Nothing says Happy 2010 like some 90s Pop Classics

So apparently, you can’t book the VIP area of a Visag Disco on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve. Who knew?

Our host family, who I will speak plenty of in future posts, wanted to throw us travelers a proper New Year’s bash after the planes, trains and automobiles we took to visit their town. The days were a whirlwind, but by the time the 31st rolled around, our team was beginning to feel like family.

There was 13 of us in all. I was one of two guys; the other, Will Noon, is drummer for Straylight Run out of Long Island, NY.

Music Monday: Visit Starlight Run’s Myspace Page
for a free download.

Safe to say, the two of us were a tad bit relieved knowing we wouldn’t be fending off a bunch of club-going guys from our group of 11 attractive&white young ladies.

Instead our hosts, Vijay and his son Prem, threw us a party on their rooftop.

The open-air third story of their home was quickly transformed to the most happening party in the whole state of Andhra Pradesh. Vijay’s wife lined the table with chips and (mostly ignored) cheap Indian beer, and Prem brought out his CD player.

The evening started with some classic Kenny G, but when it was time to crank up the volume, Prem switched the disc to the best party mix he had: “English Pop Songs” — the best hits of the 90s you wish you’d forgotten about.

Truth be told, though, our group had a blast twisting and shouting to some Britney, Backstreet Boys, and Crazy Frog. Ah, the 90’s.

Let it be known: Nothing says Happy 2010
like some 90s Pop Classics.

It certainly helped that our group was filled to the brim with some zaney people (and I, of course, can’t exclude myself from that list). In years past, Prem was a dance choreographer so I took to the floor after learning a few Bollywood dance moves.

But I was in good company. Don’t believe me? Here’s Abigail and Lindley serenading me (at least that’s what I tell myself) while we held on for our lives in India’s street traffic.

Maybe I’ll get to one of those New Year’s Resolution posts. Frankly, I’m a bit scared to do so. I waited til May last year, and 12 weeks later I was on a plane to Taiwan, accomplishing at least 2 resolutions I jotted down.

Looking forward, the future is anything but clear. I guess I should count it joy that my next year can promise to be as adventurous as my last. It was Jesus who said “Don’t worry about your life,” wasn’t it? I’m fighting to keep that mindset paramount. No matter what, this year promises to be a big one for me. If I learned anything in India, it’s that the trip is just the beginning. Last year, with all its trials and travels, is just the beginning. The Journey doesn’t end when you’ve reached a rest stop, or checked off another line from your bucket list.

Music Monday: Remember to check out Straylight Run!

[Photo Credit: All photos graciously stolen from Dianna Anderson's Facebook page. Click any photo to see her blog on India]