It's 10:45 on Oct. 1st and I have officially survived my first day in MUMBAI. It has been quite an adventurous day especially because I have been functioning on 2 hours of sleep which is finally beginning to hit me. Looking out my 18th story window this morning I was overwhelmed by the gigantic size of the city and all of the high rise buildings and the railroad tracks with fast moving trains. I admit - I was scared. I didn't want to go out there, but being the curious one that I am I wanted to see what was out there. So I went for a nice LONG walk with one of my flatmates (house mate) and explored the area. Yes, it was dirty and hot and sweaty and each area was definited by a distinct aroma- whether it be of incense or cows. Once you are out there it doesn't seem as intimidating any more. People don't bother you they just go on with their life. It's just fascinating to see how people carry out their daily activities. Man, we thinking working 8-5 in the states is hard, its nothing compared to the life these people live. Its not just a few people its a good portion of this areas ( as well as other areas) population. So be thankful- job or no job- we have it easy. So as most people know I am very directionally challenged. Now imagine ME in any area with very few landmarks, lots of diagnol streets, and a ton of people- NOT a pretty sight. I swear I will be writing about how lost I got everyday!!! I tried really hard to orient myself. On to the next barrier I broke out the broken hindi and it actually came in handy. Now I just need to work on perfecting it so I don't sound like a foreigner. After my nice stroll through King's Circle, I went to Chor Bazaar (thiefs market) where anything and everything is sold. It was packed and extremely hot and I felt like I was suffocating, but at the same time it was interesting to see all the people and all the items and how they went about doing their business. Oh by the way there is no pedestrian right away in India, let alone car right aways so everyone kinda runs around the streets and all the cars are constantly honking.
So here is the big coincidence... I met a friend of one of the girlst that stays with me and he is Irish. So I mentioned to him that I went to an Irish /Indian wedding a month ago and guess what HE was the MC at that wedding. What a small world!!! He is also close friends to the bride and groom... and of all places I run into him in INDIA!!! Crazy!!!
So in my first day I saw a cow, a lot of goats, a cat, dogs, horses, and some buffalo looking creature- who knows what it is!!! I guess I got my dose of animals for some time now.
I ate some bomb chole bature at a little place that was pretty hip, and I had mango icecream. So Im not malnourished at all!!!
What else: Im exhausted so I can't write too much but all in all it has been quite adventurous. Oh and I also rode the scary trains for the first time and they are not so scary especially in the ladies compartment but these women can definitely get violent. I also bought a US book for 1 dollar!!! How great is that.
So we will see what tomorrow holds. Another day... another mystery....
until then....
