The time to head for India is nearing. I recently just found the hotel I will stay at for the first night in Chennai. I have yet to book it. I need to get the ball rolling for I will be in this amazing country for 3 months and I leave in just a little over a month. When I tell people I am traveling alone there is a pause of fear and then an expression of support and awe. I will do my best to be careful. I continue to hear about how it is dangerous for a woman to travel solo. I also have talked to many women who have traveled solo to India and they passed on words of wisdom to me. Men will grab you, follow you, stare, rub up against you, lie to you, ....there are ways to protect yourself. Be around other women, never walk alone at night, follow your intuition, wear sunglasses so as not to make eye contact, wear a fake wedding ring, shame them, dress conservatively (unlike in photo above;)...and the list continues especially as I read the wonderful novel "Holy Cow" by Katherine MacDonald. I am going to be okay. (Especially if you all pray for me while I am there and send angels my way. )
Okay, time to find two ashrams: one in Pudicherry and one in Varanasi and make reservations.
As for Dharamsala, I will find a place to stay for a few evenings and then will wing the rest...wow! The universe is holding me and I am ever so thankful.
