Day 1: Rest and Relaxation

After actually being able to lie down for a bit and take a shower, I feel so much better. I thought that it might be hard to spend the first night alone, not really being able to anticipate exactly HOW I was going to feel. I've talked with Dad, Mom, and Sarah Martinez through Skype and each one of them asking in several different ways if I am feeling okay. I am. It is strange and I can't explain it, but I am fine, even pretty well for now.

Getting to Delhi was the way I had expected. At one point I was told that my luggage didn't make it and it was going to have to be sent back to the States. Luckily, that bonehead had no clue what he was talking about. Other than that, the flights were quite ordinary. I was only asked a handful of times if I could "walk just a little bit."

In the past 24 hours I have learned a bunch of things. Here is a glimpse of that:
--You can drive in the middle of 2 lanes in Delhi if you don't want someone to pass
--91F at midnight can be the norm
--The Hindi word for EXIT on a plane is far different than that of EXITing off the highway
--Pay attention when you get off the plane, even if you are getting back on that plane...it may move on you!
--Don't necessarily trust the guy that says your bags didn't make it
--To use an outlet in Delhi you must switch it on first
--Hospital beds can be interchangeable with yoga mats
--The Ellen Degeneres Show can be found pretty much anywhere

I knew this was going to be quite the experience when I first entertained it. I just want everyone to know that I am well and I would say so if I were otherwise. So stop worrying about me! :)

My best friend, Sarah Wilson, will be arriving at 11:30 tonight and I am in the process of arranging a ride for her. I am really excited to see her and to share this tiny hospital room with her.

I will meet with a doctor from the clinic today, sign a bunch of paperwork, and rest. I don't think that my treatment will start today...but I am not entirely sure of all the things they told me last night when I arrived.

No Worries, I'm Here...

with internet and a giant fan.

However, seeing as that it is 2:37am right now, I will have to update more later on my travels so that it appears to be more of a coherent entry.

Stay tuned...

Almost Half Way, At JFK

Surprisingly, the stomach ache that I have had for the past week and a half subsided virtually the moment I went through security in Denver early this morning.

Currently I am sitting at JFK airport smelling like recycled air and awaiting the longest trip of my life. I didn't sleep last night, seeing as I had to leave my house at 2:45am just to catch my flight, so I slept the majority of both of my morning flights and am feeling a little more lively.

I haven't been very forthcoming with some information about Sarah, my first companion and amazing friend. She has been camping out at the Indian Consulate or something for the past few days awaiting her visa (by no fault of her own). She is living in France and to explain the hardships she has had with the visa thing would be daunting. Needless to say, she should now arrive in Delhi on Friday night...with a little bit of luck and some superstitious finger-crossing.

It will be good to spend the first 24 hours alone, I just decided. I will need to form my own impressions and identity with Delhi and its inhabitants. I am up for a solo challenge...for 24 hours, that's about my cap I think.

The next time I update I will be in India! I am so excited to journal through my days via the internet. There are so many people that I want to be a part of this, and in this technological age, this is the way to do it!

Muah!! to everyone!!

How To Contact Me?

As I prepare to leave the country I am trying very hard to make it so that I can keep in touch with everyone. Here is what I suggest:

--Download SKYPE
(You can find me for sure using my log-in name of goldilaux8)
If you don't already know, SKYPE is a phone service through the internet. It is absolutely free to chat using SKYPE as long as the person on the other end is using it as well. There are both phone and messaging capabilities, I am even in the process of installing a webcam!
--Try to call me at 303-586-1808. This will ring my computer, no matter where I am. The only trouble is that there is a 11.5 time difference between Denver and Delhi.
--Good ol' snail mail. The address of the new clinic in Delhi is...
Nu Tech Mediworld
Nursing Home
H-8, Green Park Extension
New Delhi – 110016

Please try to keep in touch, as will I. It will mean a lot to me to have connection to all of you during my travels, even if it wakes me up in the middle of the night!

I Just Successfully Achieved An All New Low...

Currently I am sitting at the mall eating dinner. For those of you that don't know me, this is a terrible sign. Stress doesn't manifest itself in a typical manner with me. I don't run around frantically, I don't have any sort of retail therapy. I don't get stressed! Whatever.

About a year ago or so I realized that every time I reach a near-breaking point, I find myself at the mall. Of all places...the mall. Convoluted arrangements of merchandise and screaming babies. Sounds soothing, right? I can't really figure it out either. After my grandmother passed away I spent three hours at the mall without going into a single store. I am not even quite sure how I got there.

Today is no different. In fact, it may be worse. I have succumbed to the mall. I have embraced all of its wonder and chaos. I have eaten a burrito next to a group of high school cool kids just like it was the only thing I would ever want for my life. It all comes down to the fact that I must be getting nervous.

Now I am not outwardly nervous or concerned or anything (for that matter) regarding India. I have trouble looking into the future and can't really try to anticipate anything. For that, I am thankful...and strange. However, I have come to the conclusion that I must be anxious. This is the second time in 3 days that I have ended up here. A new world record.

And for those of you keeping track: we are now down to DAYS until departure. I can no longer use the word, "MONTHS" when describing my upcoming trip.

On A Completely Unrelated Note...

I will be embarking in a grand endeavor on Sunday. I will be attempting to challenge myself, yet again, physically and mentally: This time with the Colorado Colfax Marathon. If I have learned anything in life about life, it would be that testing your limits is the only true way of reminding yourself of what it's all about. Life should consist of pain, competition, sweat in the eyes, sunshine on your skin, cheers, and fears. Wish me luck!!

You Inspire Me

One of the coolest things happened this week. I walked into school and there were all of these kiddos wearing this shirt:

It was so amazing! In support of my fund-raising efforts, a group of families in the community that I grew up in joined together to create this shirt as well as a dinner event next Sunday.

The shirt is for sale to anyone interested for $12 by emailing inspiredbyryan@comcast.net for order information.

The fund-raiser is going to be May 4th from 5-8pm at the Copper Fox--located on the NE corner of County Line and Holly. Dinner will be a southwestern buffet. There will also be a "balloon silent auction" and it should be a tremendous amount of fun! I am thoroughly looking forward to spending time with my old swimmers and neighbors who have always INSPIRED me!!

If interested, RSVP to Jan Wondra at 303-770-1444.