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Hope this entry finds you and yours all doing well. Today we ended the first main part of our trip - we’re leaving Mumbai for a little while and hence I’m not sure, at least for the next few days, how often I will be able to get online. We’re headed off to Jayesh’s native place, Gujarat in order to attend to some spiritual activities. I have to admit that I’m slightly, well, actually a lot, reluctant because we’re heading there by, wait for it, train (!). From our first destination, an A/C bus has been booked which will take us and 6 other family members to 3 different rural areas. The thing is, when Mumbai-kers warn me by giving me groans and then looking at Jayesh with questions about how I’ll manage, I start to worry a little bit. What is that supposed to mean? Most of my friends will know that my idea of roughing it is staying in a motel, so provided that I survive this adventure/ordeal I’m sure I will have lots of stories to share - with hopefully all of them being positive and “loose motion” free.
Speaking of ailments, I was feeling under the weather yesterday and decided to take the whole day off and spend it resting at the hotel - my sanctuary. I slept and read lots and am glad that I didn’t venture out. Jayesh had the opportunity to get out though and visit with friends he's been meaning to see. While I really love the hustle and bustle here, initially I think it’s best to take it all in manageable doses. As well, I wanted to psyche myself up for Gujarat and make sure that I do what I can to stay well for the next 4 or 5 days. I have a feeling that I won’t be sleeping soundly tonight as we are taking the overnight train from Mumbai to Ahmedabad. Just so you know how high maintenance everyone thinks I truly am (or how well they are really trying to take care of me), Jayesh and I have been booked into the A/C sleeping compartment of the train while the rest of the family will be in the normal part.
The day before, on Tuesday, after spending time with our immediate family during the day and resting a bit more, we were taken out for a lovely dinner at the Iskon Temple with Jayesh’s Uncle Rajni. It’s also known as the Hare Rame Hare Krishna temple. You may be surprised to know that it’s been mostly funded by believers in the US and many of the people there were obviously Westerners. I have pictures of food, don’t worry. The food was very tasty indeed and as usual, the service was terrific.
Right now, we’re just going to chill a bit more and wait to leave for our (gasp!) train. Thanks again for all your lovely comments. I look forward to reading them all and I appreciate them greatly - particularly because I am hearing from home. It’s hard not to miss the luxuries of Canada while appreciating the uniqueness of India. Miss you all!

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