I used to be afraid of this trip. The airplane ride taking me almost 8000 miles from home is a sedative-requiring-I-have-to-sleep-through-it beginning- right before I arrive in the hottest, most crowded, most extravagant and at the same time most normal place I have ever been. I've been told that getting off the plane in Delhi puts one on sensory overload, AND I CAN'T WAIT!
I traveled to Martha's Vineyard once with my cat Beckett. As we drove off the ferry I remember thinking, "Now what?" I had no place to sleep, no friends or family there to go to for comfort, and was surrounded by 100's of people in large groups hugging and laughing. Beckett jumped onto my shoulder to get a better view and I swear I heard him say "Don't be afraid". This trip is that magnified by infinity, and my cat won't be with me, at least not physically. (I'm hoping you guys will be with me in spirit, through this blog)
I want to help our world be a better place. I want us to all think beyond our borders- the environment and the economy are global, and so it should also be with our minds. We can't remain isolated, neutral, and indifferent and expect changes to occur. (...what affects one, has an effect on us all...)
India, with the world's 2nd largest population (behind China) is struggling with multiple water issues including scarcity, pollution, privatization by companies (both Indian & international), and lack of sanitation infrastructure. As I travel, I will explain the effects of each of these, and how we contribute. Almost 40 million Indians are affected by waterbourne illnesses annually, but an even bigger issue for families is that 1.5 million children die in India every year due to diarrhea caused by contaminated water. Don't just read this. Think about it.
I am going to India & Sri Lanka to understand from their perspective what the issues are and how we might be contributing to them. I'm glad you will be with me through this blog (I won't feel completely alone as I wander the streets with my blond hair & blue eyes, sticking out like an American female all alone) and look forward to sharing my experiences with you. I leave on September 6th. Yay!!
Photo credit for main photo: http://www.reasonforliberty.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/water-crisis-india.jpg
