India in January?

Yesterday received an email from Global Volunteer Network, whom I'm going to Ghana with, asking about my India plans. Had just asked Airtreks Jerry to run my airfare if I go to India after Jordan (also run with Uganda and Vietnam - to compare), so we'll see what he says. Had flurry of late-night email exchange with Jo of GVN, and sent off inquiry to Indian embassy - hope to hear back soon, or I'll call.

The problem is that I need a visa for India before entering - and visas are for periods of time beginning on date of issue. So, if I get a 6-month visa before August, then it will be expired before I leave. And one of my life goals is never be an illegal alien without good cause.

But here's the funny part - the west coast Indian consulate is in San Francisco, but they have a "visa camp" THIS SATURDAY in Artesia (Norwalk - LA). First 400 people get visas, and that would save me mailing expenses plus the worry of my passport in the mail to consulates. Sabine always loves a good trip to Artesia - and we're going to Vidal on Friday anyway (roots are showing! Oh no!), so we could overnight with her/our friend Eva in Long Beach and easily get to Artesia by 9 a.m. on Saturday, have some time to shop and dine, then pick up my passport with visa, and be good to go. What I save on mailing will buy me a year-long multiple entry visa and peace of mind.

Of course, that is utter idiocy - I'm in crunchtime with classes. Have two weeks to read another several books to summarize for my independent study, a 25-page paper for Ed Policy, my qualitative study write-up for that class (which is the biggest stressor - and still have to transcribe and read more!), and an 8-page paper and more readings for Social Inequality in Schooling class. Plus, have LSAT on June 6th to study for - which is killing me. If I survive June 6-7th, I can survive anything.

So, I'll see what Jerry has to say about airfare ... but by this time next week I could well have August-February all taken care of, which would be a burden off.