Medications and Travel

MEDICATIONS

We checked with Health Canada to determine what immunizations are required to be save in India. I've had shots for Hepatitus A and B, pills for Typhoid, and will take medications two weeks before leaving, while in India and for a week on return for Malaria. We are also taking along medications for diarrhea, heartburn, zinc lozenges for colds, sunscreen (SPF 30% or more), and insect repellent with deet (20-30%). We are also taking ointments for cuts and handwipes for cleansing. All in all, these medications will cost me around $500.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS FOR DEPARTURE

Thanks to organizer Elias Thomas and High Points Expeditions and Tours from New Delhi, all our flights, hotels, on ground transportations and meals are looked after when we arrive.

Because our Newfoundland weather can bring storms this time of year that cause flights to be delayed by days, our local group decided to leave early so we are in Holiday Inn, Newark, New Jersey in time to meet those travelling from there. It is our responsibility to get to Newark.

We travel from St. John's departing on February 4th at 12:45 pm and arrive in Newark at 1933 (7:33 pm) after a 3 hour stopover in Toronto. Cost $900 each. We are still in the process of making arrangements for accommodations in the Newark area. (likely around $200 per night).

As we all were affected by the horrific events of 9/11, I hope we get to visit Ground Zero. Many of the passengers on the Transatlantic flights were diverted to airports at Gander, St. John's, Stephenville and Goose Bay. Newfoundlanders have been highly commended for their friendliness and hospitality during the days following 9/11. It seems appropriate, if we are that close, we should go to the site to pay our respects to those that fell that dreadful day.

Then on to Delhi. We depart on Continental Airlines on Wednesday February 6, 2008 at 8:40 pm (2040) arriving Delhi India on Thursday February 7, 2008 at 9:20 pm (2120) - the travel time is 14 hours and 10 minutes. This part I am really not looking forward to. Sitting still is not something I do well.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS FOR RETURN

We return from Delhi leaving on Tuesday February 19, 2008 at 11:55 pm (2355) arriving in Newwark on Wednesday February 20, 2008 at 4:55 am (0455) - 15 hours and 30 minutes in the air. We are resting at the airport in Newark until 8:55 am (0855) when we depart on Air Canada for Toronto and St. Johns arriving home at 4:25 pm (1625). We will have spent an incredible 20 hours and 10 minutes in the air in such a short time. I suspect you will see some very tired folks arrive at St. John's International Airport but hopefully with some wonderful stories of our journey.