I'm Here!

I've made it safe and sound to beautiful Ladakh, where mountains surround you! I am in the process of writing a big intro blog post, which will be posted in the next few days.

Long story short, there is a lot here that is completely opposite from what we know in the Western World, and it's simultaneously frustrating and refreshing.

In regards to hockey, there is a lot of work to do in the coming weeks. Right now the SECMOL guys are involved in a tournament in Leh involving 8 teams, and today's game (Starting in 2 minutes!) will determine whether they make it to the Semis. Later today, all of us are leaving for remote Chiktan to participate in a tournament, including an American team!

I'm definitely going to run up the score!

Anyway, gotta run. Expect a large post soon!

Adam

Day 2 of Departure...Germany

Upon my arrival here at Frankfurt-Dusseldorf International, I contemplated visiting the city during my layover.  Immediately after exchanging a wad of rupees into euros, I've seen the error in my ways.  

Leave it to my continuing karmic retribution to now damage my laptop that has been (barely) faithful over these few years.  Now I have a massive vertical negative color stream running along the left side of my monitor.  Hopefully it is nothing more than a nuisance.

That being said, I didn't realize how excited I was to land in Germany and have the potential to see the country.  There is something fascinating about this place and their people, and I mean that with the full sense of historical significance as history and legacy seem to be important to the German identity.

Anyway...I'm going to India, so enough about Germany.

OK...last point...Lufthansa...great airline!

I've been putzing around with my video camera, and I think it's safe to assume that I will have a video posted on here within the next day or so.  With that in mind, don't buy video cameras from Sears.  Their electronics employees know NOTHING about electronics other than the price of the item and whether it's in stock.

I'll let that sit in your mind while I attempt to bribe a German demsel (is that term appropriate here?) and allow me to use one of the Business/First Class lounges.

Guten Tag,

Adam

Day of Departure...Airport Edition

What a day! After missing a handful of trains into NYC on my way to Newark, here I am in the terminal, getting ready to board my plane on the way to Delhi, by way of Frankfurt, Germany.

I need to take this moment to step back a bit and recognize how amazing it has been getting to know so many new folks. You're passion and energy has been inspiring, and I can only aspire to mimic your generosity!

There are people all around North America (and beyond) that come to mind, and I hope to give you your due time in the spotlight. For the time being, I hope to share this with you and help you see and feel what your support means to these students in one of the most remote places in the world!

Special thanks to my family, in particular my mother and father, whom both supported and contributed in so many aspects, and in ways that will never be forgotten.

Ok...I think after I get some sleep on my first flight, I will give an attempt at utilizing my new video camera, and putting a face to all of this.

Have a good evening!

Adam

Day of Departure...Early Morning

Wow...it's been slightly over a month since this endeavor began, and I could not be more excited and exhausted. I guess the dichotomy is fitting, seeing as I'm going to the country that gives true meaning to the word: India. I have been reading books about India, talking to people from India or of Indian descent online and in-person, drinking Indian tea, burning Indian incense, watching Indian movies (OK, only Slumdog Millionaire), eating Indian food and listening to music, all to help me prepare for this trip...and you know what, there's no possible way to prepare! How do you prepare for 1.1 billion people of so much diversity and history? How do you prepare for beauty and poverty in the same scene? How do you prepare for the unknown?

Maybe I'll be prepared when I return home.

It's still early, and after an intense all-nighter of packing and cleaning, I've still got errands to run before heading to the airport. If all goes as planned, you will see and hear from me again this afternoon. That's when the philosophy starts!

Namaste,

Adam