Chronicles of India

India is amazing. Its streets, driving habits, traffic, weather, and people are very similar to Manila. Everyone spoke English; everything was spicy; all the ingredients were present to make me feel at home.

Paradox of expression as it is, I wasn't really "at home" at all. I was barely at the hotel, getting out at 8 and getting back around 12 since we always traveled - 7 flights in 8 days - yay for my frequent flier points, nay for my sleeping habits.

But of all the "chalo" moments of my trip, I will always remember my trip to Taj Mahal. I didn't get awe-struck when I saw it, but when we left I was mesmerized. So much effort and precision! It simply is a physical manifestation of loudly expressed devotion.

At 35,000 ft

I'm somewhere over Switzerland right now according to the interactive map on the plane. I'm blogging from a plane! I just had to, hehe. I've been up since 4am last Friday in California. That day, I took off for Frankfurt Germany around 2pm. Since taking off, I've slept 1-2 hours and saw a full day cycle (day-night) in 10 hours. It's 11 am Germany time, around 3 am CA time and it's bright outside so no matter how much I want to, I couldn't sleep anyway. By the time I arrive in India it'll be 12 midnight there, 12 nn CA time and I think I will be exhausted and will have a very good sleep. If everything goes well. I'm already foreseeing a lost in translation scenario.

During the flight from SF to Frankfurt, I couldn't sleep because I was thinking too much. I listened to my ipod which flooded me with old memories and reminded me of what is now new. My long distance courtship is over. Have you ever experienced both relief and pain?

For now, India is my focus. I have a huge job to do there. Do think good thoughts for me regarding that one.

Alright, gotta go since they're serving whatever meal it is now... I already lost track. =P