Landed. Mumbai - Nov 6th, 2011 11:21 PM local (+5:30 GMT)
My uncles (Jayu mama and Nandu kaka) came to pick us up at the airport. After making it to a prepaid taxi stand and my Uncle Nandu’s car, I was impressed with the incredible infrastructure changes the city and airport have undergone since my last visit in 2002. The remarkable part was the dramatic way the streets have changed, yet trees that are decades old have been preserved and integrated into the development. The roads and highways particularly impressed me by the way trees canopied the streets. Had I landed by myself, I’m fairly certain I would have been able to manage my way to our home in Mulund, Mumbai. The amazing part is that we could have taken a car for Rs. 450 and arrived in comfort but we had the same good fortune to drive down in my Uncle’s Honda Arya (it’s a rebranded Civic Sedan for the Indian market). Wish I got some currency from the Thomas Cook Foreign Currency booth at the airport but we didn’t have time to wait because we landed. Now it looks like I’ll be going to set up a bank account and ride the rails tomorrow. Should be an effing good time because I’ll get to see the main part of Mumbai with my cousin Neelesh. This post seems very confusing because believe it or not, being in a strange world, not residing in a hotel is probably more isolating because you’re more dependent on others for their advice and guidance who have lives of their own. For the most part I’m not on a timeline to see anything so it becomes that much harder to force yourself to do the things that you feel are important. I walked from Nandu kaka’s flat to Jayu mama’s flat and was amazed that I was able to get there by memory. It’s been 8 years and I’m terrible at directions but, I could have done that trip in my sleep. At least I felt at ease. I’m definitely a different breed of Indian, because I do get the Indian stare consisting of an up and down scan and a final eye to eye glare as I’m walking by so that’s always fun. I didn’t think Indians did that but here I am. Anyways, tomorrow I will be able to go out and find a phone but I’m still kind of getting my bearing. I’m in family meet and greet mode and luckily there’s an anniversary party. Can’t wait! Glad I figured out how to use the plugs here and thank baby Jebus I brought a set of world adapters for my iOS devices. Camera battery…not sure yet. But so far no warning lights. So all’s well. For now.
Late at night I spoke to my uncle Nandu and he told me about some amazing things when he was my age. I had no Idea that he had travelled to Malaysia and Thailand by boat. He spent roughly 1700 rupees for a month long trip. I can see now, decades later that this fact was important for him to become the man he is today. He has a sense of confidence and hidden pride in my trip. I’m frightened, but I think it’ll be amazing.
Also.
I can’t believe I’m here.
