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Published: March 12th 2008
So 2 days to go then!
Having first applied for this VSO placement way back in April 2007, I've been feeling anxious to get on with it for some time now. Maybe giving up work so early was a bit optimistic, but really, this run up period has been absolutely amazing. Lots of lovely people to spend lovely time with, but also, I've really had an opportunity to ready myself emotionally for going away for so long. Whilst mindful that whatever I imagine my life will be like in India will no doubt be miles from reality, having had time to read, talk and imagine all the newnesses of my new environment, work life, social life and indeed spiritual life, has without doubt not only given me strength for some possible 'snakes' I might meet along the way, but it has also given me the energy and drive to be running up those 'ladders' - Indeed, not since I bought the Shrew have I felt so passionate about something.
That however, is the bigger picture, in the last few, it must be said, I've felt a little less than chipper about going away - not negative about it you understand, just embroiled with fear and the odd stab of doubt. Ok, so thats nothing out of the ordinary I guess. I can sit and be rational about it, but that doesn't really help with the wash-cycle churning away at my stomach!
So what am I up to in these final few days? Decadent hard-core hedonsim? You know me so well!!! No, of course, not. Just lots of very chill an perfectly pleasant (excluding dentistry issues!) practical sorting-outy-type-things, oh the glamour. You know, paying bills, redirections, medical checks, packing and repacking, buying last minute random stuff (as if I wasn't taking enough already) and so on... you're captivated aren't you. Well really, this blog thing is about the trip not the preparations, what were you expecting! To be fair, I have been lcuky enough to catch up with some more of you lovely people in the Newbury area, which is always a treat. One of the annoying things I've had to sort out is that my digital camera has bust (yes, my new one that I've only had a couple of weeks!). Clearly this is a little stressy as I need to take it with me in working order. The camera peops have promised faithfully it'll be back tomorrow- If its not, this photo blog lark my be very short lived!
Well, tomorrow, I'm heading back to Bristol for a 20 minute dentist appointment - dont ask, and then just enough time for another couple of hours of uber-stressing in the evening. I fly from Heathrow at 3.15pm on Friday. Thank you for those who've said you'll be thinking of me, I may need your smiliness. I travel with 3 others straight to Delhi where we meet the other 5 who will make up our intake of new VSO India volunteers. I'm so looking forward to meeting them all and having a weekend to chat and settle in, ready to start language-learning and acculturation in earnest on Monday.
Stay well, lovely people. xxx
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Clare Roberts
non-member comment
You rock!
Dearest Lovely Stu, may I just say that reading your blog will be a total joy...you are a natural born writer (which I knew but had never really experienced!) with the ability to enthral us, make us laugh, possibly cry (although hopefully only due to the laughter) and generally make us feel close to you and your incredible experience. I think you are absolutely fabulous for taking on this scarey/ amazing trip of a lifetime and know that you will grasp all the opportunties that come your way. Tom, Charlotte and I love you very much and will be sending our smiley vibes your way on a regular basis. Good luck my lovely Stu, Clare xxxxxx