About two weeks ago, I recieved an email from a famous Kamloops (hometown) personality, Kelly Barstch. Kelly told me he was leaving for India in a couple of days and that he would love to meet up with us. I sort of had a quite protective reaction upon reading Kelly's email. I wanted to do whatever I could to make Kelly's stay as pleasant and wonderful as possible. Kelly is a really a great fellow and I am very fond of him and I know how totally whacked India can come across for first time travelers here. So....
I sent Kelly an email reply telling him we HAD to meet up, at least for a short time. I also gave him some details about arriving in India at the airport and getting a taxi, etc. Turns out Kelly did not really need my help as he handled everything himself with great ability. And so....
Yesterday, Kelly met up with Marsha and I at the bus station in Ludhiana and we took my Mother's rented car and driver and headed for Dharamsala / Mcleod Ganj. I thought it would be really exciting to be with Kelly. And it is. But, more than that, its totally comforting. A familiar face from home, with a 10 year great track record, as a friend. It not like Kelly and I and Marsha hang out all that much in Kamloops. But, we do have a fondness, mutual admiration thing going on. And, we decided we should meet more. So....
Last night, propelled and inspired by great comaraderie and more than a few bottles of Indian beer (brands: Kingfisher and Thunderbolt), we decided to found a club for people in Kamloops who have traveled in India outside the package tour circuit. We are calling this club the Kamloops India Kingfisher Thunderbolt Club and we should hold our second meeting back in Kamloops sometime in February or March....stay tuned!