10-Day Vipassana retreat (going in)

I'm about to embark on a 10-day Vipassana retreat at Dhamma Pattana, in Mumbai. Two days from now, I'll report to the meditation center with nothing more than a few sets of modest clothing, toiletries, and an alarm clock. I'll be meditating all day, listening to Goenka's recorded preachings, go to bed early (9:30 PM, wake up early (4 AM), and talk to NOBODY for ten days.

I've always been a big researcher, but lately I've been doing less of it. I find that my initial thoughts and expectations are usually correct, even if I haven't researched a new experience or travel destination thoroughly. Maybe I've finally met some threshold of life experience to hone my instincts, and maybe I've just become a bit more relaxed about everything. I know what matters to me and what to focus on.

For this upcoming non-adventure, I listened to an Audiobook (Vipassana, by Shonali Sabherwal) to understand the root of the technique and so I wouldn't have to spend the entire time at the center wishing I could Google it. Knowing a little bit about the history and the basics ideas, and already forgetting most of it, is enough for me. I'm ready to experience it now.

But my plan to spend the next ten days in "noble silence" sparked quite an interest among my colleagues. As a result, I've been forced to consider a few questions:

1. Why am I doing this? Maybe the answer will come to me but for now, I'm just doing it for the experience. And the website suggests it will "put a wandering mind to rest," which sounds attractive.

2. Is it difficult to stay silent for 10 days?

3. How many hours a day can I manage to sit still?

4. Will it be super relaxing?

5. Or will it feel a bit like prison?

6. Is it emotional?

7. How is it to be phone-free for 10 days?

8. Does location matter? The Global Vipassana Pagoda has capacity to seat 8,000 meditators.

9. Are some days harder than others? Am I going to want to get out of there after a few days? 

10. Will I feel lonely, or bored?

11. How will I feel about the regimented daily schedule? 

12. Will I understand and appreciate the teachings?

13. Am I finally gonna become a fan of meditation?