I'm ready...

I received a call last week about my visa. It turns out that I went through the application process again unnecessarily. My last business visa was valid for 10 years, but I didn't realize it. They sent my passport back to me, but kept the application fee.

I also went to the travel clinic to get my shots. Apparently, I didn't get the 3rd dose of Twinrix (HepA/HepB), which was due 6 months after the first dose in 2008. I didn't have to get anything else, because I'm still covered for Typhoid, Polio, and all the required US adult immunizations. I declined to get the vaccines for rabies and Japanese encephalitis. I picked up my prescription for the malaria pills too. I'm supposed to start taking them 2 days before I leave, then everyday while I'm there, and 7 days after I return. The vaccine nurse gave me a long lecture on disease prevention, wearing protective clothing, eating properly, avoiding animals, drinking clean water, etc. I told him I'd traveled to India previously, as well as Nigeria, so I was familiar with the precautions and the CDC website. He still went through all of those details while I sat there looking at the clock wondering how late I would be for work.

My flight, hotel, and local travel reservations have been made. I'll be staying in a hotel near the airport with some other co-workers. I traveled alone the last time, so I had the freedom to move about without checking in with others or going with the crowd. This experience will be different, but I'm thinking it won't be too bad. One of them is pretty cool and we have similar interests. The others are older, but seem to be open to trying new things. We've already started looking at weekend excursions too.

Things are falling into place, and I'm excited about being in India again.

Step by Step...

About a year ago, I was cajoled into running a 5k with a group of friends. Other than childhood, I have never been interested in pursuing any kind of activities that cause physical exertion. It was my first running experience, and it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I told myself that I would start running regularly after accomplishing that feat, and I did run off and on throughout 2010. I turned 30 a few weeks ago and ran EP 5k a couple of days later to mark the milestone. It was part of the Houston marathon/half-marathon events. I didn't really prepare for the race because I hate running outside in the cold, but I still beat my time from my first 5k the year before. I was so elated when I crossed the finish line, because it was my first big achievement as a 30-year old. I was in so much pain after the race due to me being out of shape, but I was also proud. It was a very emotional experience for me to know how far I had come and to see my future (the marathoners). No one is more surprised than I am when I say that I want to run a marathon now. Why do I want to do it? Because I know I can. The most important lesson I have (re)learned as a runner is that my body is subject to my mind. If I think I can run 3 miles without stopping, then my body runs 3 miles without stopping. If I don't think I can run 2 miles, then I don't run 2 miles. My body will do whatever my mind tells it it will do.

How does running relate to traveling internationally? It's all about your mindset. Don't go into a race or a trip thinking about how much you're going to hate the experience. Be open and embrace each step of the journey knowing that each step forward gets you closer to your destination. It doesn't matter how fast you go, and it doesn't matter what other people are doing around you either. Go at your own pace and enjoy the scenery. You will look back at the journey and have a greater appreciation for the destination.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." - Lao-tzu