to the portal for my collection of travel blogs known as The Tonya2 Series… I started this innocently enough in October 2007 when I made my first trek to India. I knew that I’d see and experience things that I’d want to capture and share with others – and selfishly, I didn’t want to have to share it dozens and dozens of times!

I also had another motivator: the Parents. Trust me, when your departure preparation includes seven immunizations and a series of malaria pills before, during, and several days after your trip… those important folks need a way to check in and know you’re still breathing. And with the time zones 12.5 hrs off of my beloved Tennessee, I just knew there had to be ‘a better way’ to keep in touch, share the stories, and (an unexpected benefit) have something to do at 3am when your body awakes in a sudden jolt thinking it’s mid-afternoon…

As it turns out, this has been so much fun! Since that eventful first trip to India, these stories have developed quite a following. And when you’re travelling alone in far away places, you take all the “virtual companionship” you can get. So many people have joined me via the blogs — friends and neighbors that I grew up with; co-workers, past and present; even my Mom’s work buddies; and, of course, Family. They’ve commented on my posts, tolerated my human interest musings, and cheered my silly little victories (sometimes successfully ordering dinner can be like winning a medal). They’ve oooooh’ed and aaaaaaah’ed (and sometimes gagged). They’ve followed me barefooted through every temple, watched with joy as I reached the Great Wall @ Badaling and Station 5 on Mt. Fuji, and marveled at the wonderful wonderful people who adopted me along the way. I dedicate this blog to those who have kept me company on my travels. They give me a reason to write and to share – and I am forever grateful.

Safe journeys, wherever they may lead you…

Tonya