I am excited, anxious, scared, curious and about 8 billion other emotions in preparation for India. I am so excited to see Shashank. It will be so nice to see a friendly face, especially since we are in a port like India. The Hindu faith is something that I have always been interested in so I am excited to learn more.
They have started laying cardboard down on the 5th deck so it doesn’t get too dirty. If they are burning coal when we arrive, the ship will turn black. They have closed decks 6 and 7 so we don’t go outside until we have to. They have told us that we can actually smell India before we get there. They say that monkeys and cows roam the street. That I will see poverty that rips my heart out and it will do so even more knowing that there is nothing I can do about it. I have been told that I can get extremely sick if I am not careful, but at the same time it is some of the best food I have ever eaten. They say that all my sense will be assaulted and that I will be able to scrape a layer of grim off my skin. They say all these things in order to prepare us, but how can we prepare for India? I am ready to embrace India – both the good and the bad. This culture has so much to offer.
The counseling center is having extra hours during and after India. This place really grabs a hold of people. I have always heard of India as this mystical place and I can’t believe I am going to be there tomorrow. They say love India and it will love you back. Hate India and it will hate you back twice as hard.
I am really excited to go shopping Shashank said he is taking me saree shopping and I am pumped! Pooh (our interport student) had on a beautiful saree and I want one so bad. Gah I am so excited I can’t stand it.