Time to move on........

Just about a week left in Thane/Mumbai. Then a few days in Delhi, my hometown. And then it's off to life in another country for a while. I honestly never thought it would happen to me. Relocating overseas, I mean. It's not that I'm dreading it or am opposed to the move. Just didn't think it would happen, especially since the stages in life when relocation generally occurs - higher education, start of working life - are long past.

One of my ex-colleagues couldn't believe that my husband and I had no objection to uprooting our family and relocating thousands of miles away. Especially since we'd moved into our own home just a year ago and were loving it here. Our children were settled, happy. Surrounded by the familiar, with family just a two-hour plane ride away.

But hubby and I see this move as an adventure. A new kind of life in a very different kind of place. A great opportunity for us and our kids to broaden our horizons even more. Too see more of the world. The great distance from family is the one thing that still troubles us a little. But otherwise, we're all very gung-ho about it.

As the date of departure draws closer, I find myself wondering about the things I will miss most. After a while I'm definitely going to miss the din - the ambient noise that envelops every city-dwelling Indian all the time. And I'll miss the colour. I don't mean in the landscape, but in the people. Joseph would fit right in if he wore his technicolour dreamcoat in India! I'll also miss the food, especially the street food. I don't frequent street food stalls, but I know I'll miss them when they aren't around.

What else? Oh yes, free home delivery of everything from fresh vegetables and fruits to chilled beer and cigarettes. And easy, affordable household help. I'm not afraid of housework, but on an off day when I'm dog tired I know I'll wish there was someone to put the laundry away and make me a cup of tea. Also chauffeur-driven comfort. I hate driving. Chaotic Indian roads terrify me. But I suppose it'll be easier on the other side of the globe.

Soon my whole world will be packed into cardboard boxes, caught in transit. I'm impatient to get on with it and settle into the next phase. That'll take a few months. Will keep you posted.