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Published: November 8th 2007
Hey Everybody,
Thanks to everyone for thier encouraging messages. We have truly had a rough couple of weeks. I am glad that Sean is safe at home and continuing to recover. Life surely throws us some curve balls. I am in Mumbai (Bombay) now and it is definitely the most metropolitan city in India I've been to. I have only seen one cow in three days and it was tied up. I feel like that is some kind of record. I wanted to share a few pictures from the days that we spent in Diu, for it was a really beautiful place and it was sad that I had to experience it solo. Apparently, this internet cafe does not allow that. Words must suffice. When the stress would become too much, I would get on my rented scooter and cruise the island. There were beautiful, and basically secluded beaches. I met some really nice travellers who were happy to listen and give advice. It was sometimes overwhelming to watch my wonderful husband suffer. He ran a fever for 3 weeks straight. We would rejoice in any temperature under 101 degrees.
When the day came for us to fly out of Diu, I went into town on my scooter to get extra meds for him to take home. Medications are 1/100th of the price that they cost in the US. I got a flat tire on the way and should have taken it as an omen. When I returned to the guesthouse, I recieved a phone call from the airlines. Our flight was canceled, but they wanted to reroute us through another city. They said we needed to be at the airport within the hour. We rushed there only to find out that they intended to drive us to the next city, Rajkot. The trip would take about 4 and a half hours. We were told that they would let the Jet airways reps there know what was happening and that we would be able to check Sean's luggage through to Newark, as well as check him in to his international flight. The connection would be very close in Bombay. The trip car trip was a total farce and ended up taking 6 hours. When we finally arrived, the Jet airways rep told us the luggage would not be checked through and Sean could not be checked into his flight. The reps in Diu had lied to get us out of thier hair. To top it all off, the flight out of Rajkot was delayed. Again, we were assured that once we reached Mumbai Jet reps would be on hand for an expedited transfer from the domestic to international airport and to help Sean through security and customs. When we arrived in Mumbai, an hour and a half late, there was no one to be seen to help us. By this time Sean was totally exhausted and we were both livid. We found the Jet airways counter and descended on the guy working there like lions. We calmed down and explained the situation. We had been lied to by Jet airways reps in two cities. The guy in Rajkot had even written down and claimed to have talked to a manager in Bombay, who was not even working. This sealed the deal. The people in Bombay went to work to help us. We ended up in a beautiful hotel for the night complete with an extravagent buffet and swimming pool. We had earned it. The next night, we parted ways. Sean flew off and I rode away in a taxi.
I was very nervous to be in this strange country alone, but I am fairing well. Tomorrow, I leave for Nasik to start my yoga course. It will last for one month. I am really excited and glad that I made the hard decision to stay here for a little longer. I will keep you all updated as much as possible. I will be home for Christmas and we plan to be in Chicago for New Years.
Sorry for the long winded explanation, but I needed to get it off my chest.
I love you all and miss you tons.
Rachel
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gail moran
non-member comment
Take care
Take very good care of yourself!!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.