I figured today's chore, acquiring an entry visa for India, was going to be a painful one. When I applied for my Egypt visa it was a long day of being questioned "why am I going to Egypt", the shuffling from counter to counter, and the endless waiting. When it came time last year for my Chinese visa, I sent it off to one of those passport/visa agents. I thought of doing that again, but it's an extra $50. Now that I am happily unemployed, $50 is a big deal.

I took the train into NYC and took the subway uptown. I expected sheer madness but instead found a basement waiting room with an orderly "take a number" system. The security guard at the door, holding a handheld metal detector, waved me through, blatantly ignoring the knife in my pocket!! Hmmm..... Anyway, I sat down and waited.

A blonde lady's number gets called and she walked up to the counter. Right before she reached the counter, an Indian man cut her off and ignored her. She explained it's her turn and the man replieded he missed his turn and turned his back to her again. She accepted this! Well, I think she is going to have an interesting time in India for sure. A young well dress Indian man sitting next to me must have been thinking the same thing because we both chuckled at it.

"Is this your first time to India?" he says. Ahhh, it begins. I promptly switched the silver ring I wear from right hand to left ring finger, "Yes, it is." He noticed and didn't seem as enthusiastic to chat me up anymore.

My number is called, I submited my papers, payed the fee and am told to return at 4:30pm. I have approx 4-5 hours to kill. Fortunately, the consulate borders Central Park and I had brought my ever useful sarong with me to sit on. I found a small grocery store and picked up some lunch goodies, and found a nice shaded area to vegetate.

I felt truly relaxed while sitting under a huge tree with a soft breeze blowing. I've not been sleeping so well lately because I am too excited about leaving on this adventure. Even now, 2 days before, it still doesn't seem real. A week fom today I will be admiring the remote beauty of Scotland's Orkney Islands, but it's still just an idea, not reality. For now though, I am trying to focus on where I am (or was), in NYC, and enjoy my last few days here.