Finally Online!

So I made it to India without a hitch. My flights went smoothly, and I was so tired leaving TO that I was asleep even before take-off. The only time I was a little nervous was when I woke up in Heathrow airport after going through security and waiting at my gate for an hour to find the lounge completely empty...except for me sleeping peacefully. Fortunately, I wasn't late yet but it has left me questionning my natural ability to wake up when it counts. Besides that I enjoyed free shots of Baileys from the duty free store and a little extra frisking in Mumbai, and eventually made it to Goa safe and sound.
Upon my arrival in Goa, I met up with Lindsay (friend from highschool) and saw the end of Christina and Nigel's (Lindsay's friends) engagement ceremony and enjoyed a night of food and drinks with their family and friends. They definitely know how to throw a party in Goa. I also got to watch a pre-wedding tradition that involved everyone present taking turns smothering Christina and Lindsay with coconut milk. It has something to do with making the bride more supple for her husband. They say Lindsay had to do it to support her but I think it was just an excuse to pour more coconut milk on someone. I know that would be my reason.
The last couple of days have been filled with lots of great food and quite a few naps while I've been trying to get over my jet lag. A friend of the family took me and Lindsay to a market in Mapusa and to Calongute Beach (Goa's most famous beach) and believe it or not I had a lunch of masala prawns and king fish and garlic butter calamari and actually enjoyed it. (For those of you who don't know, I've never been much of a seafood eater.) The market experience made me realize that I really have to lose my Canadian politeness of making eye contact and smiling with everyone. Following such an exchange we were followed for 30 mins by a woman who kept insisting we go to her shop. People are constantly asking our names and where we are from and it's just our natural reaction to answer. I guess I need to develop a tougher skin.
Overall, the weather here is beautiful....everyday being about 30 C and sunny. The resort where we are staying is great. And my excessive paranoia about the water doesn't seem to be necessary in Goa. I've brushed my teeth with tap water, had drinks with not only ice cubes but also mint leaves, and eaten lots of vegetables. I am going to enjoy these luxuries while I'm here because I know I will need to be more careful for the rest of my trip.

Why the title?

I stole this title from the Rufus Wainwright song, Oh What a World, that my sister put on a mixed CD for me.  Here's a section of the lyrics for those of you who aren't familiar with the song....

Why am I always on a plane or a fast train
Oh what a world my parents gave me
Always
Travelin' but not in love

Still I think I'm doin' fine
Wouldn't it be a lovely headline
Life is
Beautiful on a New York Times

This song always reminded me of Marcia (my sister) because she has done a lot of travelling and hadn't "settled down" like so many people seem to think should be the goal in life.  But she was still happy and enjoying her life, her way, and always came back with amazing stories and pictures. I guess she's been a pretty big inspiration to me, and her experiences have helped me find the confidence I needed to make the tough decisions I've made to get to this point.  I know I've walked away from my "settled down" life but I'm super happy and excited about what lies ahead and I feel ready to take on the good and the bad of travelling alone.  I will do my best to keep you all up to date on where I am and how things are going.  Please write me often because I know I'll miss home even when I'm on a beach in Thailand, at the Great Wall of China or on safari in Tanzania.....ok, maybe I won't miss home ALL the time.