Mark Twain
The night I revealed to the boys that we were taking almost 5 months out of our lives, out of school, work and busy schedules to travel South East Asia, Nepal and India, then homebound to New Zealand and Australia – the reaction was mixed. My oldest son Ben's first thought was “Cool! ... no school for 6 months!!” (He quickly added the 2 months of school summer holiday that would precede our departure). My youngest son Jordan was less enthusiastic in his reaction and sat listening quietly as I continued to talk. The more I explained the outline of what we would be doing, and that we would be doing it without Dad – a look of horror on his angelic face began to grow. This look quickly turned to an outburst of tears. The sheer thought of leaving his home, his Dad, his friends and school for so long to gallivant around the world, to places strange and unknown, was just too much for him to take in. (And I had not even fully explained “India” to them yet! ) Our first challenge had arrived.
Suffice to say that the boys have moved on since that day 6 months ago and through many conversations, reassurances, travel books, documentaries, movies and a healthy dose of excitement - the boys are now “in”. Being “in” consists of the following:
. Knowing that there will be no school for 6 months. (Important that this point is repeated as it is a big one for them!) And wondering about how much formal "road schooling" Mum will really have patience for.
. Understanding that it is best NOT to show their teeth (smile) at the monkeys in India (more in Bens blog about this!)
. Figuring out how many Rupees, Ringgits or Bhats will buy a new Ipod. (Ben has been promising to bring the latest ones back for ALL his friends because word on the playground is that they are only 20 bucks in Asia (?!))
. Having a whole new relationship with the map of the world.
. Understanding the seriousness of “sticking together” at all costs and caring for each other above all else when times get tough.
. Wondering if it is as fun as it looks to ride on top of a bus on bumpy Indian mountain roads!
. Seeing the mosquito as their absolute nemesis (malaria/encepalitis).
. Being excited to finally meet ALL their family in both NZ and Australia/spending time at Nana's place on the beach and learning how to surf!
. Becoming increasingly anxious about all the shots in the arm they need to endure pre-departure.
. Wondering if the “reef shark” is still a shark? (Researching shark nets and how effective they really are.)
. Groaning every time Mum serves up spicier and spicer Asian food to prepare the pallet – and the gut.
. Understanding the concept of carrying your own weight, (hence "carry on" luggage only - and this equates to only 5kg on some airlines. Should be interesting!)
. Knowing, but being disappointed, that we cannot collect
souvenirs (due to point above), but can ship them home to hopefully
arrive after 4 long months at sea.
. Wondering how much hiking and yoga they will have to do.
. Mulling over what the meaning of “volunteer work” really means and aren’t they too young to “work”?
. Contemplating and becoming a little anxious about the sights and sounds of suffering and poverty that we will be immersed in....
But this is the point, for this is the journey. Since before I felt both boys float around in my womb, I knew this was a trip I would take with them. I am so very grateful to the universe for allowing it all to come together at this time in our lives. And I am grateful to my wonderfully supportive husband who will set us free for this brief moment in time, knowing how much it means for me to take this pilgrimage with the children, home and beyond.
and in the soul of its people.
--- Mahatma Gandhi
Mmmm … I too have thought of all these things, over and over again. These are of course, serious considerations. (And one can become quite alarmist by reading just a snippet from the abundance of travel advice on the web. It is exhausting!) But I have decided, that these are mainly fear based questions and assumptions. It is unlikely that I will be able to provide an answer that will satisfy, so I say this: I feel pulled to go. I have done so since I was young – and knew nothing of Yoga and where it’s origins lay. I remember always being fascinated by this country, for reasons I am yet to know. This seems a common thread amongst those who want to visit India. I hear that it gets inside you. Personally I cannot wait to visit a land whose people live their lives immersed in spirit. A place where morals and values are still held high. Despite the chaos and the recent bad press - or because of it. I am however, mindful about how necessary it is to know how to travel in India without losing our money, our bearings, our health or our composure! I more than anyone, look forward to future blog posts from India that will certainly delve deeper into this.
"Two of the greatest gifts we can give our
children are roots ... and wings."
H. Carter
of forms - family, friends, clean water, a comfortable bed, but definitely in lack of suffering and in strength of spirit. That the world is really a small place and that we are all connected somehow. That they return home with all that
we experience lodged firmly in their hearts, in their minds and in the
way they relate to the world. That they learn how to be kinder humans. That they always have precious memories to call upon and incredible stories to tell.
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Our adventure begins August 14th...