Days 34 to 42 - relaxing in Bombay!

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On March 28th we headed to Bombay from Singapore, this was also our first missed flight of the trip. Our original flight was on Air India at 10:45am so we arrived at the airport at 9:15. However, once at the ticket counter, we discovered the flight was changed a day ago to 9:20am and we had received no notification of this change. Cheri then proceeded to have a 30 minute "conversation" with the Air India people explaining that just because they were supposed to call/contact everyone on the list, does not mean they did. Eventually we got a refund and rebooked on Singapore Airlines (~$100 more per ticket). This turned into a blessing in disguise as we quickly learned why SA is considered one of the best airlines in the world. They had ample leg room, attentive staff, the best airline food we ever had (and we were only in economy), and a great movie selection.

We spent the next 8 days in Bombay spending time with Cheri's parents, eating an average of 4 meals a day, meeting up with family and a 3 day trip to a "hill station" called Matheran. Matheran is a quaint little town, located in the Sahyadri mountain ranges, ~ 2 hour drive from Bombay. No cars are allowed within this town so that the main modes of transport are either walking or on horseback. We spent the time in Matheran relaxing, watching monkeys steal food and drinks from the other hotel guests, and hiking around the forest (which according to Cheri's dad was leopard infested). Overall, a great break from our crazy travel schedule.

Yesterday (April 5) we arrived in Cochin, where we will start our Rickshaw Run on April 8 after a couple days of training and bonding with the other participants!

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Photos

Trip to Matheran
The "mini-train" chugging up the Sahyadris

Trip to Matheran
Cheri's dad and mom excited for the "mini-train" trip

Trip to Matheran
At the hotel

Trip to Matheran
Chris forgot about the pool and ...

Trip to Matheran
One of the hikes around the little town - notice the red soil that has now forever changed the color of our shoes

Trip to Matheran
Sunset at Charlotte lake

Trip to Matheran
One of the lesser traveled hiking routes that we avoided after Cheri's dad's comments about the leopards

Trip to Matheran
This monkey is thinking through a plan...

Trip to Matheran
... which is successfully executed as he makes away with a guest's Sprite bottle

Trip to Matheran
We hiked over 2 KM to view this "One Tree Hill" point - not sure if Cheri is underwhelmed, or just worried about the hike back with fading daylight

Comments

[Dave]

Training?!
You have training for the Race? I'm totally not impressed now.