Mumbai Day 2

Evening with Swati was a bit too long, not because of Swati but the party. Ten people or so in a small room. Interesting observation: often men and men will walk arm in arm. Sometimes women but mostly men. While sitting on the couch Swati had her arm around me no problem we are friends. After chatting with the woman next to me she naturally just rested her hand on my leg. Seemed a bit strange but I felt accepted. Listened to pop Indian music, good. All was enjoyable until they started doing shots of whiskey then one of the guys started imitating a famous Bollywood star (not that I knew this) talking Hindi. This went on for what seemed like eternity. The remainder of the night everyone spoke Hindi, that was it for me. No more fun. After 5 minutes I had enough, another 30 minutes passed and I got up to leave.    Did eat some good Indian food. There was drink and Hookah, not sure what it is, not marijuana, smelt like a flavored pipe and people didn't inhale.

At first when I came to hotel I didn't like it, felt it was under par but after being here for two days my only complaint was that wifi was poor and water cost 180 rupees in hotel and on the streets it's 15 rupees.

Today went to Borivali (Sanjay Gandhi) National Park to go on Safari and visit caves. Was OK. I have to remember I am in India and there are so many other more enjoyable places to be in the world. Nice to spend with Swati.

Picnic

Old stairs leading to caves

The next stop was to join the safari. This is a national park that has lions and tigers and deer, oh my. Yes Iknow it's bears but there weren't any. The cost of the safari is only 1USD, so why not. Waited in line to board the bus. We entered a gated area and drove around. We spotted a male lion lounging. What surprised me was how course his mane appeared. For some reason I thought it would be smooth. Yes we saw tigers but they were caged- YUK!

I hired a car for the day.  This is the best way to get around. A driver could be arranged at the hotel but when I went for my walk to "town" I passed a taxi stand.  Khan, spoke English and we negotiated a price to drive to the Natl Park and be available to us all day. This is a easy way to travel as the car waits for you.  To reach the caves one must climb about 50 stairs to approach the biggest cave with carvings and statues inside all carved from the surrounding rock.  I had not read upon the history about the dwellers which was a mistake.  The reason I went to the park was to be in nature.  Views at the top were of forest that spanned a large area. Streams and water pools were plentiful allowing people to cool off or take a shower under the waterfall.   Also there were flowers which I love.The next stop was to join the safari. This is a national park that has lions and tigers and deer, oh my. Yes Iknow it's bears but there weren't any. The cost of the safari is only 1USD, so why not. Waited in line to board the bus. We entered a gated area and drove around. We spotted a male lion lounging. What surprised me was how course his mane appeared. For some reason I thought it would be smooth. Yes we saw tigers but they were caged- YUK!

On the drive back I was surprised at all the laundry hanging from apartment balconies. Space is scarce so I guess there is not enough roof top area to dry clothes on the line, this is what I do in my apartment.

 

 

Came back to hotel, went to gym to ride bike, swim and a walk on the beach. Wifi not to good. The only place it works well is in the hallway outside my room. I chuckle.... 

Beach is nice. Remember, you need to keep an open mind. Look for the good. Couples, families, friends all enjoy. A family, dressed in every day attire (slacks, button up short sleeve top for the men and saris for women) walk towards the Arabian sea, and they continue to walk into the water until they are swimming. Interesting. Later in the evening we had a hard rainfall, people didn't run for cover (no where to go). Very few have bathing suits. 

Did some reading about Project Hope to prepare for my Pfizer meeting tomorrow. Looking forward to it.
Mumbai is much dirtier than Delhi. Garbage dumbs every few blocks, didn't really smell though. I asked someone who was two blocks away if they knew where the movie cinemas we're and they said No. Could it be that they didn't understand me, they didn't know or they didn't want to help (this I don't believe as people seem genuine).
Swati forgive me I enjoyed our time together.  Swati is happier in Mumbai than in Delhi, there is a nightlife here, she feels safe being out late and she has friends. Good for her!