Welcome to Incredible India!
That's what the sign read that was hanging across from the Lost Luggage counter.
Ironic- it didn't seem too incredible to me. Espcially given the fact that I was without my backpack that contained all my wordly belongings.
After filling out all the documentation with a kind Indian fellow and being shuffled through customs (I didn't have much to claim)! They really treated me quite well throughout the ordeal- it's amazing waht a few tears will do!!
Once the administrivia was complete, I finally was reunited Julie who was (God love her!)waiting patiently for me at the arrivals gate! It was so great to see the little muffin! She was not suprised at all when I filled her in!
We hopped in our cab and took what I assume will the first of many terrifying drives in India- words cannot describe the traffic here!
We checked me into Bently's Hotel (quaint little pad) and went down the street to Leopold's for supper and a drink. It was dark already and a bit creepy, but I was thinking- How bad can it be? It's only a few blocks.
Then I spotted the rat (that Julie nearly stepped on)! Not a great start. We had a pretty good meal. And the place was pretty neat- mostly locals I suspect witha few forigners. Apparently it is the location where a famous book was written (I can't begin to try and spell it) and they had a pile of them stacked in the corner to sell. I may pick one up tomorrow.
After a few beer and dinner we were feeling pretty tired so after some confusion about the cheque (there was a fair bit of confusion about everything) we headed out.
The walk home was quite possibly one of the creepiest experiences I've ever had!
There were literally about 40 people (I assume homeless) sleeping in the street. Some on mats, some on makeshift cots, some right on the pavement.
We were almost stepping over them! You almost felt like they were going to grab your feet.
We also got a few cat calls from some younger men and one asshole changed directions on the sidewalk to "accidently" bang into Julie. A few seconds later, another guy drove by on a motor bike and took a swipe at her boob- hit her arm instead. We yelled at him as he drove away. We also stopped our second rat. Awesome.
Anyway, I think both of us expected to get hasseled a bit while here and we haven't been disappointed.
Needless to say we were really happy to be back at the hostel and even happier when my bag arrived at the airport. We are going to explore Mumbai in the daytime tomorrow and we (particularlly me) are going to work on our tough faces. We also will limiting our exploration to the daytime while in city from now on.
Tomorrow we set out to explore Mumbai and get our tickets North! Very excited!
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