Back!

Although travel has become increasingly accessible over the last few decades it is still taxing. Even more taxing still is traveling on a budget. This is where I find myself.

I flew out of Los Angeles at 7 am on monday morning. Said goodbye to the city that can rivals all others in both "green consciousness" and pollution and made my way to Atlanta. I spent only a few hours in Atlanta, the majority of which was trying to get access to my bag that had been checked through to Johannesburg. I had planned to carry the bag on, but at the last minute they made me check it. I had over $200 in it, and the keys to my apartment- both of which I was sure would be stolen in Johannesburg (they were). Long story short they would not let me get it. So I took off my belt, shoes, hoodie, ipod, removed my phone, change, opened my bag, removed my laptop and waited in line to go through security (again). I flew out of Atlanta Monday evening, arriving in Johannesburg over 15 flying hours later (not including time change). The entire flight I just wanted to be in India. I didnt want to read, or watch a movie, or sleep- I just wanted to be in India. Unfortunately for me, this didnt speed up the flight.

Half way through as I was staring off into space a woman in front of me passed out and fell down in the aisle. I looked around and everyone was asleep and the flight attendants were in the back. I didn't really think much, I just unbuckled, knocked my "personal t.v." to the side, nearly tripped over the blanket and dropped the books and ipod that were in my lap before reaching her (10 feet from me). As I got to her I realized "oh crap, I have no idea what to do," so i did the only thing I could remember from first aid/CPR class 5 years ago- ask her if she can hear me. She could and thankfully thats when someone intelligent came up and I could sink back to the haven of my media induced coma.

I arrived in Johannesburg and had a 6 hour layover. In line I met a guy my age named Omar. He was a malay guy who was getting his masters degree in Islamic Studies in Durban. Cool kid, very devout muslim, good talk. From there I flew to Doha Qatar where I endured a riveting 14 hour layover. At one point I fell asleep in a chair with my cheek pressed up against the abnormally high armrest. I woke up literally 8 hours later. I had actually some how cut the inside of my cheek with my teeth while I was asleep and had a huge sore inside (there is still an incision I strangely enough feel the need to stick my tongue in from time to time).

From there got on the most "culturally charged" flight of my journey. Doha to Hyderabad. This flight was quite chaotic as most of the people did not see the need to sit in their assigned seats. They figured we should function on a first come first serve basis. This lead to making the (tiny) aisle walk way a 2-way street. good times. I landed, and got home at 5 am today (thursday). It is now 11:37 am and I am ready for bed.

All that to say- I made it. I am back [finally]. If I was made of cash I would have flown direct from the states, but... im not.

peace,


r