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Published: December 12th 2009
So this is really just a trial to get my blog set up and tested.
It's early December 2009 and I am still 'in situ' in my house in Wamberal NSW Australia - I am still in my job with all it's trappings and pressures (although they are diminishing daily).
I returned to India for a 10 weeks travel indulgence last January - after being away for some 23 years. It was a 24/7 of "smile on my face" experience. I STILL loved the place - felt totally comfortable there (moreso) and caught up with friends I had not seen for 23 years (some for 27 years). I went back to old places (beloved Pushkar and Varanasi) as well as new places (Maheshwa, Jibhi) and met some really great new friends (Anna, Leila, Toko, Surrenda, Soma, Rana to name a few!).
In Jibhi I read Paulo Coela's "The Alchemist" and it had a profound effect on me in that setting (the Himalayas). I knew I had to go home - get organised and get out of the relative mediocrity of the past 25 years and follow my dream (which somehow has always involved India).
Then back at home I was bowled over by an Aust Vols International email (being on their list) which seemed to be all about everything I was qualified and experienced in. Long story - but now I have been selected into the AVI/VSO program as a Health Manager and have managed to get a placement posting in India (Orissa) with an NGO working to support people infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.
That starts March 2010 but FIRST I'm gonna again do some self- indulgent travel in beloved India - leaving here Jan 21st!!
Bring it on.
I'll be missing old and new friends where I live - and my great house - and swimming every morning in the sea. C'est la vie - we'll see.
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droolsma
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On the Road
Hey Paul, shall be watching this space! Love John