From Brahma to Buddha, Fall 2008

Things I am leaving behind:
My addiction to my cell phone. My addiction to the internet. All my vices, really, like omnipresent coffee, facebook, makeup, silly clothes, instant gratification in all manners of shapes and sizes. These are things I formerly and hyperbollically thought I could not live without, but once separated from them, I do feel lighter and more content. However, the separation from my family and friends was, on the train at least, not as easy to deal with. (The amazing people and new friends I have found here help a lot though.)

Things I am bringing with me:
Forty pounds of gear, either crammed into or hanging off of an orange backpack almost as big as I. Pictures of people who I care about, and who care about me. The good wishes and support that these people have given me, too. I am bringing a fountain pen that leaves stains on my right thumb and middle finger, a fancy leather notebook, and all my writerly pretensions. I am bringing 8 GB of music and 14 GB of camera memory. I am bringing Doug Bernstein, who shares a hometown and 12 years of school acquaintance with me.
Also with me I bring a sense of adventure, and bundles of preconceived notions I won't even notice I have until they are shattered.

I am having a wonderful time already, although I can't wait to get to India and start living like I've never lived before! I love everyone I've met- the place is brimming with optimism, enthusiasm and friendship. It's a shame that we'll lose half of the group here to Morocco, but I really appreciate the chance to have made contact with such amazing people first.