Our catamaran, Zen, has been left in the fine and capable hands of New Zealand maritime specialists at Friendship Yachts in Whangarei. Her mini-makeover is almost complete. For the holidays, we detached ourselves from our home down under, and began moving towards our US homeland. Never able to do anything the easy way, we set off on an adventure of heritage. Instead of flying back over the Pacific, we opted to travel westward, by way of India, to allow Cammi and Cole the special opportunity of meeting their first cousins, aunts and uncles in New Delhi. Plus, my cousin was getting married...big fat Indian wedding! Oh yes, we'll go west for sure. But, it wasn't in our predetermined fate to be there for the ceremony. In Bangkok, we were halted at the gate upon check-in for lack of valid Indian tourist Visas. Of course, it was Friday afternoon and everything was already closed for the weekend. Burgess family settled in for a few days in Bangkok to await the opening of the Indian Embassy. It started as a disappointing delay, but quickly evolved into a welcomed adventure, including traditional dance, foods, river tours, market photo opps, and did I mention food? On Monday morning, we went from Indian Embassy to American Embassy back to Indian Embassy and finally to the airport without a minute to spare.

New Delhi, Agra (Taj Mahal) and my family welcomed us with open arms and wide smiles. This is my 4th visit to India, but Tom, Cammi and Cole's premier. So far, it has proved to be everything they dreamed it would be and much more. I know my dad is looking down at us and bursting with joy, seeing heritage, family ties, and rituals transferred to the next generation. What a life-long gift this journey has been.