Twelve Suitcases, One Cat, Zero Chill…

Well… the adventure has officially begun.

Just not the way we imagined.

As I write this, Harriet and I are on our way to India, while Genefer, Jack, and Leo will (hopefully) be joining us in two days.

This wasn’t the plan.

We were ready. And I mean ready.

Every single item on the seemingly impossible checklist was done. Twelve suitcases packed. A year’s worth of medications sorted. Every important document printed and filed. Last-minute expense reimbursements submitted. Goodbyes said. House prepared. Pets organized.

Honestly, I still can’t believe we got it all done.

Months of planning had somehow come together.

Then departure day decided it had other ideas.

Right as our transportation pulled up, the phone rang.

It was Lufthansa.

“I’m sorry… it’s too hot for Leo to travel today.”

Four hours before departure. They could have called earlier - we all have the same weather app.

Before I could even process what I’d just heard, another surprise rolled up the driveway.

Instead of the Sprinter van we’d booked, there sat a full 55-seat coach.

Apparently the Sprinter had been delayed, so they sent a coach instead.

A coach.

For one family and twelve suitcases.

I have to admit… it was hilarious. The neighbours must have wondered what kind of rock band was moving out. Credit to the transportation company—they pivoted quickly and saved the day.

Or so we thought.

Then the bus driver looked at me and said something that instantly made everything real.

“You’ve got 30 minutes to decide. Then I have to leave.”

Thirty minutes.

Full panic mode set in.

Do we stay home and try to rebook all five of us?

Do I leave without my family?

How do I get to Hyderabad to start my new job while making sure Genefer, Jack, and Leo can follow as quickly as possible?

I told Lufthansa, “We’re coming to the airport with all our luggage. We’ll figure it out there.”

It wasn’t really a decision as much as the only move we had left.

So we loaded nine of the twelve suitcases onto a 55-seat coach, left poor Leo asleep at home after already being sedated for his journey, and headed to Pearson hoping somehow this would all work itself out.

The next three hours were some of the most stressful we’ve had in a long time.

The airport became mission control.

Lufthansa was searching every possible routing.

We were on the phone with our pet relocation company trying to figure out what government paperwork would need to be redone.

This wasn’t just about changing airline tickets.

Every day mattered because pet travel isn’t just booking another flight. Canadian export paperwork. European transit requirements. Indian import permits. Veterinary certificates. Every one of those documents has a clock attached to it. Change the travel date and suddenly you’re wondering whether months of planning have just been undone.

At one point Lufthansa couldn’t even find seats for Genefer and Jack on a rebooking until July 9th..

Eventually, after nearly three hours, we had a plan.

I would continue to India with Harriet so I could report for my first day at my new role and get us set up in the apartment.

Genefer, Jack, and Leo would stay behind and fly two days later, giving Leo a chance to travel safely while the pet relocation company updated everything that needed updating.

It wasn’t how we’d imagined starting this incredible year.

For months we’d pictured walking out of Hyderabad Airport together as a family. Tired. Excited. Ready for whatever came next.

Instead, our adventure begins with us arriving separately.

It’s disappointing.

But I guess that’s what adventures are, adventures and you have to build space to roll with the unexpected.

You can plan every detail.

Build every checklist.

Think through every possible scenario.

And then life throws you one you never even imagined.

So…

We’re officially about 50% underway.

India, here we come!

India… here I come.

Wish me luck.

And if all goes according to our new plan, in 48 hours I’ll get to write the update I’ve been waiting months to write…

“We’re all here.”

• Harriet and I in the Frankfurt Business Class Lounge…

55 seater Bus to take us to the airport…