Here we go again with the bon voyage note. I'm sitting at 32,000 ft. today, notepad-ing my blog entry for the trip. This time it's Orange County, then a quick hop over the Pacific to China, then on to New Delhi, India. I still pinch myself as I tell people I'm, ya know, headed to India. For fucks sake!
It's one of those socially 'cool' things to tell people, as it immediately elevates you to important. But really? No fucking way. I'd cut off toes to be staying put in Chicago. (preferably someone elses.)
I've seen enough of the world, and probably didn't time my significant travel period. I wish I had done all of the heavy lifting in my early 20's, as a single bachelor. As I left my wife today, seeing her very unhappy and concerned, it left me immediately and completely empty. I'm good at being sad or unhappy, but there's nothing worse than causing unhappiness. I now can only imagine how those people with kids hate to travel, I'll surely be a sucker for any "Daddy-don't-go's." Here's to all my readers: give a shout out to my wife if you have time!
So now, it's 10 days of hotel rooms, long-ass plane rides, and many hours of shooting video and not sleeping. For those interested, we're headed to Mianyang, a small town in China where they likely invented Bird Flu. I'm looking forward.
I'll wake up tomorrow, work for 14 hours, then board a midnight plane out of LAX, heading to Hong Kong. The only saving grace here, is that I'm accompanied by a colleague I enjoy to be with, and we're perched on the top deck of a Cathay Pacific 747 on the ride over. Should be pretty neat. Then we fly to Hong Kong, and drive 2 hours into central China. If that's not exhausting enough, we don't even check into the hotel, instead working 3 hours before retiring to our Chinese Motel6. Please God, keep the fleas and roaches away from me. Someone needs to start a hotel business in the sky. We'll do most of our flying when others sleep. Wouldn't you love to hop on a Westin 747, or Ritz Triple Seven?
After 3 days in China, we leave for India, and the worst should be over with. I'm looking forward to a really nice hotel (the Shangri-La New Delhi), and a nice day tour in a private car to Ghandi's house. I'll tell him you said hello. Seriously though, I thought Ghandi didn't have any posessions. Just a toothbrush, robe, and slippers? What the hell could there be to see at his crib?
I'll hopefully have the camera out and snapping photos.
Wish me luck! And send a note, it gets lonely at the top.
8 comments:
hey queso, hopefully the next ten days will be over before you know it! hang in, try and eat well, wash your hands as much as you can, and don't touch anything like common phones&door knobs. purell all the way!!!!!
we love you, and can't wait to see you when you get back!!
I agree with Dina, keep washing your hands as much as possible. The good news about being so busy is that the time will go by quickly because you won't have time to think about what day it is, and you will be too exhausted to think about anything except when will you get to sleep. Have a safe journey, and try to enjoy a bit of the scenery and culture. We will look forward to hearing your interesting stories when you return. Hugs and love, Mom
Do you think I typed the "word verification" in the wrong spot? I must be getting old!
Signs! Signs! Signs!
I was wondering who sgklra was. Funny!
L.
Casey,
Yes, take Dina's and your Mom's wise advice.
Sounds like your hotel in India will be a far cry from Sarah's hovel in Katmandu. Take full advantage of whatever luxury is offered, and observe and savor. You may never go back to India again in your life time.
My advice? - don't go near any poultry.
Di :)
So far so good - just took a big shower on what appears to be Thursday morning in Hong Kong - big soaker head trying to wash away 16 hours on the Cathay Pacific flight. Somehow I never had a Wednesday, but I'll take it. Means I get home that much sooner.
Thanks for the words of encouragement. I bought Purell, I'm thinking I might just drink it, no?
Hey Casey, it was interesting watching the Today Show this morning, with Matt Lauer doing one of his 'round the world trips. He was in Shanghai, standing by the water, and his camera shots looked just like the pictures you took when you were there.
Glad to hear you are hanging in there, skip the Purell cocktail, but take some good pictures and stay safe and healthy.
By the way, I got my google talk set up and Paula called to help me figure out how to do it. It's pretty neat, if I can just get used to it.
Hugs and Love - Mom
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