Dr. Josh Gellers
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Day 10: Back Again

4/5/2013

29 Comments

 
On my last day in Sri Lanka, I visited the US Agency for International Development before going to Bandaranaike International Airport. All I wanted was to obtain a couple pamphlets and let my presence, albeit belated at this point, be known by a local arm of my government. Although I was granted entrance after clearing security and handing over my cellphone, I was only able to visit the library. If I wanted pamphlets, apparently I would have to schedule a meeting with someone and gain official approval. The costs simply exceeded the benefits of such a course of action, so I decided to cut my losses and return to my hotel to write before leaving in the early afternoon.

My journey back to the United States took a total of 35 hours in transit from the time I jumped in a hotel cab to reach the airport until the moment I stepped onto US soil. As penance for choosing an inexpensive flight, I traveled from Sri Lanka to Chennai, India (where I had a 6 hour layover and was herded with several others into the immigration area, as if the airport had never before dealt with passengers who needed to go in different directions upon landing in India. At least they gave me a free Indian vegetarian meal for my troubles), then to Singapore (where I spent my hour-long layover shuttling back and forth between terminals in an attempt to obtain my boarding pass which I had not been given when I checked into Air India back in Sri Lanka), then South Korea (where I had to alight, pass through security again, and return to the same plane), and finally San Francisco, California (where reintegration was quick, and my bag arrived as intact as I did). I made several new acquaintances along the way, including an American-Argentinian ex-pat couple living in Chennai and a Mexican pianist who wanted to study the intersection of music and literature. Although it was an intense one-and-a-half days of travel, I made it safely back to the United States, my wallet now full of useless currency and my stomach full of several different types of Asian cuisine.

It has been quite a trip, and yet I have more traveling ahead in the immediate future- conferences in San Francisco and Chicago in back-to-back weeks, and a workshop on environmental rights at Yale two weeks later. During this time I will transcribe my interviews and follow up with my respondents to ensure the accuracy of their statements and afford them the opportunity to make any clarifications.

Thanks for following my adventures in Sri Lanka and feel free to email me with any comments or questions you may have at josh.gellers@gmail.com. You can also follow me on Twitter: @JoshGellers. Take care everyone, and remember to be safe and enjoy your life no matter where your journeys may take you!
Picture
Free food for a weary traveler in Chennai, India.
29 Comments
Gayle Spinell Gellers
4/4/2013 12:00:06 pm

This method of following your journey has been wonderful and reassuring at the same time. You are articulate, insightful, tenacious and courageous. I am proud. Thank you for sharing this adventure with all of us.

Reply
Paul Gellers
4/4/2013 03:49:12 pm

Welcome home! Thanks for taking the time to paint such vivid pictures with your words (and great photos,) allowing us to step outside the everyday realities we take for granted and vicariously sample another world and it's culture. You have wonderful memories (immortalized on the internet) to carry with you. I have no doubt this adventure will have fulfilled your research goals as well. All in all, and adventure well worth it.

Reply
hotels near apollo hospital link
3/30/2014 09:39:32 pm

Hotel oriental inn is most strategically located near to U.S Consulate and in the heart of the city, opposite the Dr.agarwal eye hospital, Just 3km from both Central and Egmore Railway Station, close to the Marina Beach.

Reply
Best restaurent link
5/31/2014 01:32:44 am

nice posts

Reply
Star Hotels link
6/5/2014 11:02:41 pm

nice posts

Reply
Piccadilly Grand link
3/22/2022 05:34:31 am

What a good read. Keep the articles coming!

Reply
AMO Residence link
6/13/2022 03:31:11 am

What an interesting photo. Must be delicious

Reply
LIV @ MB link
6/13/2022 03:32:15 am

I'm ready to travel to these places just for the food!!

Reply
Watergardens Condo link
6/13/2022 03:41:37 am

Canberra is also a nice place to visit for Indian food

Reply
Dairy Farm Residences link
6/13/2022 03:43:53 am

This cusine is asia is known for its spiciness

Reply
Kopar At Newton link
6/13/2022 03:54:07 am

I will love to visit this place someday

Reply
Property Agent Career link
6/13/2022 04:02:20 am

HOw about some love for teaching and eating?

Reply
Clavon link
6/13/2022 04:05:36 am

What you need to know about food a clementi india

Reply
Penrose link
6/13/2022 04:09:45 am

What in the east of Singapore can we get similar indian dishes

Reply
One North Eden link
6/13/2022 04:16:44 am

THis is it! LAst Dish of the day!

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Lentor Modern link
8/5/2022 02:45:19 am

This is going to be fun!

Reply
AMO Residence showflat link
8/5/2022 02:46:18 am

This is the place where we see all the models

Reply
LIV @ MB showflat link
8/5/2022 02:49:18 am

Where the bedroom layout is obvious in touch and feel

Reply
Piccadily Grand showflat link
8/5/2022 02:56:27 am

Sales Gallery is now open for visits

Reply
Watergardens Canberra Showflat link
8/5/2022 03:01:47 am

This canberra residence is near MRT lines and the latest expressway to town

Reply
Dairy Farm Residences Details link
8/5/2022 03:08:58 am

the specific information about the Dairy Farm estate latest condominium

Reply
Details Of Clavon link
8/5/2022 03:14:31 am

know all about the Clementi new residence here

Reply
Be A Great Property Agent link
8/5/2022 03:30:19 am

some tips to go from good to great

Reply
Lentor Modern Location link
8/5/2022 03:58:41 am

It's easy to find really

Reply
The Botany At Dairy Farm link
2/6/2023 11:10:27 pm

How do you find a good deal in Singapore

Reply
Lentor hills residences link
2/6/2023 11:12:07 pm

The northern attraction of 2023

Reply
Blossoms by the park link
2/6/2023 11:13:48 pm

One-north is getting a boost In attractiveness

Reply
One bernam link
2/6/2023 11:15:07 pm

Tanjong pagar highlight in q1 of this year

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Jadescape link
2/6/2023 11:17:41 pm

Come to newly built major condominium in Bishan

Reply



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