Nov. 6, 2003-Leaving in 48 Hours

Hi All...can't believe I will be leaving here in just about 48 hours!! I am really enjoying my stay in Bhagsu (a 2 km. walk, about 6-8 minutes from McLeod) and it is as if I've taken a journey to a new place...with the advantage of being able to go to McLeod easily back and forth and I even meet people here in the street who I know!...The hotel is really nice, there are only 2 other couples there, both Israelis in their early to mid-30's, hi-tech types who have decided to take a couple of years off from the rat race and travel the world....they didn't know each other before...just happened to meet up here...they are really nice and I have enjoyed spending time with them....I have also discovered a few REALLY nice restaurants here which I never would have tried alone...both are Dhabas, what we would call "misedet Poalim" type thing (working man's restaurant)....but they have fabulous simple food...last night I ate the VERY best thali I have eaten to date in India!...and will go back again today....

I have been reading alot, watching some TV in the evening, sitting in the sun although it has really turned chilly...even the sun is not as warm as it was even 3 days ago...and it is only really warmish from 11 to about 3 in the afternoon....so I am leaving here at the right time....

I repacked today trying to see how I will get the extra stuff I bought into the bag which is a little bit too small...but there are things which I will leave here and in the end it will work out if I don't find anything much in Delhi...If I could, I would bring back alot more of the Himalaya products, but just don't have the room for them and don't want to get another bag....and am still hoping to find a couple of nice things in Delhi for myself...in place of all the things which were taken....we'll see....

I was quite upset with the way I looked the other day in the mirror, but have calmed down and decided just to wait until I get back to start doing something about it...I have a feeling that the clothes I bought in Chennai and sent home (they haven't arrived yet) probably won't even fit me...but time will tell....

Am saying my last goodbyes to the friends I've ;made here and some of them I will most definitely see when I return...whenever that will be...and although it is sad, it is truly the time for coming home....again I can only say that it is too bad that this place and that place are so far apart!

I found Shira on-line a couple of days ago and we chatted for quite some time and it was really great speaking with her...and once I get home we can use the microphones and she even has a webcam...what I realized when speaking to her is up until now, I have missed everyone the same...but when I get home now, THEY will not be there! And then I will start really missing them and will have to start planning a trip to Uruguay...I am getting so excited about seeing everyone, family, friends, etc. and putting my life back together, but kind of have the feeling that there will not be much peace and quiet in my life the next couple of years...between my family, my travels, etc., life should be very exciting and unpredictable...and I find myself really looking forward to it! I still have no idea how I will earn my keep, but that will work itself out as well I am sure.

I've already made up my list of the things I have to do immediately upon arriving home and so my brain is already on "regular life" mode without my even trying....the list is quite long but I imagine within a couple of weeks everything will be back to normal and I can get on with the rest of my life....

So, see you all soon....and by the way, just because I will be home soon does not mean I don't still enjoy getting your letters!...For the last few days, only one person has been "loyal" in letter writing...all you others know who you are!

Love to all....Jane