“There is something in October sets the gypsy blood
astir, We must rise and follow her; When from every
hill of flame, She calls and calls each vagabond by
name”
-William Bliss Carman
It's that time of year again, when I start scanning flight deals, squirrel away extra funds, lace up my hikers, pull out my trusty backpack and make sure my travel documents are in order. Then comes the hard question- where shall I go?! With 195 countries in the world this is tough to answer. I have been playing around with the idea to go to South East Asia (mainly Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos). While those countries hold an array of colourful cultures, an incredible history and more than this little nomad could ask for in the way of culinary delights, I'm just not feeling the pull to go there right now.
The Land of the Tiger is calling me! India has been my #1 destination for several years now and I was putting needless restrictions on myself to explore this fascinating, mystical country. A country that brings us tea, spices and yoga, where you can lose yourself in the bustling cites or find yourself on a mountain sanctuary.
I'm still working out all the kinks but ideally I would like to spend sometime on an ashram (meditation and yoga), a bit of time backpacking to see the splendors that India has to offer, do some mountain trekking and perhaps a wee bit of scuba diving and then volunteer for the rest of the time.
I have found an incredible project called Navdanya: www.navdanya.org. A progressive biodiversity farm, seed saving bank and Earth University learning center; a women centred movement for the protection of biological and cultural diversity. I have applied to intern here and awaiting the approval.
My cross canada plans didn't work out so I am flying from Detroit-San Fransisco and then I'll jet down the coast to visit my friends on the farm, in Sonoma Valley! I am really excited for American Thanksgiving on the farm! A few weeks late I'll head to San Diego to hang out with a dear friend before jumping a plane Asia-bound! This is depending on getting my visa to India processed in a month...
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I am looking forward to this journey in front of me. There is some fear, much joy and a sprinkling of relief as I head back to my dusty trail to see what the fates have in store for me next!
Please feel free to follow this journey with me and I will try posting a few times a month, depending on Internet access and cyberspace will power.
I wish you all a big NAMASTE and I look forward to when our paths cross again.
Voyage from Marco Aslan on Vimeo.
