Now Boarding Lufthansa Flight 8844...

"Anything I've ever done that ultimately was worthwhile initially scared me to death." - Betty Bender

--

It happens nearly every morning.

Sometimes it comes without notice and is an annoying surprise.  Other times you know it's coming and are probably dreading it but thankful it has yet to arrive.

This morning, July 14, 2013, was a case of the later, as I stared tiredly, eyes half open at what was forthcoming.

However, today, was different.  It wasn't all dread like most Monday through Fridays, but
instead an anticipation that presented as a strange mix of excitement, anxiety, and melancholy.  I've only really felt this way in my life twice before July 14th: leaving Los Angeles for college and, ironically, leaving San Diego for graduate school.

Then, before I had much longer to think, it came... Marimba

It was 7:30 on a Sunday morning, and unlike the other two times I felt that strange concoction of emotions, I wasn't simply heading 150 miles north or south... I was going to the other side of the world.
--

After two weeks of fun going away get-togethers with friends and family, trips out of town with my lovely girlfriend, and golfing with good friends, as well as my grandfather, it was finally time to make my journey to India.

Lindsay and I headed to the valley to run a couple of errands before meeting up with my parents to head to LAX.  However, before the airport, there was one final stop to make...

I'm sure most of you have either heard me rave or somebody else rave about what is in my opinion, the best sandwich in the world: The Godmother.

The sandwich named after El Patrone's old lady is an Italian masterpiece, and while I could easily write 1000 words on the significance and amazingness of this sandwich, you would much rather hear about my trip so I shall not digress (too much).

After lunch, we were LAX bound.  Some mild confusion unfolded while checking bags and getting boarding passes, but soon enough the toughest part of the day came.  There were a lot of hugs, kisses, and tears.  While saying goodbye is never easy, it's wonderful knowing those closest to me will be there ready for my arrival when I get back in September.

I get through security, grab some rupees, a jameson ginger, and wait to board...

Upon boarding, I start going through the beginnings of the most thoughtful, and downright best gift I've ever received.  My amazing girlfriend put together a book with notes, pictures, stories, and cards from her and other close people in my life to help me not feel homesick while I've over here.

For every day I'm in India, there are 1-2 cards from family or friends, plus a photo of me with a funny or cute story.

 

Fuck, I'm lucky.

--

Ten hours, a couple of bad movies, and two scotches later, I finally arrive somewhere I've been wanting to visit for 20 years... Europe.  While it's only for a layover of a few hours, I decide to make the best of it.  And how does one make the best of a layover in Germany? They get a brat and some beer.

Definitely one of the better Pilsners I've ever had.  Soon enough, I'm boarding my next plane, eagerly waiting for a chance to get a bit of sleep as my internal clock is reading about 3:00 am.  After a few hours of shut eye and a few more hours of antsy anticipation on the plane, we finally landed in New Delhi, local time 12:30 am.

I must admit, after landing, I was a bit overwhelmed by the customs process and getting my baggage, so I failed to take any pictures at the airport.  Plus, my driver was waiting and I didn't want to keep him any longer.  After retrieving my luggage, I headed outside and was greeted by the hot, humid air I had been told so much about.  A quick phone call later, and my driver sped around to gather me and my belongings.

The drive to my hotel was interesting to say the least.  One thing I've realized very quickly in Delhi is that transportation is absolutely nuts.  The biggest vehicles have the right of way and lane markers are merely suggestions.  There are even several streets that don't even divide between your direction and oncoming traffic.

Cut to 2:30 am, I've finally arrived at my hotel.  Door-to-door time: 29.5 hours. It's quaint with little frills, but has wireless, which is really all I need.  I chat with Lindsay and finally fall asleep around 4:30 in anticipation of navigating the city in the morning, a morning for which I doubt there will be any need for Marimba...