I wrote the following on the plane ride to Singapore and it is currently my second day in India. So far, it is pretty epic and I feel like I'm adjusting well. I decided to become vegetarian after being served some questionable chicken for lunch yesterday. I'll write a post about my trip in India soon!

My eyes are immediately struck open at the sound of my alarm, as my first thought disturbs my slumber: Oh no. What have I done.

Today was the day of my departure, the first day of complete independence in a country I am completely unfamiliar with. Oh, God. What have I gotten myself into.

I write this now (obviously published later) on the upper deck of the world's largest plane as it prepares to lift off the ground. I'm frantically chewing gum to prevent my ears popping and I suddenly develop a phobia of flying. As I grip onto my arm rests, thoughts of the plane crashing or the engine breaking tease my sanity. Huge exaggeration but you get the general gist, I was pretty overwhelmed.

A few of my amazing friends saw me off at the airport this morning and after a seemingly normal breakfast outing of McDonalds and Pie Face, the time came where I had to walk into customs, by myself. Hugs were exchanged and tears were shed (mainly from me). I walked through the doors red faced, attempting to hold back tears, although a few fell down every now and then. I must've looked terrible because all the security and staff members gave me gently smiles whenever we made eye contact and one even helped me take out my laptop from my bag which apparently they're not allowed to do. I think I would've had a breakdown if it wasn't for me running into three other volunteers. They calmed me down a lot as we casually talked of what we've been up to since we last saw each other at the YPWB camp.

Did I mention that I have amazing friends? They and my extended family made me a scrapbook. Letters, photos and messages of encouragement and love to help me when I'm homesick. I was and still am so very tempted to read them but I think I'll save it until I'm really feeling the homesickness. Thank you everyone who wrote in it. I really do appreciate it and it looks absolutely amazing. <3

I'm not sure if my independence is starting off on a good note as I found myself in a few embarrassing situations. As I boarded the plane, I was absolutely amazed at large amounts of space and the luxurious looking chairs. As I was dawdling and looking for my seat, a stewardess approaches me and asks if I need assistance. I showed her my ticket and with a smile she guided me out of the first class suites and into the economy class compartments. Oops.

And as I was getting comfortable in my economy class chair (which is pretty good), I realised that I left a few things in my backpack. So I got up and reached up, with tip toes, to open the top cabinets. However, my backpack slid down to the back out of my reach. After a few attempts of trying to be casual and reaching further and tip-toeing higher, all eyes on deck were on me. I think some were halfway out of their seat to come and help me but after a small jump, my fingertips grasped the course fabric of my bag. Embarrassing.

After finally getting comfortable and the plane was flying smoothly in the air, I wondered what movies they were showing for entertainment. I got out my headphones and stared at the screen in front of me. Hmm..where do I plug my headphones? I didn't want to ask for help and look stupid so instead I waited and waited until the person next to me, across the aisle used theirs. And of course! It's in the arm rest.

Although the day started off with a variety of emotions bundled up in a knot, I'm feeling a lot more calmer, a lot more pumped and a lot more excited. Bring it, India! I'm coming for you!

Lots of love from Kolkata, India.