The first big step

Well I have finally fixed my dates for travel. I decided I needed a week before travelling, just to get all domestic things in order, so I've taken enough leave to allow for that. Living on a small rural property has its disadvantages when it comes to preparing for extended journeys: water supplies must be checked, weeds suppressed, fences etc checked and repaired. On the other hand it does mean I can personally grow the trees to offset the CO2 from the flights! Not ideal, but I couldn't find a ship (or the time) going my way.
So far I've had two internet contacts initially interested in joining my journey - both US citizens. But for one, it seemed too strenuous, and a bit too untypical of India, and for the other the timing has turned bad due to the US financial problems. Still, I feel grateful to them for their correspondence and encouragement.
A friend who I've known almost since I began teaching ( and that's a Loooong time) has indicated she might meet me in India as part of a round the world trip, so it seems I'll have at least one other person when it comes to applying for a permit into Arunachal Pradesh. Perhaps the Indian tour contacts will be able to add some more people, or maybe others will contact me closer to the time.
Ahhh, yes: the time!
I'm going to take a week relaxing either on an island or the hills of Thailand before arriving in India - I think I need to be relaxed and in the holiday mood before the challenges of arriving in Kolkatta at MIDNIGHT! It seems the cheapest Thai flights always arrive there at that time! Oh well, maybe the airport might be a BIT less busy?
So, the flight is booked to arrive in Kolkatta 9th April and I have until the 29th May until I fly out again...hopefully plenty of time to explore some of the exotic Northeast states of India.
Travel insurance is purchased, and now I just have to get the all-important visa!, sort out money, and also start thinking about accommodation for the first couple of days in Kolkatta until I "find my feet".

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