Blog #16

This Wednesday, I am departing for my trip to India. The plan is that I will attend school in the morning, and head to the airport around 6:00 pm.

This week will be very hectic, as my family needs to complete several preparations that come with international travel.

We have already purchased most of the presents that we will be giving to my cousins. Yesterday, we went to the mall and finished our shopping.

In addition to studying for finals this week, I need to pack my suitcases. Traveling internationally means that you are allowed at least one check in and one carry on.

So far, I have not packed anything for my trip. I have been overwhelmed with water polo and studying for finals.

Unfortunately, traveling means I am going to have to miss all winter break practices for water polo. This will certainly be a disadvantage in the long run, as I will come back from winter break out of shape and possibly sick.

However, traveling is certainly worth the experience. I have not visited India in 5 years. Last time I went, I was in 4th grade.

I am very excited to meet my relatives again after so long. In addition, I am excited for all the food and sites to see.

In India, it is very common for street vendors to sell food near temples and other tourist attractions. This type of food is called chaat.

In the US, it is very hard to get your hands on authentic chaat, so my family is very excited to go to India and fill their cravings.

The states we are going to be visiting are West Bengal and Rajasthan. I have never been to Bengal before, so I am excited for that.

Previously, I have visited the states of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh is a metropolis, filled with lots of people and stores. Rajasthan, however, is a vast, empty desert. It is common to see camels roaming in the expanse.

Last time I visited, I went to a Ranthambore National Park, a wildlife reserve. We saw tigers, elephants, crocodiles, and deer. In ancient times, this site was a royal hunting site.