I'm here. I start working in 7hrs.

Hey folks -
First off, I'd just like to thank my followers.  Sincerely, I couldn't have done it without you.  In order to fully express my gratitude, I'd you all to know that if you should come to India, then come up to Mussoorie, then come to my apartment, I'll give you a cup of tea.  (sugar or cream and cream not included :)

Seriously though, I made it.  The staff I've met and hung out with thus far are more than hospitable.  I think staying here is going to be far better than being alone at the Centaur Hotel.

Yesterday David, the driver, picked me up in New Delhi and drove me to Woodstock.  Train tickets were sold out.  The drive was wonderful, a little long at times, but I saw so many great things.  One of my favorite sightings was the monkeys lining up to cleaning eachother.

Today, I look forward to meeting more woodstock folks and exploring the campus some more until 3:30.  At that time, I will officially start my first shift!  I'm thrilled. 

D.

India at last!

I've been in India for a day and a half now.  Its great.  I cannot wait to post some photos of the hotel - The Centaur Hotel.  It's got this huge attrium/lobby area, all marble floors and everything.  There are wild peacocks wondering the grounds.  Food has been great thus far, no Imodium necessary yet :)  In addition, Woodstock and the Centaur have a long business partnership. I've been treated so well here.   

My air travel was not ideal.  I'm trying to minimize complaints, so maybe I'll leave that out for now.  After 34 hours of travel, I've gone as far as the planes will take me.  I'm headed to the school tomorrow morning; leave the Centaur at 6am tomorrow to catch the 6:55 train to Dehradun.   

Next post might be from the dorm! 

PS - If you've seen my baggage let me know.  It could be in Chicago, London, or New Delhi :)

While on layover in London, I purchased some internet for my netbook.  I can hear the Vodafone salesman at Paddington Station telling me, "No worries, no worries".  I'm inclined to listen to him.  

Departure Date

I have a ticket!

I'm leaving Tuesday, Oct 26th at 4:05pm.  If I told anyone I was leaving the 27th, that was an error.

I fly to Chicago, then go straight to New Delhi.  I land there at 8:30pm Oct 27th.  Then I meet up with a future co-worker, Woodstock's newest music teacher, we stay a night at The Centaur Hotel, hop on a train at 6:50am to Dehradun.  Apparently at that station, a taxi driver will be waiting with card reading "LANDSEIDEL".  Lots of "firsts" with this India thing :)

The Beginning and Visa Madness

Well, according to my phone, which I assume to be reliable, I received a call from India on August 18th at 10:36pm CST.  The interview with Woodstock School in Mussoorie, India, lasted 45 minutes and 7 seconds.  Within 3 hours I received an email telling me I was at the top candidate.  I sent my references and they offered me the job.

VISA:
India's consulate has outsourced the visa application processing.  Here was my plan to win the visa game:
Sunday 10/10
10:30pm - Hop on a Megabus headed for Chicago.
Monday 10/11
7:00am - arrive in Chicago
9:00am - Apply for visa
10:00-4:30pm Bum around Chicago and wait for a visa
10:30pm - Hop on a Megabus headed home.

Unfortunately, everything didn't go completely as planned.  Monday I was told I needed more paperwork from Woodstock.  After completing the application and turning in all necessary paperwork on Tuesday, I was told it would take 1-2 weeks to process the application.  I was disappointed as their website says there is 1 day processing. 

Big thanks to my wonderful high school friends, Mike K. and Jon P.  Not only did I have a place to sleep, I also had a great time considering the visa madness. 

For all my beloved family and relatives who supported me, some of your financial gifts helped me pay for the $193.00 visa.  I'm told I get reimbursed for it, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.