2012-01-24
Today was a day of pampering at my brother’s home in Mumbai. We woke up early ( 5 am) still jet legging but were quite fresh and awake. I had forgotten how noisy it is in India. Constant honking, street noises and planes flying over, people talking , all are part of what India is. Got the morning tea served and then went for a long walk at the beach.
The streets of Mumbai are the same : crowded and noisy but the beach is cleaned up significantly. It was low tide but the sand was clean and the Juhu beach was populated with joggers, cricket players, Frisbee players, dressed up women , Chai walas and vendors getting ready of the day. Part of the beach is lined with name brand hotels ( Marriott, Ramada Plaza , Hilton etc) . I saw a dog getting walked by a servant. It is funny that one can easily see that the dog was the master and the servant was taking him for a walk . You just have to see it to know what I mean.
Came back home for a nice breakfast. My sister in law has three full time maids and several separate ones ( like a cooking lady etc) . It is an interesting concept and unless you grow up with maids you cannot understand the logic of it all. We just sat around and talked. My niece Aditi ( who was in USA before) came over and it was a pleasure to see her and see her doing well. It is a luxury to just sit around , socialize and relax. We went with Aditi to pick up her 2 year old from the preschool and caught up with the day to day life in Mumbai and how a mother’s life revolves around the kids 24/7.
I just mentioned about the lack of sari for the wedding and my other niece ( in law) Neha, very efficiently brought several for me to choose from. Once i chose the sari I wanted she managed to get the matching outfit complete with required jewelry and the shoes….I am totally getting spoiled here. I will send the pictures later.
The internet is working . I have a portable wifi connection by reliance . this way I will have the internet anywhere in India ( thanks to Kukki and Anuj) . Kukki got the Maleria pills for one tenth the price of the ones I got in USA ( even after insurance paid half) . I tell you I am going to be really spoiled here J
Had another niece in law ( Ritu) visit in the afternoon and then we went for another walk on the beach for the evening. This time the beach was full of people , eating Pani Puri and Pow Bhaji and other yummy snacks. We went out for really delicious Chicken Kababs and Tandoori Roti. The food here tastes so much better ( you have to choose the right one) .
Oh, one more thing , Ganu ( those who remember him: my grand nephew who was a little two year old in America and was quite spoiled ) saw me and not only recognized me but also asked , “ where is Anupam Mamu??. He has become such a mature little 5 year old boy now..very lovely.
I had a wonderful day today: a day of doing nothing and yet getting everything done…perfect way to spend first day in India
Really enjoying your travelblog ;-)
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