In the fall of 2010, 23 interesting, intrepid women travelled together to Irresistible India through Women With Wings. The trip was escorted by Travel Concepts partners Cindy Horton and me, Ellie Hender. We started in the north, travelling for 2 weeks then flew south to Cochin to spend the final week in Kerala, supposedly relaxing a bit . . .
The trip was challenging – it was hot, humid, we had some long days in the bus, some bumpy roads and long line-ups at pit stops with a single “facility.” But the trip was amazing. There was time to get to know one another, to digest what we were seeing and learning, to feel the rhythm and appreciate the people of India. There were many serendipitous moments.
During the final week, we were all starting to go into early withdrawal at the idea of the trip ending and the group breaking up. We wondered how or if we would stay in touch once we all resumed our busy lives. One of our members, Karen T. stood up in the bus one day and gave voice to all our sentiments. And she had come up with an idea for staying in contact that she wanted to run by us all.
Karen had bought a lovely ring in India – a large and beautiful smoky topaz. She asked the whole group if we would be interested in using the ring as a way of staying in touch, but passing it from one to another, and so began the Sisterhood of the Travelling Ring. Karen gave it to one of the group that very day and now it has passed through several hands and has ended up in mine!
Each passing of the ring has taken a different shape, has been a surprise (I think) to each recipient, and has been such a warm and wonderful reminder of the life-changing experience which was Women With Wings’ Irresistible India trip 2010. The ring came to me on Friday, March 25 at a dinner party chez nous that included Marylou S., “Brain” Susan C., their husbands and another couple (Barb S. who should have been with us!) The stories about the trip were flowing nicely like the wine, when Marylou presented me with a surprise . . . The ring in a beautiful travelling jewelry case . . . which I won’t be passing on!
Marylou presenting me with the Travelling Ring!!
I’ve only been wearing the ring for a few days at this point, but it has already given me many moments of joy remembering. It has also given me a challenge . . . who should have it next? Wait for the next installment!
Ellie
Well, Ellie, I have to say I have not kept a log of who has had the ring and when; so everyone will have to fill in the next portions. I passed it to my gal, Janie. Janie inspired me so much thoughout the trip with her gift of humor. Humor, along with love, in my opinion is what makes the world go round. One has to have a sense of humor to be in love and to stay in love. Thanks for your twist,Janie. On to you to fill in the next blank.
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Hello India Ladies!
Ellie what perfect timing! I received the ring on Friday by post. It came in a box on a beautiful soap hand. I wore it for my Saturday choir performance. 1200 people saw that glittering Topaz as I sang. Our Bad Romance number also required choreography that I was nervous about, particularly because I was in the second row with a very short women in front of me…no where to hide. The ring brought me great luck…no mess ups, just a ton of fun.
I am off to Chicago for 10 days and will where it during my travels. Then I will have to send it to the next recipient as I am of to Machu Picchu for two weeks and would hate to be the one that has it stolen. India is a long way to go for a replacement.
Thank you all.
Jodie
WHo has the travelling ring? Ellie and I had a few stolen moments at the Port of Sidney where she presented me witha a huge bag of delicious prawns! We were so lucky to be in the same marina for a bit. She had to leave and I had to get back to work on the many preps for our trip to Mexico. Chuck and I plan to leave Sidney Spet.1 ( approx.) and head south. We will spend the winter in small secluded anchorages ( hopefully) in the sea of cortes ( Gulf of California) and plan to return close to the end of MAr. I know all of you have your own travel plans and it is so hard to keep up with what people are up to. I just thought I would give a 10 line synopsis and hope the rest might do the same so we can keep touch a bit. I wish all of you continued peace and much love, Karen
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