I was reminded of chaos when I arrived back in Mumbai whilst in transit. With about six different lots of instructions on how to get to the terminal my outgoing flight went from (including getting and paying for a cab) I found the inter terminal bus and got a free ride. Easy.
And then I remembered the absolute chaos of going through security checks at Terminal 1 Mumbai. Lines just for women, bag conveyors just for women, but no decent sized trays on the ‘women’s’ side. Ha ha same as last time, pinch trays from the mens side, load it up, put on woman’s conveyor, run to mens side and go through the scanner and then into the women’s personal check, by that time your bag is just coming off the conveyor and you push everyone aside to get to it. Could only be organised by a male.
Once through the chaos its time for a coffee and a rest.
How do I feel about India now? I was quite indifferent to start with maybe because I wasn’t enjoying the tour, although the people were great, but it has grown on me. Delhi was a culture shock and I did not enjoy my time there but thinking back a hotel in a different location would have made all the difference. I expected more colour in the way of bright saris and headgear and thought the people would be more vibrant. They are quite a staid bunch, maybe the toot, toot is a way of venting frustrations.
I love the way there are so many loved up couples around and how most of them are ‘with one another’ rather than on their phones.
Almost always when I smile at a woman or at a baby I get a warm response. Not always the case with the men but young kids always want to say hi.
Food wise I have tried most of what I was offered with very few things I did not enjoy. By about day 10 I was over curries and looked forward to something less sloppy so I could also get away from the carbs that soaked it up. I was careful not to overeat and had lost some flab until I re-discovered CocaCola and took a liking to Kingfisher beer. I think they have helped to reestablish the pot belly.
Today for lunch I had KFC hotwings. Damn good at home but these were on another level.
Its nice to be back in the land os the Sari and the Salwar Kamiz. I feel as though I am in India again. Namaste
The prayer gesture and welcome went awry there for a bit. I’m glad it is back.
Time to board and pushing in is par for the course. They have it down to a fine art. With the mere hint of an announcement there is a huge surge of people. Until the announcement tells me that it is only back rows that can board. The queue stops in its tracks, half the people keep going the rest sit down again.
Im not sure whether the Sari makes these women look so elegant or if they are always elegant and have chosen well with their clothes; always coordinated and very beautiful. I am going to make a point of wearing something a bit more traditional from now on. Hopefully it wont be too hot.
My arrival in Varanassi went as planned with a great drive through what looks to be a lovely city, clean by comparison, lovely lights and we drove past some incredible wedding venues.
Arriving at the hotel I’m a bit blown away. The hotel is a former Palace, very grand. My toom looks out onto a big courtyard and across to a venue where something special was happening.
I sat and watched till bedtime but with so much action outside it was too noisy. Eventually I fell asleep only to be woken by noise very early. It was worth missing out on the sleep as this is where the noise is coming from - the courtyard that was.
Time for some exploring then coming back to watch a wedding.
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