Mumbai--Family Times

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Yes, we're behind on our blog, what can we say?!

Mumbai was full of fantastic family times. Reconnecting with everyone was really special. It is always overwhelming to see how much family will go out of their way to take care of us and show us a good time.

We ate until we thought we would never eat again, laughed a lot, and loved all the tender loving care that restored our spirits and prepared us to get our there and travel some more.

To open the photo album, double click on the first photo.

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Photos

Beautiful Truck Door
Some really cool trucks in India, don't be alarmed by the swastik on the truck. Here's a little info for you from about.com:
The Oldest Known Symbol
The swastika is an ancient symbol that has been used for over 3,000 years. Artifacts such as pottery and coins from ancient Troy show that the swastika was a commonly used symbol as far back as 1000 BCE.
During the following thousand years, the image of the swastika was used by many cultures around the world, including in China, Japan, India, and southern Europe. (Robin and I saw artifacts in Turkey that were close to 5,000 years old that had a swastik on them!)
The word "swastika" comes from the Sanskrit svastika - "su" meaning "good," "asti" meaning "to be," and "ka" as a suffix.

Tea on the Balcony
This is the magnificent view over the 14th hole of my cousin-brother's house in Mumbai. It's quite a remarkable location for one of the most crowded cities in the world!

Bhau Kaka and Suruchi
Me and my dad's eldest brother ("kaka" refers to your paternal uncle).

Maharaja Mac
We got a kick out of McDonald's in India because about half of their menu is Vegetarian! There are also neat Indian twists on the standard McDonald's fare.

Unoo and Jhankar Bhaya
We were at a great joint called "Creme Center" where we enjoyed Mexican food with an Indian twist!

Us and Ronald
It's not everyday that you see a Ronald McDonald with a turban!

Me and my Grandmother
I miss her, it's hard to see her so seldom!

Head Massage
My uncle giving me a heavenly head massage!

Three Smiling Faces
From left to right: My cousin Renuka, Baby Maushi ("maushi" refers to your mother's sister), and my cousin Rutika.

Comments

[jeff]

so cool
Wow, looks like you have a very nice extended family. Fabulous destinatios too. Don't fall off the tower! You guys look so wonderful dressed up in your garb. What was the occassion? Well, keep up the good work. Miss ya -- jeff

[CHUCK FINLEY]

THANKS
THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE WONDERFUL PICTURES OF YOUR TRAVELS - IT IS AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME VERY FEW OF US GET TO EXPERIENCE BECAUSE OF OUR OTHER DUTIES ALONG OUR JOURNEY THRU LIFE. I IMAGINE YOUR TIME IS SHORT AND THE REAL WORLD AWAITS YOU - TRAVEL HOME SAFE.

[Kathy Keys]

You look WAY too RELAXED *:)
These are beautiful, warm pictures of family! And the sari [spelling?] of pink/orange is extraordinary!!! And SO Suruchi... Miss you! Kathy K.

[Julie]

Wonderful trip
Hi guys, It's so generous of you to be sharing this. It really gives me the incentive to visit India. It looks like a wonderful place but unfortunately I don,t have all your connections. Keep enjoying your trip and sending mails. I love them. Take care. Your travelling companion of a few days in Africa...julie

[tim butcher]

a world class couple
You two prove in so many ways - these photos being just a few - that you are indeed well-traveled and truly multicultural. To me this adds up to "a world class couple." Thanks for sharing! Tim