My Journey begins for 2012

This year is a busy year with Nepal, Bhutan, India, Cuba, and Africa. I am excited to be starting my journey.

I forgot how difficult travel could be. The day started with another AA cancelled flight, which forced me to add a leg from LA to San Diego to my trip. I am optimistic that my luggage will make it with 4 stops to my final destination Kathmandu. Sitting on the plane I had a sudden panic attack because I forgot to put a nametag on the duffle bag with two Kindle Fires that I am bringing for people at Tewa.; an amateur mistake. I am sure this won’t be the only panic attack I will have on this journey.

This year I noticed that I am really getting old or paranoid… whichever you want to call it. I am carrying pepper spray and a panic button. If you followed last year’s blog, you know that I took some risks walking at night. I didn’t think they were major risks, but everyone else did, so I am now prepared to do battle if attacked. Watch, I will probably spray in my face and help the attacker.

I am sad that Razeena, my good friend in Nepal, will not be there. But I have been introduced to an American that has started an orphanage in Nepal and hope to spend time at the orphanage. I brought toothbrushes, toothpaste (donated by my dentist office), crayons, pencils, and coloring books. Although I am apprehensive that I will become too attached to the children, which is why I have not been involved in working with children in my volunteer efforts, I am excited to help in any way possible.

My primary job is to update the marketing plan for Tewa. For those new to my blog, visit www.tewa.org.np. They are celebrating the opening of their dormitory. This will mean that Tewa can offer a complete destination venue and be more competitive. The best part is seeing everyone at Tewa again.

Being home for over 5 months, I have become fat and lazy. After 6 weeks of Nepali food, I should be back to my fighting weight. I will miss watching the dolphins play while working out at boot camp, but I will definitely get a lot of exercise walking everywhere.

I am now sitting on a crowded flight to Delhi…. It has been 30 hours, since I departed from LA and this flight is 8 hours. I think it is time for drugs and a glass of wine. What do you think???

Namaste,

Paula