Friday, February 22, 2008
I'm going to Mumbai!
A few months ago, I was presented with the possible opportunity of traveling to India for my job. I was excited to hear of this possibility, but I also didn't want to get my hopes up. There's something about my nature that does not allow me to share my excitement until I know for sure that something is going to happen. That probably sounds really cyncical, but I guess it's just another defense mechanism I use.
Anyway, the plans were made official in the middle of January, and I started preparing for my 6-week trip to Mumbai http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mumbai http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/india/mumbai/. I already had a passport, but I had to get an Indian visa along with vaccinations. First, I called my mother so she could send me my shot records from my school days. The CDC http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentVaccinations.aspx recommends a list of vaccinations based on country, as well as being current on standard US immunizations. Based on the CDC's list and my shot record, I needed Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatits A, Hepatitis B, and Polio vaccines. Thankfully, Hep A and Hep B are combined into one shot (that requires a follow-up) and Typhoid can be taken in pill form. I decided not to get Yellow Fever because it is only recommended if you're going to be in rural areas of India. They also gave me Malarone (anti-malaria pills). My arms were sore for a couple of days. The Indian Consulate for this region of the US is in Houston, so I could get my visa on the same day I applied. Since I'm traveling for business reasons, my company had to write a sponsor letter for a business visa. I found it funny that the Indian consulate outsourced it's visa services to another company. I understand the business case for outsourcing since I work for an outsourcing company, but it still seemed a little comical to me.
After obtaining my visa and vaccinations, I was able to make my flight arrangments. I am staying at The Park Hotel http://www.kiwicollection.com/site_link/VIEW=PR005419/, which has received great reviews.
I also met with co-workers who traveled to India in the past. They offerred great insight and suggestions. However, I also wanted to know what it is like to be African American in India, and neither of them could help me with that. I turned to my fellow SBIans and received several responses from people who have either been there or know of someone who has visited. I hope that my blog will help fill the void for future travelers.
Stay tuned for pictures and more details on my trip.
Anyway, the plans were made official in the middle of January, and I started preparing for my 6-week trip to Mumbai http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mumbai http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/india/mumbai/. I already had a passport, but I had to get an Indian visa along with vaccinations. First, I called my mother so she could send me my shot records from my school days. The CDC http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentVaccinations.aspx recommends a list of vaccinations based on country, as well as being current on standard US immunizations. Based on the CDC's list and my shot record, I needed Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatits A, Hepatitis B, and Polio vaccines. Thankfully, Hep A and Hep B are combined into one shot (that requires a follow-up) and Typhoid can be taken in pill form. I decided not to get Yellow Fever because it is only recommended if you're going to be in rural areas of India. They also gave me Malarone (anti-malaria pills). My arms were sore for a couple of days. The Indian Consulate for this region of the US is in Houston, so I could get my visa on the same day I applied. Since I'm traveling for business reasons, my company had to write a sponsor letter for a business visa. I found it funny that the Indian consulate outsourced it's visa services to another company. I understand the business case for outsourcing since I work for an outsourcing company, but it still seemed a little comical to me.
After obtaining my visa and vaccinations, I was able to make my flight arrangments. I am staying at The Park Hotel http://www.kiwicollection.com/site_link/VIEW=PR005419/, which has received great reviews.
I also met with co-workers who traveled to India in the past. They offerred great insight and suggestions. However, I also wanted to know what it is like to be African American in India, and neither of them could help me with that. I turned to my fellow SBIans and received several responses from people who have either been there or know of someone who has visited. I hope that my blog will help fill the void for future travelers.
Stay tuned for pictures and more details on my trip.