day 30

I hope that you are feeling better today. Gita relieved me at work and I spoke with her at length about India. She has never been to many of the places that you have gone and she is from there! She has wanted to go do the houseboat on the backwaters, but she never gotten around to it. After I said that you had done that, she swears the next time she goes to India she is doing the houseboat thing.
Did you get to speak to anyone at the Consulate? If then had any suggestions, be sure and tell me. I'm interested in what they had to say.
Our big thing here is our Wii. It was suppose to be a family Christmas present, but it never even made it to my scraproom to be wrapped. We have all been playing since we got it yesterday. Even gma joins in and plays bowling. She is very good and almost beat dad at it until the last frame when he bowled some strikes.The cutest thing is that we made are Mii avatars and we pop up during the games. Like if Jason and dad are bowling, me, gma and steph will be in the crowd watching. Or if dad is playing baseball, we all are on the opposing team. In tennis, the ones not playing are spectators. It's so funny. The weirdest thing is that dad and Jason's avatar really look like them. Especially when they are diving for a ball!
I am getting ready to do Christmas. I don't know why but even broke as I am, I can't wait to decorate. I want to do it early so that I can just sit back and enjoy the season. On my way home from work I saw several people with Christmas trees on the roofs of their cars and it made me feel so nostalgic. I remember going to get the tree was such a big deal. We would wait until the 15th so that the tree wouldn't dry out. The whole family would go to the tree lot. It seemed when I was younger that we always managed to go on the coldest night. We would go from lot to lot looking for the perfect tree. Every one that was a possible pick would be scrutinized by the entire clan. My grandma would make the initial pick, my grandpa would drag the tree out where everyone could get a good look at it. My dad would tell grandpa to give it a thump or two and grandpa would tap that tree against the pavement to see if it dropped too many needles. Mom would bend a few needles to make sure they were not dry and I would inhale deep just to catch that crisp smell of pine, which surely had to be the ultimate test for the perfect fresh tree.
Later, I decided that the perfect tree had to be one that we found and cut so we'd get a permit to go up to the mountains and cut our own tree. The one problem with that is the little tiny charlie brown looking tree in the wild, is a HUGE, gigantic monster of a tree in a living room with 7 1/2 foot ceilings.
We went from that, to tree lots looking for the cheapest tree [this is while dad and I were both in school and funds were pretty low], then back to big gigantic cut trees that looked great, but didn't last long. I don't even want to relate how our one gorgeous tree ended up being replaced on Christmas Eve because it was dead and needles were dropping by the handfuls if anyone even thought about breathing on the dang thing. Now I haul out the fake one, which doesn't smell good unless I find a great pine candle. Which reminds me of the year dad hung up a bunch of pine tree car fresheners inside the tree...but that's another story. Anyway, back to my fake tree which I can take out and decorate December first and even if it does smell a bit like dust if you get too close, it looks beautiful , doesn't dry out and I don't have to worry about falling needles.
On a whole different note, did you decide to go to the hugging mother's ashram? This is one mother sending hugs your way. Write me!

info

Information for Travelers
Warden Messages
TERROR ATTACKS IN MUMBAI
November 27, 2008

Terrorists attacked two hotels, a railway station, restaurant, hospital, and other locations in Mumbai frequented by Westerners on November 26. Over 100 persons are believed to have been killed, and hundreds injured. Gunfire continues between terrorists and police at several locations in Mumbai. Some of the casualties are foreigners, and media reports indicate Americans have been targeted.

Due to the fluid situation in Mumbai, Americans are urged to defer travel to Mumbai for at least the next 48-72 hours. Those currently in Mumbai are asked to take shelter at their current location and contact family and friends. American citizens in need of assistance related to the terrorist attacks should call the Department of State Mumbai Task Force at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers in other areas, by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. All welfare and whereabouts inquiries regarding Americans who may have been in the Mumbai area can be made by calling the above numbers.

Americans throughout India should be vigilant about security at all times. The Embassy and Consulates are actively assessing the countrywide security environment. Americans are advised to monitor local news reports, vary their routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of security present when visiting public places, including religious sites, or hotels, restaurants, entertainment and recreation venues. If unattended packages are spotted, American citizens should immediately exit the area and report the packages to authorities.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Americans are also encouraged to read the Country Specific Information for India, available on the Embassy's website at http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov, and also at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov.

U.S. citizens may contact the American Citizens Services Unit of the Embassy or the Consulates General for further information:

-- The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi is located at Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021; telephone +91-11-2419-8000; fax +91-11-2419-8407. The Embassy's Internet home page address is http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay) is located at Lincoln House, 78 Bhulabhai Desai Road, 400026, telephone +91-22-2363-3611; fax +91-22-2363-0350. The Internet home page address is http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras) is at 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006, telephone +91-44-2857-4000; fax +91-44-2811-2027. The Internet home page address is http://chennai.usconsulate.gov.

-- The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta) is at 5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071; telephone +91-33-3984-2400; fax +91-33-2282-2335. The Internet home page address is http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov

Joey,
Didn't you go to Chennai? Can you go back? Or maybe call the number they have provided to see if they have any suggestions about the best way to get back home. Let us know if we need to get another ticket, dad can arrange that.

day 28 & 29

Thanksgiving this year would have been perfect if only you were here with us. We were organized and grandma had the turkey in the oven early enough for us to have our turkey dinner at 2:00. How nice it was to eat early. We didn't have to go to bed stuffed, the kitchen was cleaned and the best part, we could eat turkey sandwiches later on when we got hungry. I happened to see a web site that had a thanksgiving project on it. Every week for the next 52 weeks [until next Thanksgiving] you take a pic and journal something that you are grateful for. Then next year we can take a look at what people wrote. I think we should do that, so today jot down in your journal something that you are thankful for and then for the next 52 weeks, keep adding 1 thing per week.
My first thing [other than being thankful for God creating us] I am thankful for, is Thanksgiving. It is so easy to take your loved ones for granted and on this one day, we are focused enough to put things in perspective and realize how important are family and friends are to our existence. So, I am grateful for the holiday.
I am also so very thankful that I didn't go to Jimmy's [nephew]for dessert and poker. If I had I would have missed your call. The connection was pretty crappy and the call was dropped, but it made me feel so good to hear your voice. I thought that you sounded upset, but you told me you just missed us and when I told dad, he said you probably felt that way because it was the holiday and you were not home. I think that he was right...you love turkey day and you missed it, as well as missing you BD. That's enought right there to make you a little homesick.
It sounds like you will be having fun, though, on the houseboat. Is it on a lake, a big river or the ocean? I am glad that you are traveling with others. Considering the situation over there, it is probably best that you not travel too much on your own. I am not sure what you could do, but the State Department has put ALL of India on High Alert. They have not come right out and advised that all Americans leave the country, but I suggest keeping track of the news and if they do suggest you leaving, find out from the Embassy or consulate the best means on how to accomplish that. I will find out where the nearest Embassy/Consulate is from where you are at. They gave us a phone number to the State Department that we can call to check on advisories and updates, I will pass on any info I am given there.
I bet you did not include political unrest in your vacation plans. It is weird, but I was in Amman, Jordan during the 6 day war. I remember being on recess at the American School and seeing a bunch a people in the distance running around. We were too young to realize that the popping we heard were gunshots and not firecrackers. Our teachers lead us back into the school and we stayed there until the Marines came and got us to take us back to our homes. Later on at my friends house we sat on the roof and watched the "fireworks". Of course, they weren't fireworks at all, but the bombings over by the Jordan River. We ended up getting evacuated to Athens on my birthday. What an adventure. It was just grandma and I, my dad had to stay in Amman, locked up in the Embassy burning papers and money. That's what grandma told me. "Daddy has to stay. He needs to burn all the paper and money." I never did go back to Amman after that, they sent us home to the States instead.
I want you to stay and finish out you trip, but I don't want you to stay and jeopardize you safety and welfare if things are sketchy. Have fun, but be aware of your surroundings and cautious in your dealings with others.
Most importantly...come home healthy. I miss your bright smile, all our conversations and your big bear hugs.

day 27

We are all sitting here watching the terrible news about the bombing in Mumbai. We hear that Oberon and Taj hotels as well as the train station and hospital have been hit. Please contact us as soon as you read this. They are saying on the news that the group responsible for this are targeting people with American or British passports. Was your intial plan to loop around and end up back at Mumbai? How is the atmosphere towards westerners where you are now? My fear is that what happened in Mumbai will start a trend that spreads outward to where you are traveling. Please be very cautious and reconsider leaving earlier if things are becoming hostile. I don't want your dream to end up being my nightmare.
Going back to the news to see what further developments there are. Write back! Be safe!!

joey wrote:
the news is all over here in Varkala. I had met some Americans that were suppose to meet me for breakfast but showed up late. I guess they got caught up with emails from family pleading that they come home. I have to admit, I am a little worried now. That's scary news to hear, especially when I have a flight I to catch out of Mumbai.
Like you, I've wondered if these attacks will begin a "movement" further down south. The town of Varkala is over populated with tourist, so I'm not sure exactly what's going on or how the locals are feeling towards Americans.


I was suppose to catch a train or bus today to Alleppey where I would take a cruise on a houseboat with the two American girls I met. But of course, we couldn't find anything that fit our budget or needs. A regular 2nd class seat on an indian trainis absoutely imposible! So here I am for one more day until 7am tomorrow morning where we'll take a taxi to Alleppey. From there, we will find a hotel to stay in and take our houseboat out on the back waters for two nights! I'm really excited, but with all this news and nothing working out as far as transportation goes, I'm feeling a bit down. I even checked out of my guesthouse today thinking I was leaving. So now I have to find somewhere newer and hopefully cheaper to stay.
I gueass I'll go to the beach now. Or maybe get something to eat... Try to ward off this negative energy!!


I love you so much,
me!!

day 26

You must of sent some blessings and good karma my way because I looked down at Amaya and she was playing with my iPod. Yes, you read that right, my iPod. Plus I looked in the bag that she was sitting by, and the chargers to both my camera and dad's camera was in it. You know how hard we looked for those things? I had given up even looking any more thinking that it must of fell out of the motorhome when we were at Powell. I figured that I must not of brought the chargers with us and that they were somewhere in the house. However they ended up downstairs in a bag Amaya was going through is beyond me, but I'm sure happy I got my iPod back.
Taiya and Jimmy left today. It was sad to see them go, but I bet they are glad to be back home. Tai said as long as they don't need to have a 4-wheel drive to get here, they will come for Christmas. That will be fun to have the whole family here for the holidays.
Right now I am trying to put together some of those big snowflakes to put outside. I've always thought that they would look nice out there with some icicle lights. I saw on the internet someone had made them and painted them a light blue. It looked very good. Although it is cold, it doesn't look too much like winter here. At least not yet. The skies are clear and blue and I haven't had to wear much more than long sleeves or my sweat shirt when I'm outside. Which suits me fine, as long as it snows in time for Christmas.
Thanksgiving is fast approaching and we will be thinking of you. I know how much you love turkey. I'm not sure whether that is something you can find over there, maybe you can find a restaurant that caters to westeners and they'll have turkey with all the trimmings!
You are half way through your trip. I feel like now I can start a count down to your return. I can't wait for you to be back, but I bet you wish that time won't come too soon. I can imagine the closer to the end of you journey, the more you'll start thinking about your next destination.
Gita came back from India. I spoke to her on Sunday and she was so anxious to hear how your trip was. I told her you wouldn't be back until Dec 15 but that you were loving every minute of it. You have been to places that she has never been and she would love to see your pics when you get home. Only 19 more days!!

catching up

Here I was wondering and worrying why I haven't heard from you and it turns out you're having the same thoughts. I've neglected my blog in favor of just writing to you but never got a response. I thought you were at a location where the internet was not available. When I got a message saying you picked up your e-card but I didn't get any other correspondence, I really fussed about why I wasn't hearing from you. It sounds like you didn't get my emails [did you get one from Tai?] so I'll stick to my blog.
Most of what I wrote was about Tai, Jimmy and Kian, who by the way, are doing very well and are still here. What seemed like the end of the world a few days ago, now is put into perspective and we are concentrating on the best way to care for Kian so that he can reach his full potential. We can speculate on levels of functioning, but the truth is, you just don't know anything for sure. Only time will tell and that really pertains to all of us.
Yesterday seemed like a "normal" day. I went to work, we went out to eat, visited Aunt Nanc, who oohed and aahed over him for a full 3 hours, watched tv, played yahtzee and went about the day like we always do.
I graciously ignored the comment about my passion for procrastination [although I had to giggle because it is so true] and had to google your latest stops to see what I was missing. I see that you stuck to your word and headed back to the coast. The beaches are gorgeous, especially at Varkala. The pictures I saw posted showed a pretty secluded beach, is it really like that, or are you having to fight the crowds? I know you longed to get to a place where you could find some peace and solitude...I hope in Varkala you found it.
I asked what everyone wanted, the general concensus is that whatever you can bring home and you think we'd like, we will. You have impeccable taste when it comes to gift giving. Thank goodness you are more like your dad, he always manages to pick the perfect thing. If you are not too pressed for money, Lute asked if you could pick up something for Rachael. She is crazy about India and would love to have something from there. She is quite slender, but a medium would probably be best that way she will be able to wear it for a longer time. If not that, some earrings or a bag. If they have toe rings for chubby toes, I'd really like that, but what I'm really looking forward to is having you home.
Jimmy wondered if you had grown a beard. That made us think of you and your turbans and we thought how much you must look like you belong in India if you are sporting a turban and a beard. Hopefully you are getting some pictures, I would say have someone take a pic of you but then I remembered that one scene in European Vacation when the Griswald's gave someone their camera and the guy ran off with it!
I wondered about you bare necessities when you left home, it sounds like you needed to pack a little more than you did. I especially worried about the underwear situation, but you sounded so confident about what you were packing, I didn't offer any advise. At least next time, you will be such a seasoned traveler that you will know exactly what you need to pack. Did I mention that next time you go, you need to take your mother?
I have the rest of the week off and am planning on getting lights up for Christmas. It will be so festive when you get back. Perhaps I had better not mention this as you know how I procrastinate and what you don't know won't reflect badly on me!!
I felt bad about your having to spend the 50 rupees to see email that was not there...but then I found out that that was about $1.00
Will forget the email and stick to the blog from here on out.
Until tomorrow, much love

joey wrote:
Mom,
you're not keeping up with your blog. I know that you're really passionate about procrastination but please, try to keep up as I like to read the blog entries whenever I have a chance.
I left the city of Trivandrum and came to the cliff side beaches of Varkala. It's really beautiful here and I'll probably stay here for a while.
Then I'm thinking of heading up to Kollam.
Things have been going really well. I've been buying clothes like crazy since I left home with barely anything. I've also been trying to shop for family and friends but I just don't know what anyone wants. There are shops EVERYWHERE, all selling pretty much the same thing but I can't figure out what to really get anyone....
maybe ask around and see if anyone wants anything special? Imported from India along with your son?
Well, keep up with the blogging please.

I hate paying 50 rupees to only see one email from jesse and no new blog entries on your 45 day thing. it's wasting my rupees!!

well i love you and namaste!

day 21 & 22

First off, it was so good to talk to you, you sounded so good. I was happy that I did not miss that call. I can't remember exactly where you said that you were, but I recall you said that it was raining. I think that I'd head back to the beaches as well. It was too bad that your timing was off and you did not get to see the exteriors of the temples...but you probably got to see what few westerners get to see, the inside of one.
In your letter you mentioned about paying for praying. I had read on someone elses blog that this is a very typical thing in India. Evidently, when you are approached they will ask you if you want blessings or prayers said for you and your loved ones. They go on and ask you names of your family members and then after all the praying, they charge you for each person you named. I thought that this was terrible at first, but on second thought, there really isn't much difference between this and some church asking for donations. At least in this case, you know for sure someone is praying for your welfare.
I emailed you with news of Kian. I received email back, but it looked like you hit "reply" and sent it forward with no text. I hope that you are well. I didn't think too much about it at first, but you know me...the more I stew about something, the more I imagine the worse happening. Be sure to write as soon as you read this so I know that all is well.
Not sure about the time difference, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! We are all thinking about you and wishing you the best on your special day. We will have to go out once you are home. Not sure if you want to go to the Himalayan or India Fusion, you may be sick of indian fare after 45 days of eating it. Maybe you'll just want some steak or prime rib.
Taiya and Jimmy made it here. I am enjoying having both my grandbabies home. Amaya is very jealous of the attention that Kian it getting. Whoever is holding the baby is who she wants to go to. At one point she was holding her hands out to everyone...she just couldn't make up her mind where she wanted to go. She was very interested in her new cousin, or maybe it was his bottle she had her eye on.
Hopefully Kian will be back for Christmas, if not, I think that they will have the christening in January so you can see him then.
Getting late now and I have work tomorrow. Be sure to write me back with new adventures