"D-DAY" FOR DEPARTURE TO DELHI, TO BEGIN THE LONG
AND
LABORIOUS RETURN TRIP FROM THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD,
AT ITS ROOF LINE AND COMING DOWN TO ITS WATER LINE
ON VIRGINIA'S BIRTHDAYA LONG DELAY THROUGH INTRICATE,
REDUNDANT SECURITY CHECKS, WHILE AWAITING COFFINS,
BATTERY-STRIPPING, AND HAND BAGGAGE SEQUESTERING, UNTIL WE FLY TO DELHI,
TO CHECK INTO THE UNACCUSTOMED LUXURY OF THE PARK HOTEL TO AWAIT INTERNATIONAL
TAKEOFF
AUGUST 5, 2001