EFFFFFFING GEEEEE!!

With a title like that, it can only mean one thing!

WE'RE FREAKIN' LEAVING TODAY!!!!!!!!!!

I would like to write something coherent about how I feel about it all but rather I feel that going somewhere pretty and exploding in excitement would also suffice.

I can count all the times I've ever cried

Today was my last day of work. The shift was quite interesting; I was besieged by this intense and unfaltering calmness. At a place that calls for high adrenaline and constant alertness, I was unalterably still deep inside. When the clock hit 2, and it was time to go, I wanted to say good-bye to everyone. There are so many goodbyes to give. So many to receive. Everyone was busy, but I waved and I smiled. I hugged a few. And I walked out. But suddenly, something happened that I was not at all expecting. A deep, heavy tugging feeling started to yank me. I got to my car, and I sat down and this uncomfortable, unfamiliar burning sensation started in the corners of my eyes. I pulled my car out of its parking spot and began to drive away, fighting the breaking floodgates that were threatening to crash forth.

After pulling up outside, I walked into my house, still relatively holding my composure despite the tearing I felt inside. And then it came. These hot, salty tears that I've only encountered a few times in my short life. And I let it happen. The faces of everyone I'd just left behind swam in my mind, the comfort of my routine now to be left in the dust, and the next chapter of my life to unfold with enormous opportunity.

I'm here. I find myself sitting on the edge of a cliff, preparing to jump. I look forward and see sun on the horizon, the waves glistening in allure and excitement. Alacrity and eagerness pump through my veins with each thumping heart beat. Behind me, everyone person I've ever loved, every experience I've ever learned from, every energy I've ever interacted with, all stand smiling, giving me the strength and the willingness to jump. My stomach flutters with those butterflies that indicate something's happening that should be. I look back and give one final wave and smile.

I'm ready now.

In one week today...

... I will be visiting the beautiful country of India to see sites like this

The Beauty of Life

Sunshine and Smiles

Impermanence

I have just come back from the washroom, where I found myself in awe and disgust as I ran my hand under the cold water pouring from the tap. I fiddled with the nozzles, adjusting the temperature to my comfort level and it occurred to me how privileged I am to be able to have hot and cold water at my every beck and call.

But, like a splash of icey water in the sleeping face, it hit me how deluded I am. My privilege is at the expense of someone else. I do not control my water source; in fact, I have little understanding of where my water comes from. If someone were to decide that I do not need clean water any longer, hot or cold, it could easily be gone.

Would I miss it?

I am on my knees. Begging and shackled. At the every beck and call of my water master. My emotions are externally determined. Decided by the circumstances I am puppeteered on through.

See Jane go. See Spot run. See Sol smile as he washes his face with clean water. See Sol frown as his water turns brown. See Sol shift his spirit and drive at the whim of his master. See Sol anger and stomp his feet. See Sol stomp his feet on the street. See Sol poison himself as he drinks the dirty river water, tainted by toilet refuse.

Looking in the mirror at my own reflection, the illusion of freedom.

Bienvenidos!

Alright, so I'm going to be using this blog to keep people informed about my travels throughout the world. Obviously, my life is extremely interesting and having a blog dedicated to the next couple of months that I'm living is to be expected.

Here, I'll post photos and blurbs and updates about the things I've done and seen whilst doddling around Delhi and wherever else I manage to get my little ass to.