Toured more of the Nainital region.  Went to a couple of temples.  I scored a 10/100 on my spirituality test.  The Saatal later were very nice.  Less development, somewhat peaceful.  Indian drivers have to honk their horn constantly when they are driving.  It was really nice to sit on the lake and chill.

Rest day still in pain.

Woke up early to horrible stomach pains.  Tried to tough it out to no avail.  Had Vinkey drive me to the hospital.  As I sat there and wanted to die I was administered 3 iv's, antibiotics, pain killers and electrolytes, I am finally out.  Back to the house to sleep.  Side note, India national healthcare covered everything except 10 rupees for the bed and 100 for my take home medicine.  Makes me hate the American system even more.  This visit in American would probably set me back 1-2k.

Just reached a major milestone in my life.  I finally made it to the Himalayas.  Hanging out at the Bhimtal family home.  Much cooler here and enjoying beautiful views of the lake.

Haven't seen a white person in days, everyone else seems to have never seen a white person ever. :) No police, no traffic enforcement makes for some of the most interesting driving of all time, coupled with lack of road maintenance. Enjoying life on the farm away from all the craziness. :) Oh, there are more woman at a gay bar in the castro, than at the regular bar in town.

Another day at the farm, waiting for some out of towers to come to the farm and try and talk Vinkey into getting married.  Old traditions in India are alice and well.

Toured the farm today.  Growing Guava, Mango and Menthol or mint.  Beautiful farm, very peaceful away from all the craziness of the rest of India.  Took a drive in the Jungle with Vinkey(Kirpal's younger brother)  Saw a couple of Muslim tombs, 786 is the lucky number apparently.  Lots of monkeys and weed growing everywhere.

Air India flight was great, hardly anyone on the plane.  Love it when the vegetarian option is available without request.  14  hours later arrived in Delhi.  No I just need to get to Kirpal's family farm outside Bilaspur.  Customs was a breeze.  Taxi was not there.  I have no numbers info or anything, waited an hour.  Had to borrow a cell phone and call them, lame.  Showed up almost 2 hours later.  Took another 6-7 hours to get to Bilaspur.  India has to be some of the most crazy driving in the world.  No law enforcement.  It is a tool free for all..  No lights, driving against traffic, bikes and trucks everywhere.  Crashed into an embankment, glad we slowed down in time, minimal damage to the car.  Kirpal's mom and dad picked me up at the local station and brought me to the farm.  Kirpal's dad was nice enough to bring me his homemade hooch.  Yeah, u can drink in the car while driving in India.  Had some food hung out with the family and went to bed to get some much needed sleep.

Got to JFK, one of my bags split, had to do a let minute sewing repair at the airport.  Made it on flight on time.  Air INdia Flight 102 bound for Delhi.  Thanks you so much Susan for hosting me and getting me to the airport.  Miss you already.

REst day and pack day.  Went through my gear and got it organized, I'm off tomorrow.

Went back into the city, hung out with friends, went to the bar and enjoyed what will probably my last taste of proper Belgian beer.  Got my haircut from Jen, so I can let it grow back out while in Asia.

Woke up in Bushwick and made the trek back to North Salem.  Down time today.

Took the train form Purdys to Grand Central.  I always love coming off a train and walking in, you just have to stop for a minute or two and take it all in.  Truly on of the most amazing architectural designs.  Walked down to the East Village, bought a bottle of Champagne and spent the evening with friends.  Good times!!!

Flight left SFO on time.  Love Virgin America, easy flight.  Got in late to JFK, need some sleep

Getting Ready - details

Leaving in 2 days for NYC, went to REI returned the Suunto watch which sucked thinking about buying Tissot watch but worried about losing it in India. Bought socks and lighters and adaptors, just miscellaneous details in getting ready for the trip.

REI Run

I went to REI today and returned the Black Diamond Sabretooth Clip Crampons as well as a lightweight PowerDry Zip and a Core. Purchased cookware and camping fuel.

Vitamins

Ordered vitamins and toiletries from Vitacost to take on the trip with me. Getting last minute details in order for the journey ahead.

Linens

Went to Burlington Coat Factory to purchase some towels and linens for the upcoming trip.

More Gear!

My Black Diamond Sabretooth Clip Crampons (Stainless) arrived today from Amazon.com
(sold by NorAm International Partners, Inc.)

Travel Insurance

Purchased travel insurance from Travel Guard. Always a good idea when going on an adventure of a lifetime!

Jacket

Ordered and shipped out - from TravelCountry.com - An Outdoor Research Maestro Jacket in Black. Vital for the upcoming trip.

REI run

Went to grab a Platypus .5L bottle and 20 oz containers, and a Whisperlite Service Kit.

Oregon Mountain Co

Ordered gear from Oregon Mountain Co today.

More Gear!

One CAN have too much gear for trips like this - but one can never have enough of the RIGHT gear. Today - my Outdoor Research Alti Gloves in Black were delivered.