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.