Heading to India
Melissa and I are going to India on Tuesday. Our plans have been complicated by the tsunami that hit Madras on Sunday. We are undecided about whether we will stay in Delhi for the whole trip or continue on to Madras. We will be back 8 January.
We are of many minds about visiting Madras. I feel like I grew up on Elliott Beach and Marina Beach. I spent many early mornings of my childhood watching the fishermen launch their wooden sailboats in the golden-orange dawn over the Bay of Bengal. Now I fear all those fishing villages are gone. So part of me very much wants to go see what happened, check out the relief efforts, maybe even lend a hand.
On the other hand, Madras will be a mess. Cholera and typhoid are certain to break out. Sewage will be everywhere. Fresh water will be precious. It will be no place for American immune systems.
I am relieved to report that my uncle, who lives just a half-mile from the beach, is OK. I very much want to see him. But he might have no time to entertain us now.
We will make up our mind later today. I hope to post to this blog from India.
Regardless, please consider that the earthquake the tsunami constitute perhaps the largest natural disaster in a century. Many millions will suffer for many months. Please give to the International Committee of the Red Cross. The committee does so much important work everywhere in the world.
More soon.
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