I can't believe the break is almost over! Its been a whirlwind of family, holidays, travel, friends, un-packing, and re-packing. In less than a week now, I'll be boarding a plane to Mumbai and from there, on to my great adventure in India!
That is, if I get my visa…. I knew from the very beginning that getting my Indian visa was going to be no walk in the park. Indian visas typically take over six weeks to process, but I've been home for less than a month - you do the math. However, we've been more than on top of it and this week is going to be spent harassing the poor people at the consulate until I either get my visa by mail or have to go down to Houston myself and stake out the consulate until they give it to me. I don't even want to entertain the idea I might have to go late (at least not yet).
Despite the frustrations, I am beyond excited for this opportunity! I had the most wonderful four months of my life last semester in Kenya and I can't wait to immerse myself in another amazing culture, make new friends, eat great food, and take exciting classes. It has been about four years now since I last visited India and I cannot wait to be back.
For those of you who don't know, I will be spending the semester in a small town in South West India called Manipal, studying at Manipal University. I will be living in a dorm (called hostels in India) on campus with an Indian roommate and integrating into public health classes at one of India's premier medical colleges. Weekends will be spent with my group visiting various places throughout the region and learning about the different public health sectors in the country. Much more information to come! Until then, packing furiously, running all sorts of errands, and hoping my visa comes through.
That is, if I get my visa…. I knew from the very beginning that getting my Indian visa was going to be no walk in the park. Indian visas typically take over six weeks to process, but I've been home for less than a month - you do the math. However, we've been more than on top of it and this week is going to be spent harassing the poor people at the consulate until I either get my visa by mail or have to go down to Houston myself and stake out the consulate until they give it to me. I don't even want to entertain the idea I might have to go late (at least not yet).
Despite the frustrations, I am beyond excited for this opportunity! I had the most wonderful four months of my life last semester in Kenya and I can't wait to immerse myself in another amazing culture, make new friends, eat great food, and take exciting classes. It has been about four years now since I last visited India and I cannot wait to be back.
For those of you who don't know, I will be spending the semester in a small town in South West India called Manipal, studying at Manipal University. I will be living in a dorm (called hostels in India) on campus with an Indian roommate and integrating into public health classes at one of India's premier medical colleges. Weekends will be spent with my group visiting various places throughout the region and learning about the different public health sectors in the country. Much more information to come! Until then, packing furiously, running all sorts of errands, and hoping my visa comes through.