Moving moment on the Ganges in Varanasi

Rickshaw Ride in Varanasi

Incredible India.

I'm speechless.

Back from India and loving this commercial.

"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!

My co-worker had numerous tests and today found out that she's in the clear! Whoo! We had Happy Hour on Thursday this week. :)

Happy Easter!

Later, poor Lamby ended up with a knife jutting out of his head.

Why we walk...

One of my fellow walkers has been in and out of the office this week at various doctor’s appointments. I just spoke with her and she told me that she found a lump last week and is now in the process of going through various procedures to determine what exactly is happening. It’s completely scary and brings home the reality of breast cancer. This truly is why the walk is so important…

I’m at $1550 with only $250 left. Now with my co-workers news, I’m even more determined in walking and fundraising.

Namaste

After lots of little bumps and plenty of phone calls, I finally got to buy my ticket to India on Friday afternoon. (And not with my credit card either!) And for a bit of a different experience.

Originally when it was discussed that I would be traveling to India, it was because of a conference in Delhi for a few days. The conference is in partnership with Air India and in going, the air ticket would be free, I'd be staying at hotels in the city for free, and would have most of my meals provided for. Then for either a few days before and some days afterwards, I would be using our ground operator to try to see the major sites and do some hotel inspections for as cheap as possible.

I emailed our operator the plans to get his thoughts and he emailed back that the conference is pretty lame, but he'd help me as needed. However, he said that they were already planning a familiarization trip for some other agents from a different company and all of the rooms were already comped and he was more than happy to have me tag along. We'd have to pay for international and internal airfare and that's it.

So, pricewise, the two were pretty even, I guess. Air India would only let me go one or two days before the conference and I'd have to leave three days later, which really wouldn't give time to see much. So we started contacting people about air tickets on our own and after some back-and-forth deals, we finally got the best possible flight (nonstop on the way home!) for the dates for the fam trip through the ground operator.

This trip is going to be amazing! We're staying at our properties (including a couple of hotels that I am dying to see) and I'll be hitting all the highlights in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Varanasi. I'm going to be gone for ten days and leave in less than four weeks!

Another co-worker is going to Australia and we've already made lists for the other to bring back. =) I'm excited!!!!!!!! Sooooooo excited!!!!!!!! And I hope to make the company proud by actually asking the right questions, dressing properly, and generally not embarrassing myself.

$1500!

Can I get a "whoo" for all the great people in my life?!

How much is that in rupees?

Updates!

For the Avon Breast Cancer Walk, I'm up to almost $1400 in donations! (Verbal donations, cash not yet applied, etc. included) I honestly can't believe it. I'm going to try for a final push to get the remainder of my donations by the end of March...

Why the urgency?

Because I think I'm actually going to India! I have contacted some organizers at an event I will be attending and things seem to be rolling along. I'm not sure how long I'll be able to in the country (and I know that it isn't vacation in the least...I'll be working and moving constantly), but I'm very very excited! I believe I'll be spending three days in Delhi and then will be sent around the country in a whirlwind tour to cities like Jaipur and Udaipur, plus Agra and Varanasi.

So I'd love to have all of my fundraising done before I leave so I can focus on walking when I get back. I hope I don't get sick and lose strength before the walk. That would be the worst.

Speaking of... I have started training with my co-workers and it has been a blast so far. I have learned so much about each of them as we walk in laps at various fitness centers. We can't wait to start walking outside and for longer stretches of time. It has been going really well so far.

Anyways, just a little news from my world! And my page once again.

Tim Finnegan's Wake

Ahhh....what a lovely weekend, despite these flurries that refuse to go away. It's supposed to be 50 this week, though!

Yesterday, I got up nice and early and went to the gym with Regan. We had a good workout and I was ready for the day. Ken was flying in around 4 p.m. so I knew that I could either snooze the afternoon away (which was tempting) or go out and be productive. I had been craving Potbelly's for a good five days and looked up the nearest location near me... One is conveniently located in downtown Naperville where I knew I could spend some time wandering around. When I walked into Potbellys my day got even better when I saw that they had all sorts of fun sodas in the case... including Orangina! I was so excited. I got my sandwich (yummmm.....) and managed to get a seat at the busy store. The music playing was awesome.. some sort of Jack Johnson Live version. Then I looked to my left and lo! there was a guy sitting there singing and playing guitar! He was really good and had everyone smiling as he worked through his set. I threw him a couple of bucks on my way out and left in a superb mood.

Across the street I discovered a spice store full of nothing but *ta da* spices. I have to go back soon with Ken since he does the actual cooking. I kept wandering and saw a sign for soy candles and a sign pointing down to a basement. And at the foot of the stairs was a dog ready to greet customers. I couldn't refuse. So I walked down and found a lovely little shop that makes homemade soy candles. They were so unbelievably nice and showed me how they make the candles and let me test their new product. Of course I had to buy a candle and got a Pink Peppercorn & Pear one. It smells so good. When I checked out, they gave me a free mini version of another type I was considering. I just love shopping in boutique-y places like this. I can't resist buying, though.

I also bought an adorable little stuffed bunny at a different store (for someone's Easter gift) and almost bought Izzy an amazingly cool collar, but wasn't willing to part with $40 for it. :) And yet again, I realized that I am not going to shop at malls for these sorts of items. Clothes are a different matter, but candles, books, jewelry... it's so much better to shop local and interact with real humans who have a vested interest in their own success.

Another great part of my day was that I had a package from Izumi in Okinawa! She sent me "snacks and sweets." When I opened the box, I squealed in glee as I saw the contents!





PUCCA!!!!! How I've missed you!!!!!! And I also really like those little Okinawan cookies. And the crackers.

She also sent me little rice snacks for Girl's Day. I remember being accosted by everything pink and girly for a time leading up to the holiday.



And finally, since she's Japanese, some sort of cracker mix with little fish.



But the best part was that in her letter she sent numerous photos of the people I met at the gym and also some words from them that she translated for me:

"Here's from Mrs. Nosato (she has short hair): Hello, Rachel. I remember I talked to you in my poor English. So that I had to use a dictionary when we met first time. You often came to our gym and run with no words. I wonder...if you can fun faster than 2 years ago. If you have a chance to visit Okinawa, please come and visit us."

My day was going well ---- and then.... I got to go to the airport and pick up Ken. We timed it perfectly and picking up at the international terminal is not nearly as stressful as the domestic one. I could even pull off and park for 10 minutes right in front of the door while waiting for him. We had our hellos and headed back to the apartment to see what goodies he brought back for me. He got me a SIGG bottle! (I might have laid some big hints.... Like, if you see a SIGG bottle cheaper than here, buy me one!)

Our day ended with Josh, Laura, Amy, & Shaun heading over to the apartment and all of us going to Ballydoyle's for dinner and drinks. A couple pints of cider and shepard's pie, plus some Irish dancers, bagpiping, and a little Irish music had me seeing green. It might have been a bit over-the-top, but it definitely made me wish I was Irish or that I could spend excessive amounts of time in Ireland each year.

I am going on and on with this post. I didn't even talk about our training walks or the hotel receptions I attended.

Have a great Monday, everybody! Happy Daylight Savings Time!

So long, Pyramids.

So, apparently, as of today, I'm not going to Egypt. I knew I shouldn't get my heart set on it.

Here's how it went down:

Co-worker: Rachel! Mr. X wants to see you in his office!
Me: Okay!
(in the office)
Mr. X (studying computer): Hmmmmm.....
Me: Need help finding something?
Mr. X: Hmmmmm.... nevermind. I can't find it.
Me: *dum dum dum silence*
Mr. X: What are you doing in April?
Me: Nothing... Why?
Mr. X: How about going to India?
Me: Really? Okay!

Now I notice that the website is for an India conference mid-April. Apparently, he is going to try to sign me up and make sure it's all okay and then I'll be going there to see some properties before some whirlwind sightseeing.

I wonder if I'll get to stay at the Oberoi Amarvilas. Not a bad view. Not bad at all.

A little skip in my step...

Ken's roughing it in Switzerland and Austria these two weeks, so I've been left to my own devices for entertainment.

Yesterday I had a fantastic Saturday. And the reason that I was so great was due to a) warmer weather and b) friendly people.

Living here, I miss helpful, genuine strangers. Regan and I were chatting the other day at the gym about how I go there almost every single day and I guarantee that no one knows my name or would care if I suddenly stopped showing up. And I don't know anyone else's name either. It's sad. (Regan's gym is way friendlier than mine...) I guess that although it can sometimes be annoying how everyone knew my business (and still do) in my hometown, I vastly prefer looks of recognition, heartfelt "hellos", and waves while driving instead of glares and honks.

Anyways, back to my weekend. Yesterday, I spent the afternoon running errands. I went to Trader Joe's where a chatty attendant is a given (and where they give you cookies when checking out. YESSSS!!!!)... And then I had to get my oil changed something that, as a female, I dread. I know I should be empowered and not overwhelmed by the testosterone in garages, but still, it's threatening. So I almost went to Jiffy Lube, but saw a ton of people waiting. I decided to go to the garage right down the corner from my apartment because Ken had gone there previously. I hate not knowing how to pull in, where to wait, etc. Thankfully, the friendliest (and I mean, friendliest) attendants were working. They were charming and when I pulled in with my car, every single one of them said, "How are you?" and smiled as I walked to the waiting room. It's amazing how my mood was lifted.

Later, I decided to wander a nearby downtown area. I stumbled across a running shop and decided to go in. The worker was really nice in giving me advice on how to train for my walk in May and further buoyed my spirits. Then I went to Starbucks because I had a new book that I was dying to start. The barista asked if I wanted an extra shot of espresso. Out of the blue! How nice!

My evening ended at Laura's Leap Day party where I didn't really know anyone. Thankfully, Laura has very nice friends and I had some lovely conversations with interesting people. It was a great time! I'll be back in four years. 2012...Wow. That's scary.

Anyways, yesterday was a breath of fresh air. And today the sun is shining and the temps reached 52 degrees. There is ground! Even though it's soggy and brown, it's fantastic. Usually I complain about how ugly and sparse everything is in the winter. This year, I'm sick of the white.

Tomorrow I begin training with my co-workers for the Avon Walk. We've located an indoor track we can use if the weather is nasty and we're going to start our laps. I am most excited to pick their brains and get to know them on an outside-of-work level. I bought some blister preventing socks yesterday at the runner's store, but still need to get great walking shoes. (And yes, Regan, I know that there are the same socks at Target, but the guy was just so friendly! I'll get my other pairs for cheaper...)

Ken comes back Saturday and for that, I'm truly grateful.

Eeek! Blind Corners!

A well-written article from the military----

PTA finds Chatan Town has problems not caused by Americans
Date Posted: 2008-02-26

A weekend research gathering by 20 members of the Chatan Town PTA turned up information about their youngsters that shocked them.

Allegations against an American Marine accused in the rape of a 14-year-old schoolgirl earlier this month in Chatan Town set the PTA Union into action to survey what was happening in their community. PTA Union Chairman Yasuo Nakachi led the group, comprised of advisory council committee members from the town’s elementary and junior high school, on a Saturday and Sunday visit to dozens of locations frequented by youngsters.

Visits to game centers, the business zone and popular restaurants prompted questions like “Are there a lot of Americans visiting here?” “Do Americans come to your shop?” and “Are there any junior high school kids around here?” The answers were ‘yes’ to kids frequently the areas, and fewer about Americans. More worrisome to the survey teams was discovery that “there were many kids smoking in this area, and there were places with blind corners around parks and schools.”
Other on the team reported “schools and even public toilets had many cigarette butts, and walls were scrawled with various phrases.” The members also heard reports that many parents actually bring their young children to the dark areas late at night, leading them to the conclusion Americans are not the only ones with problems, but Okinawan families as well.

“Parents and children should talk more, and parents should be protecting their children,” Nakachi says. “Parents should not let children go out late at night.” A team member added “we need to patrol daily, and take much more time to check dangerous places, make safety maps for children, and then give them to families. Everyone needs to have the map to protect the children.”

I'm annoyed by the PTA and I haven't even been in Okinawa for seven months. Heaven forbid that their own children might be causing problems, like *gasp* smoking! Obviously, the rape incident is unacceptable and horrible for public relations, but the fact that parents work until 10 pm and allow their children to do absolutely anything they want, might also be a part of the problem. I'm glad I'm not one of those Americans who frequents the restaurants any more. Or that I have to hear inane conversations about this stuff from other teachers.

Sometimes I do miss it and I can really get a vivid image of my favorite places in my head... Like strolling around Mihama and walking to the Co-op on the windy road that led me through small little alleys and past gravestones. But then I remember the bureaucracy and the amount of discussion that had to go into absolutely everything and I'm happy to be watching Project Runway back in the US of A.

Thanks for the article, Bridgit! I *do* miss you! And our weekly Night at the 'Bucks.

An interesting idea...

Recently, I seem to keep coming across organizations that lend out money to entrepreneurs in poverty-stricken nations. Two examples are Birima and Kiva.

I think this is incredibly interesting, but am not convinced that it's necessarily in the best interests of those that it's supposed to be benefitting. Basically, you loan money to these folks with ideas, usually handicraft makers and restauranteurs, and it's gradually paid back. At Kiva, you can give gift certificates as presents and the recipient chooses what business receives the money.

It's an interesting concept. I'm feeling very charitable lately. Maybe it's because of how generous everyone has been for the Avon Walk. I wish I had loads of money to spend on amazing causes...

Sarcophagi & Cartouches, oh my!

Last week, Ken and I stayed out for a night on the town in Chicago and saw "Rent" at the Cadillac Palace Theater. I don't have any pictures because of the psycho lady who screamed when anyone even pretended to take a photo inside. We had excellent seats and the performance was amazing! I had seen the movie (lame!), but the real thing was fantastic. Based on all the Rentophiles around us who knew when to stand up and give special whoops and hollers, it fulfilled their expectations as well. Ken and I were singing the songs on the way back to the train, and the next morning, and the morning after that... It was a very nice Valentine's Day. I even got a rose. Mind you, it was picked up off the ground. But it's still alive!

Then on Friday, I headed home to get my hair cut and for the rehearsal dinner for Zack and Krystal's wedding. It was a grand time, both the rehearsal and the actual wedding day. Everything was beautiful... The bride was radiant and the groom handsome, just as it should be. The groomsmen behaved themselves --- surprisingly. And Laura and I had a chance to relax at their house without pantyhose and high heels for a few hours. We stayed out late and saw old friends. Here's to a great marriage for Zack and Krystal!



I can't take credit for the photos as Ken took all of the shots for the day.

The biggest news as of late? Well, it was mentioned in passing last week, but yesterday, it was basically confirmed. I am going to be sent to Egypt and Jordan sometime at the end of spring/early summer! Whoo! I had a meeting with the bosses who just returned from the trip and they basically said that two of us were going to be heading over to check it out for ourselves. What does this mean? My company uses 5 star hotels... We will be staying at the Four Seasons where we will either have pyramid view or Nile view rooms. Wow. Anyways, you never know what will happen, but it would be a great bonus to be sent on this "unusual journey" with my company. In fact, it's really one of the only places that I would want to have a guide with me at the sites and restaurants. Most other places, I'd prefer to flashpack it on my own. Here's hoping that this all goes through smoothly! One other lady who started last year is headed to Italy tomorrow to check out hotels. Nice...

I'm all astonishment!

As of right now, including checks that have not been applied to my total yet, I have reached the $900 mark. Half way there! And I've only been trying for a couple of weeks. I am still amazed at everyone's generosity and can't wait to experience the walk with so many inspiring individuals. Jane & Patty from work have signed up to accompany me and we're gearing up for the training process. Anyone find the "perfect" walking shoe? I can't seem to find tennis shoes that I love lately.

I am sick of winter. The sun is out today, which helps, but I know more snow and ice are bound to show up again soon. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

$370!

I'm 21% of the way there!

Strolling to my goal. Slow and steady wins the race. :)

I promise I'll have some more updates/pictures soon. We have a wedding next weekend so there will actually be something to report. And Ken bought me tickets to see "Rent" on Valentine's Day, so that will be another story.

Work is going to be awful for the next two months. Our India expert has left for six weeks (to India for a family thing) and I'm going to have to try to fill in with a region I'm not familiar with and to keep track of all of her new and old itineraries. I did this before but not for such a long time. Everyone was already on edge on Friday and she hadn't even left yet. The job is going well though. I have started trying to talk to clients more since I've become much more comfortable with our products and can explain what the Sonesta St. George is, what's included in the cruise on the Danube, and what time flights typically get in when you fly to Peru. I spend a lot of time on expedia growling because we aren't supposed to do ticketing.. It's a serious pain. And the tour consultants should just tell people to do it on their own, but because they're too nice I end up shopping for the best flights.. all for $50 profit. Not worth it! Anyways, that's my only complaint for now! Maybe not the ONLY complaint... :)

Today I went to the gym with Regan and the two of us ended up demonstrating for a Turbo round for the whole class. Hilarious. Like the old days on the stage. Poor Moo Moooooooo!!!!!! Anyways, we were semi-teachers for two minutes which was fun and tiring. And we did a little hip hop the other night in one of our classes and had to stop because we were becoming so hysterical at how awkward and uncool we truly looked.

Ken and I are expecting Josh and Laura in a minute and we have Nutella tortellini planned for dessert. I hope it works!!! Yum!

PS - Since posting, I'm up to $470! Thank you everyone!
PPS - Up to $520! I better start stretching out my muscles...

As of today, 12 February, I'm at $620. *Doing jig*

Fundraising Update

So far I'm at $240! Thanks to everyone who has donated... Please pass on the information to those who might be interested in helping such a fantastic cause!

The end of May will be here before I know it. Thankfully, Jane, a co-worker, is going to tough it out with me. Training begins next month. :)