Prelude

India. Geographically the seventh largest country with the second largest population in the world (1,129,866,154 people). When I think of India I have images of this rich, nearly unfathomable history. I also see a country which despite the overwhelming poverty seen among it's inhabitants (282,466,538 people live below the poverty line) is very much a force to be reckoned with on the worldwide economic and political stage. I see a nation tied to thousands and thousands of years of tradition, yet making bold strides to overcome the negative social consequences of certain traditions for the benefit of a new generation of people...and ultimately for the future of their country.

In 2004-2005 life had not been going well for me. I had just moved out of my house and my 23 year marriage. With my laptop fired up on the kitchen table of my lonely new apartment I began to blog about my current situation, after stumbling upon the medium by accident. I found blogging to be unexpectedly cathartic. From that point and over the course of time, I became acquainted with a delightful group from India who wrote blogs on the same network I was using. Most were either working toward their degrees or had already launched out into career; a fashion designer, an academic, a writer/illustrator, a media personality, an IT professional, etc. I found their writing and interactions with me to be informed, intelligent and witty. But I was most encouraged by their welcome despite the age difference; they in their 20's, I in my 40's.

In the 3-4 years since, I have hosted three of these friends in my home at different times. Two have moved to the US; one of these to this city, has recently married and is working at the same company as me. We meet up frequently for red wine and fine cuisine (the best home-made burgers this side of the Mississippi).

You might recall the summer of 2005 as the summer of Hurricane Katrina. However, one month prior to that, in July, Mumbai was flooded by a sudden heavy downpour (+37" of rain in 24 hours). Over 1,000 people died. Naturally, since I knew of several people from that area, I was concerned. I watched the situation closely - and also blogged it as accurately as possible. One of the things I learned during that time was that the Indian people are resilient and courageous. Several stories of risk and bravery surfaced and I became an even greater admirer from afar.

It is in realization of a dream that from January 29th through February 20th, 2008, I will be there. Having the opportunity to experience first-hand the country that I have learned to love vicariously through those who have loved me is an exciting next-step for a life in which unexpected turns have yielded some unexpected friends.