So if you’ve been following along on instagram— you know I’ve had a bit of a rough week. My teeth extractions— as predicted was a bit of a nightmare. I’ll spare you the details, but I feel like it might even be getting worse– but fingers crossed it just appears that way. So, if you’ve been following along you also known the very last thing I said as I went under with the IV was, “I’m going on a trip. I don’t care. I’m going alone. I’m going to Istanbul. I need a trip.” I have no recollection of saying this. The good news is, I do know exactly what I was referencing— and no, I wasn’t confusing Istanbul with India— I just have both places— along with a list of maybe ten others— over saturating my mind right now. Travel-lust for sure. I do hope to do Istanbul one day— and a million other places, but for now, I’m so completely pleased with the dream that is this India trip coming up— and maybe a few shorter, more local trips in-between to hold me over 😉
It’s crazy to think that in just four months I’ll be jumping on a plane across the world to India. It feels like I just started planning this trip a month ago, but the reality is, it’s been almost 8 months ago that this India trip came to life. I’m not sure of all the numbers and back-end things, that’s been lisa’s job, but from what I know, we have a few possible spots left for any late people who might want to join. The photos included in this post are actually from Southern India and we’ll be traveling exclusively to the north this time— but they were so beautiful that I thought (new) they would be worth sharing. Don’t you think? All these photos were taken by Elise Hanna you can check out even more photos on her gorgeous blog. I scrolled for hours— and it got me even more excited for the trip. And if you missed it, Lisa &Rubina talked a bit about their thoughts on the trip a few months ago. But as for me? My excitement jumps from one idea to another depending on the week.
It’s been nice to part of this process— to create and dream up each activity— but it’s also been so incredibly wonderful to find out the extra details that I haven’t necessarily planned— even as a somewhat control freak 😉 I’m learning to live, trust and indulge in awaited adventures. From rooftop moonlight dinners to being introduced to the people who will be giving us cooking lessons— and learning more about the spaces where this will happen. More and more I’m dreaming of the details— I’m looking forward to the homes and restaurants we will visit and the spices we’ll be using or the markets we’ll be buying from. Because while I’ve been busy dreaming up the bigger picture and the big idea and envisioning what I would want to do and see— the details, like who the people will be— from the clay potters to the astrologist— those things were decided by someone else. I’m excited to meet these people, learn from them, and happy to have them help me grow.
You know, to be honest, I’m not sure how the time leading up to the trip will go or how I will be to be away from my family so long. But I’m preparing. (I actually really love all the preparations entails before travel— even packing. haha!) And I’m excited to make this part of my life. This time planning went fast and four months will come soon! In the grand scheme two weeks is not long, but I know it will alter me forever.
Also, I know those of you who requested an itinerary know this– but we’re actually visiting a school on one of the first days in india. We’re hoping to bring fun (and some useful) gifts to some of the children and young school teachers as an exchange thank you for inviting us to their school! We’re thinking anything from coloring books to shoes to whatever! Who doesn’t love a gift from across the world? 🙂 I’m hoping to contact a few companies in the next couple months— but if you or your company would like to donate anything, please do email me! ohdeardrea@gmail.com
Interested in joining me and filling up one or some of the last few remaining spots? Please request an itinerary HERE or email me directly where I will do my absolute best to answer your questions— since my partner Lisa will be on trek in Nepal 🙂 ohdeardrea@gmail.com
read more about the trip HERE
all these gorgeous photos were taken by: elise hanna
9 Comments
India is all of that and soooo much more!! There are like a million layers to the country and the more you visit it the more you will fall in love 🙂
Send me an email if you need a local guide (me!!) if you find yourself in Bombay 🙂
I think India will test anyone who visits… but you'll always come away with something. Enjoy the colours if nothing else. Can't wait to hear how it ends up being!!!
http://www.ohheyblog.com
Can't wait to see pictures!!! Also, I love planning (and packing) too! 🙂
These photos capture India perfectly. It will be everything you want it to be, I promise! You will take the most photos you have ever taken. Enjoy!
"This trip/retreat/adventure/whatever you want to call it, will do something to my heart and my life." – I know it will! And you are already such a beautiful and inspiring person, Drea – I can't wait to see what this trip does for you <3
~ Samantha
i was traveling in india for nine weeks last summer. still recovering. that country is amazing, frustrating, beautiful, dirty dirty dirty, mesmerizing. you can schedule all you want: india will do anything to work its own personal plan in your travel. just go with it. surrender. i was staying in the north as well, as it was monsoon season. i can tell you all about the heat and the humidity and the million mosqitobites and the smells and the flies and the garbage everywhere and the incredible food, but you really have to experience it yourself. i'm looking forward to your photo's and stories as i'm sure they will be interesting 🙂
i was traveling in india for nine weeks last summer. still recovering. that country is amazing, frustrating, beautiful, dirty dirty dirty, mesmerizing. you can schedule all you want: india will do anything to work its own personal plan in your travel. just go with it. surrender. i was staying in the north as well, as it was monsoon season. i can tell you all about the heat and the humidity and the million mosqitobites and the smells and the flies and the garbage everywhere and the incredible food, but you really have to experience it yourself. i'm looking forward to your photo's and stories as i'm sure they will be interesting 🙂
i was traveling in india for nine weeks this summer. still recovering. that country is incredible, frustrating, beautiful, dirty dirty dirty, amazing. you cannot schedule anything: that country has a plan FOR you. i'm looking forward to your photographs and experiences, as im sure they will be really interesting. i went exclusively to the north as well as it was monsoon season. i can tell you all about the heat and the dust and the smells and the million flies but you really have to experience it yourself to understand. man, that country has mesmerized me 🙂
It sounds amazing Drea, I hope you have a wonderful time. CJ xx