Pre Planning Packing: India

India.

I have always longed for the experience of going to such a spiritual land. I knew culture would carve such a deep impression in my heart. The land is filled with a golden blanket of history, and is there another country one could compare to India? India will be filled with sensory overload of  sounds, exquisite colors, and its extremes of contrary diversity. This trip has come in the blink of an eye. ' India will change you forever. I cant wait to step my little toes on this fruitful land, and travel across India for the next three months. 

We talked for months before graduation about traveling. I had just graduated and wrote my senior thesis on the culture of India. At the time of planning my adventure I was in the process of  my yoga teacher certification.  The religion and spirituality are intricately intertwined in Indias everyday life, and I couldn't wait to captivate it with my own eyes.

Visa
 We started preparing by getting our VISA's . The task itself is very difficult so we went through VISA HQ, because otherwise it would about a two months to get anything other than a tourist visa. We applied for a visa that gives us entry to the country for up to 10 years. The entire visa process took about a month. A few sketchy things happened. I got my visa back before Johans while we sent them to the travel agency in the same package. I got my visa returned with many stamps about Russia on it. it alarmed me and I called visa HQ and they said it must have been the embassy... but I never got an answer.. i still am confused about what happened. The good new is we both have our visa's now! Oh yes, and a must is travelers insurance! Getting one that covers everything.  You don't want to have anything stolen, and not have it covered. Expecting the unexpected.. It gives me peace of mind to go on an adventure and  know I have a bit of financial support if I get into an emergency situation.


Shots
Traveling to India, puts you in contact with a new environment and exposing yourself to new germs. It's not just in India, but even being on the airplane. As much as I am against vaccinations, I felt I should be safe than sorry, and get the vaccinations. I was given typhoid, malaria, and Hep A. I didn't get rabies, but I wish I did. I am an  animal lover 100%, and I know it would keep me safe from even being scratched by a little kitty.  I did become very ill after I got the shots for just about a week and a half. I had a cough, fevers, and basically felt like I had been beat up around my shoulders. I rather feel like that at home in my bed versus in a random hotel or hostle in India. It was helpful visiting the traveling nurse, because she gave helpful tips on how to avoid "Dehli Belly". Don't eat food thats not steaming hot or lettuce even off a sandwich! (guess theres not raw vegans in India).  I packed charcoal tablets to prevent dysentery. Charcoal can help absorb toxins and pathogens that are causing problems.  My moms acupuncturist gave her tablets for my stomach, and if i start to feel flu like symptoms. You can't ever be too prepared. Bug Spray is a must.. I am going in the winter so the bugs wont be as crucial, but malaria is still around. Travel first aid kit, its almost inevitable we we will get scratches and cuts. It will be good practice for mindful eating and being aware! A time to practice my Hindi with the locals!

Packing
I have been trying to live by the minimalist laws, and not consume materialistic items. But... sometimes I just love a cute dress, and some cute heels! Not in India though.. Its all about blending in! First- I made a list ahead of time, and bought things over time. I have the Ozark Lightweight Trail Bag, I am very excited to use it. Its filled with pockets, zippers, so much storage! I am bringing a large camera, my kindle since I blog, so I decided to get a  Bag Protector for on busses and trains. Also, with sensory overload, I will need time to tune out so I got Earplugs.  Safe water for travelers is a huge issue in India, our guts aren't use to the harsh bacteria,  LifeStraw Personal Water Filter  and GrayL Ultra Light Water Purifier. They come in handy for many travelers, it filters bacteria, amoebas and other pollutants in the water. Obviously, lots of hand sanitizer! A Travel Adapter  or two is a must- you don't want to shut off any power in a hotel trying to cram your American plug in their walls! We will be sleeping in a variety of different hotels, and we will need to make sure we stay bed bug free! So a silk travel sheet is a must! They are critter resistant, light weight, and they keep your temperature consistent. Since the ancient days queens of Persia and Iran used silk to sleep with. It prevents wrinkles! Take note: I am becoming a fanny pack girl.I will be rocking a fanny holder while shopping in the markets. I think it is important to have one under my clothes, then I completely avoid the issue of pick pocketing. Johan packed a Scotty Vest which has so many hidden pockets, and can carry up to 92lbs!

My herbs & health! 
We all know I cant go without my adaptogenic herbs! What a girl to do!? I can't pack Mountain Rose Herb shop with me..So I decided to purchase Super You from Moon Juice. Since I buy my adaptogens in bulk, I will be putting my herbs into capsules! Very tedious, but I feel so amazing when I take my shatavari, ashwagandha, reishi, Amla, Triphala, Algea, horsetail.. my list could go on and on! Majority of the herbs I take are from India, so I will be getting some shortly after I land. I also am bringing Magnesium Oil. The oil helps relax my body during hours of traveling. I am a huge advocate for mushroom health. I carry with me Myco-Immune, mushroom extract, blend of seven well researched mushrooms. The shroom are in liquid form for easy titration, this promotes T- and B lymphocyte activity. While being on the   airports and airplanes our bodies are exposed to alot of germs, its important to have extra immune support. Shiitake and Coriolus mushrooms help maintain a healthy balance of organisms in the gut.  Traveling is very draining to our bodies. It depletes the immune system, is dehydrating, and we often need time to recover. I will be staying packed with Nuun: Past Formula Electrolyte, they help hydrate you faster, and refuel the electrolytes in your body. I always will have all my mushroom complexes, and oregano oil pills to help prevent sickness! We can only do our best, and pray we stay healthy!

Beauty in Bombay! 
Lot of beauty questions I still have! How often can I shower...Im not sure so I will pack Ethique Eco-Friendly Solid Shampoo Bar, is the most efficient way to pack shampoo. It is a solid bar so no spill, and it doesn't take up much space at all! Side note;I can't wait to try all the Himalayan self care goodies India has! My hair is so thick so I can go days without washing it so Death Valley Dry Shampoo, will be coming along! My brothers girlfriend does hair at Clover&Wooly, she does an amazing job, go check her salon and products out!  I made myself a little self care bag with Vasanti, Rose Water, Dermalogica, Rose oil, and along with more goldensita must haves! I have to take in to consideration the wonderful female cycle..so I will be bringing the Diva Cup. People may beg to differ, but it's the most efficient way to travel. Packing is a learning experience as is. It teaches us we usually have way to much stuff, and planning before hand, helps for easier days ahead.

Ring Ring!
I will be ordering a phone through Trabug. It seems to be the most affordable. The company drops the phone off at your first stay and will download all the apps you want for when you arrive. It gives you 120 min of calling daily, 1.2GB daily, and free calling and text. Also, it comes with podcasts tours about the sights, temples, rivers we will go see to give you history about them. Its only 165$ for two months! You are also able to get a hotspot and attach up to 5 devices, which I used while living  in Europe and loved. You can turn it on and off whenever you want!


We leave in two days to start an adventure that will change us. We will laugh, struggle, cry, and probably at times wonder why we left our lives back home, but we will grow. We will learn so much about ourselves, and each other. We are so lucky to be given the opportunities we have, and the rights we do here in the states. The land will be home, the people will become friends, and we will take care.