We left our hostel at a quarter to 7. Waiting in the madness that is Indian traffic, we grew anxious to reach the station, as our train was due to leave at 7. Stressed and sweaty we ran into the station.Finally reaching the monitor, we were informed our train was delayed 7 hours. having our adrenaline depleted, we sat restless in the nearly vacant train station. For what felt like an eternity we waited, Our souls slowly being sucked from our bodies, as the boredom overtook us. I leaned my zombified body against the railing in search of any sleep. Alas, I found none. in a sudden burst of noise, my soul leapt back into my uninhabited body, as a homeless man yelled to one of my travel partners. A bundle of peacock feathers in hand he spoke in Hindi, asking for what we assumed to be money. Flicking our wrists we signaled him to move along, as we had none. Growing in persistence and noise he began to swat at us with his feathers. 

    For 5 minutes the man persisted to swat, jab, and yell at us. Tired, annoyed, and patience running thin, I was ready to "drop" this guy. In a split second the man lunged his bundle at Jadan’s face, poking her in the eyes. “ow!” she screamed, as he caused her some pain. Nearly “loosing me cool” a group of friendly Indiansshove the man away, yelling at him to stop bothering us. I was so relieved, how could this man be so horrible? As we waited, my fatigue and anger began to simultaneously rise. Finally the train arrived, and we were on our way to our next destination. I had found the sleep I was so desperate to find. Refreshed I awoke with a sense of guilt on my conscience. I mulled over the terrible thoughts that took control of my mind, about the man from the previous night. I was so ready to beat the hell out of him. I had so quickly become accustomed to the immense poverty in this land I forgot to put myself in his shoes. Day after day he lives with less than nothing, seeing “rich” westerners with their nice cloths and cameras marvel at his land while only barely surviving in some of the worst conditions in the world.  After years of living in such conditions, its no wonder how one could snap. This is the heartbreak of the “accident of latitude” He, and most living in poverty, did not ask for the life they were given, they did not make bad decisions putting them in their circumstances, they were simply born into a “lower caste.” Visiting India was a humbling experience, and reminded me how fortunate I am to have been born into a society where I can pursue my dreams, and make the best of my life… Namaste.

    As you may know I am embarking on a 3 and a half month trip across a few different countries. this trip has changed so many times, its kinda insane. I feel fairly confident in this final itinerary. So to shed some light on the subject Ill go through it with you. I left for Massachusetts about a week ago, and leave for Iceland on the 1st of October (arriving on the 2nd). most of my time here has been visiting family, but also a bit of sight seeing. once In Iceland I will meet up with 3 girls, and we will be touring the country for two weeks. most of this will consist of driving and camping as well as doing photoshoots for hostels and coffee shops, and over all taking in the breathtaking country. From Reykjavik Iceland two of the friends will return home, and leave just one friend and I to continue on. As we see them off we take off to Bergen Norway. this is only a short stopover, lasting about 6 days. Bergen is the unofficial Fjord capital of Norway and Norway’s second biggest city, needless to say we will be touring the city as well as visiting the amazing Fjords. After this we fly to Moscow Russia, where we will stay for 10 days. while here we will hopefully visit the other amazing city of St. Petersburg. 

    After Moscow we shake it up a bit and head to Asia. specifically New Delhi India, where we are melted by the celebration of Diwali (a festival of lights). not only are we met by an amazing festival but we are also meting another friend for the time we are there. After two weeks of visiting North India I depart from the group and head out on my own. I will fly to Chang Mai, Thailand, to celebrate yet another festival of lights known as Yi Peng. ons five days here and off to Kathmandu Nepal, to meet up with a group of missionaries slash friends of friends. unfortunately my time here will not include the hike to base camp Mount Everest. There’s just simply not enough time. from Nepal, I fly to join my sister in Osaka Japan for one week. After spending time there I will fly back south to Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. after all that, I will fly home for christmas and to plan my next journey. If anyone wants to meet up at any point feel free to contact me, I am very open to meeting people wherever and whenever. 

    This is just a rough outline and extremely subject to change, but thats the plan for now. Ill be posting every week with updates, fresh pictures for you to enjoy, and stories of my upcoming/ongoing travels. anyway enjoy the little gif I made you! :)