Mumbai Madness

Well I am here in the land of SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE.  And let me tell you, the movie definitely accurately depicts life here in Mumbai for so many people!  As I was in the plane landing looking down on the city there was not one inch of empty land to be seen!!  

Unfortunately (or possibly fortunately) I am only here for a very brief stop over and will not have the chance to really get a feel for the city.  I am staying in the old part of Bombay called the Fort Area.  I am happy to report I have managed to book a decent hotel...no moving (well, I did change rooms, but don't really think that counts).  My hotel has wi-fi, so I have spent a huge chunk of time skype-ing with everyone...which of course I love (I so don't understand how it's totally free)!

Today i spent most of my time in a very posh suburb of Mumbia called Bhandra.  I had a Dr's appt and that was where his "clinic" was.  It took about 1 hr to get there in an a/c cab and cost $5!   And get this......the entire bill for the appt and sonogram was 1600 rps (about $31)!!!!  That is less than my co payments at home!!!  Hmmm....I am thinkin' there is a major racket going on with the American health care system (not that i didn't think it before, but this really solidifies my view)!!

Did a bit of browsing around the market area and bought 2 really cool leather/turquoise handmade bracelets for $1.25 each.    The combination of 4 months traveling and limited luggage space (not to mention how much you get hassled) has made me become super selective in my purchases...so I must say whatever I do end up buying ends up being pretty fab:-) 

It's now Sunday am..

I had a great night sleep and am taking full advantage of my wi-fi and comfy room (just ordered room service for bkfst).   I leave for the airport around 3pm.....so only have a few hrs today to explore the city.  Am in search of slippers of all things!   Mine are totally trashed due to the cow-dung flooring from YogaMagic---yuck!

I am super excited to be meeting up with my friend Cara tonight in Udaipur!!!!!  She decided pretty last minute to join me in India for a month---yippie!!!!    We will be staying at my new friend Paul's house for a few nights (which from the pictures I've seen looks fabulous.....it was just shot for Elle Decor UK)!!!!

Namaste,

Dayna