I leave for India in three days.  It’s finally dawned on me that I’m actually going, but mentally I’m nowhere near ready.  I’ve been on so many trips to so many places, but this one is very different.  I have no idea what I don’t know, and please believe me when I say I seriously hate that.

At the very least, though, it kind of seems like I’m prepared.  All necessary papers and reservations are in place, my bank and credit cards have been notified of my travel, and all the little items I’ll need to keep my electronic devices functioning overseas appear to be ready and in place.  I’ll have a phone for work, and as of tonight Lisa and I officially have our Skype accounts working correctly.  (Video calls will make it possible for me to see Lisa and the little one while I’m overseas, as well as allow them to see me.)  My camera equipment is ready, with extra precautions in place for those who may try to make me part ways with it.  (Roughly 10% of those I’ve know who’ve traveled in India have had cameras stolen there.)

Beyond that, well, I don’t know.  I guess I’ll learn when I get there.

~ ~ ~

The Skype test Lisa and I did this evening–me at work, her at home–was kind of bittersweet.  It was a relief to know that we finally had our connections working, and that we’d be able to be in contact while i was gone, but at the same time I was reminded this was as close as I’d be to either one of them for two and a half weeks.  I’m excited and sad at the same time.

The weather looks good for the flights out on Friday, both here and in Chicago.  First I fly to O’Hare, and then it’s AA 292 all the way to New Delhi.