nights in Delhi. I believe I'm going to get to see Juhi for the second night after a whirlwind day of touring. Then I head to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and from what I hear, every room has a view. I'll let you know if that's true or not. (As we aren't actually paying for these rooms, I'm sure we get the bottom of the barrel. Mind you, the bottom of this barrel is lined in gold.) Then I fly to Jaipur for some shopping and then to Udaipur and Devi Garh. I end my trip in Varanasi where we see throngs of people dipping themselves in the Ganges. It's going to be a quick moving, action packed adventure. I can't think about it too much or I won't be able to sleep!

I am definitely curious to see what kind of product my company offers. It's one thing to hear about these journeys... it's quite another to actually witness the perks of 5 star travel. I believe that I vastly prefer my way of doing things... sleeping at cheap hotels, eating semi-cheap meals with the occasional splurge, and wandering around without knowing exactly what I'm looking at. However, it's going to be pretty fantastic to have our amazing guides to explain the symbolism at the Indian temples and mosques and to have them take us to the best shops and restaurants.

What else is new? I'm over the $1600 point in my fundraising and would love to have it all completed by the end of the month. I walked 7.6 miles this afternoon at a lovely public park nearby. It was much more entertaining to walk around with tons of people rollerblading, biking, running, playing soccer, baseball, basketball... Tomorrow I believe we are going to try to walk along Lake Michigan for a change in venue. (Because of the weather, we have been walking at an indoor track where 18 laps equals one mile...Dizziness generally ensues.) It's definitely been a challenge so far, but getting to know my co-workers and just chatting has been absolutely fantastic.

Hope you are enjoying the spring weather as much as we are!