Yesterday, I completed the last step in my preparations to go to India...my shots. Ow. Or maybe I should say, Ow, ow, ow, ow. I had four injections. Two in each arm. I'm not a very big baby when it comes to a little physical pain. But at least it's over.
I have my visa, my passport and my health records. Now all I have to do is pack and look forward to a 24 hour flight. Can you say, 'jet lag'?
I think it will all be worth it to visit a country so rich in history and culture. When I was young, I studied the Hindu religion for a semester. It's fascinating, and I'm thinking I might set some stories there. (That Brahma really got around!) LOL
There are literally thousands of Hindu Gods, but I was taught that 3 reigned supreme. Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. Not everyone in the western world would recognise depictions of these dieties. But the most popular God you'd recognise in a second.
Ganesha--the elephant-deity riding a mouse. Ganesha is one of the commonest mnemonics for anything associated with Hinduism. The son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha is depicted as having a curved trunk and big ears, and a huge pot-bellied body of a human being. He is the lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of knowledge, wisdom and wealth.
The last time my husband was in India, he brought me back a beautiful carved statue of Ganesha. And bringing this back to romance, that trip was an eye-opener for both of us. We had never been apart that long since we met in 1990. (Yup, we're going on 20 years.) We were miserable without each other. We talked on the phone a few times, and then the power went out. I had a cell phone with spotty reception, so talking became impossible. I finally went to my in-laws house and used their phone--but I woke up my husband. Oops. Time difference. He didn't mind. We were both just so glad to hear each other's voices.
When he got home, he vowed that if he had to go there again, he would take me with him. Now, two years later, we're going over there together. There's a 3 day weekend because of an Indian holiday, so we'll have a few days to get out and explore. I may stick close to the hotel while he's working just to be on the safe side.
I'll have my laptop with me so I hope I can take some notes as I soak up the atmosphere. I've set books in places I've visited before, like Maui; New Orleans; Daytona Beach; Las Vegas; San Francisco and always found it helpful to do a little brainstorming while I was there--even on vacation. So, don't hate me because I'm on vacation in eighty degree weather. I'm working. Really. Honest. I mean it.
Ash
I have my visa, my passport and my health records. Now all I have to do is pack and look forward to a 24 hour flight. Can you say, 'jet lag'?
I think it will all be worth it to visit a country so rich in history and culture. When I was young, I studied the Hindu religion for a semester. It's fascinating, and I'm thinking I might set some stories there. (That Brahma really got around!) LOL
There are literally thousands of Hindu Gods, but I was taught that 3 reigned supreme. Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. Not everyone in the western world would recognise depictions of these dieties. But the most popular God you'd recognise in a second.
Ganesha--the elephant-deity riding a mouse. Ganesha is one of the commonest mnemonics for anything associated with Hinduism. The son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha is depicted as having a curved trunk and big ears, and a huge pot-bellied body of a human being. He is the lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of knowledge, wisdom and wealth.
The last time my husband was in India, he brought me back a beautiful carved statue of Ganesha. And bringing this back to romance, that trip was an eye-opener for both of us. We had never been apart that long since we met in 1990. (Yup, we're going on 20 years.) We were miserable without each other. We talked on the phone a few times, and then the power went out. I had a cell phone with spotty reception, so talking became impossible. I finally went to my in-laws house and used their phone--but I woke up my husband. Oops. Time difference. He didn't mind. We were both just so glad to hear each other's voices.
When he got home, he vowed that if he had to go there again, he would take me with him. Now, two years later, we're going over there together. There's a 3 day weekend because of an Indian holiday, so we'll have a few days to get out and explore. I may stick close to the hotel while he's working just to be on the safe side.
I'll have my laptop with me so I hope I can take some notes as I soak up the atmosphere. I've set books in places I've visited before, like Maui; New Orleans; Daytona Beach; Las Vegas; San Francisco and always found it helpful to do a little brainstorming while I was there--even on vacation. So, don't hate me because I'm on vacation in eighty degree weather. I'm working. Really. Honest. I mean it.
Ash
Hmm, well, Ash, it's going to be 76 here today, and I don't have to deal with 24-hour jet lag either. And I'll be working too. LOL Have fun!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great trip. have fun!
ReplyDeleteWow--India! I'm sure you will have a great time. Take pics :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I work on most of my vacations, too. If there's internet, there's always blogging to be done, and I've been inspired to write by the people and places I've seen. The only true vacation would be one where the computer stays home!
ReplyDeleteHave fun in India!
Hope you have a safe trip and a wonderful vacation. Looking for photos on your return.
ReplyDeleteIndia isn't on my list of Must-Get-To places, so I'll be glad to live vicariously through you. The shots thing was enough for me. LOL.
ReplyDeleteHave a great time and I hope you really enjoy it!
Yes, I'll have to make room in my purse for our digital camera and take lots of pictures.
ReplyDeleteWhen my hubby got home last time he had some great shots, especially some adorable pics of monkeys running wild at the Taj Mahal.
We'll be in the South, but I understand there are some neat temples and things there.
I can't wait to go shopping! I love the gorgeous beaded chandelier earrings they make. I'll bring back a bunch--and maybe give some as prizes!
Ash
I enjoyed your post, Ash. I'm sure it will be a GRAND vacation for you. I'll look forward to reading your first blog about your adventures.
ReplyDeleteMy heroine in An Earl To Enchant, which will be out in April, spent ten years in India while her father did research there. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to go there for research so I had to rely on help from a dear friend who grew up there. I do know from Usha that their fabrics and bead work are fabulous, too.
And I had to laugh when you talked about the shots! I had 5 of them before Christmas as we are heading to Africa on February 7th for two weeks to watch/follow the great migration of 3 million wildebeest. Should be fun--or not. I'm not much of an animal person but my husband has always wanted to go--so here we go!
Amelia
OOOO Ash, what a fabulous vacation!! I'd LOVE to go to India! Are you going to see the Taj Mahal? Can't wait to see your piccies.
ReplyDeleteHave a safe and wonderful time,
AC
Wow. I do hope you're going to tell us all about it. I'd love to go.
ReplyDeleteI love reading about India -- so I'll get to visit it, too, through whatever you write!
ReplyDeleteHave fun, Ash, and be safe. How awesome that you get to travel far, far away. I have a dream to write the life of one of my characters, who lived for 30 years in India. I'll remember to come to you for information. :)
ReplyDeleteTake lots of pictures to share with us.
Have a great trip, Ash! I'm jealous, send pictures so we can travel vicariously minus the shots and jet lag.
ReplyDeleteSounds so exciting, Ashlyn! Keep us posted on all your adventures.
ReplyDelete