Blogs from Maharashtra, India, Asia - page 139

I'm leaving my home today. It will be a few days with relatives, then I fly to Mumbai on Sunday. Took the malaria medicine a few days ago. It made me drowsy, but that's it. I'm just finishing my final packing. It will be 86 degrees when I get to Mumbai, which is roughly 80 degrees warmer than it was here 2 days ago. Plans are starting to take shape. It looks like Kerala is out due to the high prices. Never tell them you have an American coming along if you want a good price. Outsiders are presumed rich and charged more. So, we are looking at staying with a friend in Jaipur, or going to Sri Lanka. We are also having a new year's party in Mumbai and renting a banquet hall. ... read more

Hi Everyone!! After a hectic period of travel I am safe and (relatively) healthy in Pune. Pronounced "Poona", it is about 4 hours by train south-east of Mumbai (Bombay). After finishing my last entry in Jaisalmer, I hurried to catch the bus from the main circle a few minutes from the hotel. I was so sad to leave Shahi Palace that I just about cried! I also feel bad for leaving in such a rush - I really wish I'd said better goodbyes. I immediately missed the company of Gareth and Tracey, and suddenly I felt quite lonely. Amidst the great confusion of yelling men and animals and dust I climbed onto a bus bound for Amdehbad. Aboard, I found that I was the only foreigner, and the only woman. Only 3 or 4 people knew ... read more

Geo: 19.048, 73.0828While traveling, it is always interesting for us to note what Western influences have crept into a country. In Taipei it is the 7-11s on every street corner; Starbucks has staked a claim in Thailand; and of course, McDonalds and fast food is everywhere. It is not too surprising that western influence can also be found in India.I'm embarrassed to admit it, but yes, I had to watch Indian Idol. It was all the advertising! For those of you who have watched American Idol, this is the same show, but with Bollywood tunes being belted out. Of course it was in Hindi, but I got the gist of who made it to the next round and who didn't. Advertising for Indian Idol is all over town on the billboards, magazines and newspapers. It seems ... read more

Until I got here, I didn’t realize how much hotter and more humid Mumbai was compared to the other Indian cities where I have been. Elsewhere, air conditioning was not necessary - not so in Mumbai. Although it gets a little below 70 degrees at night, the humidity continues on… To bring you up-to-date on my trip, the air flight from Kolkata to Mumbai when without any incident. Air Deccan (the Indian cheapo airline) gave me good service. They had me worried as it seemed impossible to call them on the phone. Any way, I made it to my hotel (Residency Hotel) about 11:45 PM on Tuesday. For some reason or other, there are no prepaid taxis from the domestic airport here in Mumbai. Thus, my taxi driver tried to insist I should pay him off-hour ... read more

Geo: 19.048, 73.0828Here are some random pictures that I've taken just around our neighborhood and at AVNI, our work....... read more