Mumbai, not so great actually

So today is day three in Mumbai, and I'm at the airport now, awaiting a flight to Delhi. There is talk of a cyclone in the city, and many flights are being canceled. Hoping to goodness that I get out on my flight to Delhi as scheduled... And, unfortunately, this is just one more log on the fire of not being too thrilled with Mumbai. I really didn't enjoy Mumbai much as a city, but the people were gracious and helpful and wonderful. Probably there are many wonderful things about Mumbai that I just missed, but my brief experience of it wasn't too great.

Days two and three it poured rain. All day. All night. The streets are mud and filled with honking cars that just sit on the road going nowhere. What had been a 15-minute drive to IIT Mumbai in the morning became a 2-hour drive on the way back to the hotel b/c of the crazy standstill traffic. The trip home was in an autorickshaw, since there was not an available taxi in the city, as you can imagine with everyone leaving work and the rain pouring down. So I sat and breathed in exhaust fumes and got rained on. That said, a super-gracious-wonderful-fantastic person from IIT Mumbai not only helped me to get the ride back to the hotel (no small feat itself) but also rode with me the whole way there to ensure that I arrived safely and then had to ride back again afterwards. Amazing.

Her presence turned what could have been a real downer into an experience for which I was extremely grateful. The whole ride home I could see people slogging through the rain and mud on foot and was ever so grateful to have an autorickshaw. Also, every time she spoke to the driver in Hindi, I was again so grateful for her presence. No need to worry about whether he would kick me out, overcharge me, drive to the wrong place. She was there to speak and explain and watch. I tell you, that gal deserves a medal, but she will have to settle for flowers. Microsoft has a concierge desk from which you can send flowers, and you know I'll be heading there as soon as I'm back in Bangalore.

My accommodations in Mumbai were along the same lines: an unpleasant situation but wonderful people. The room amenities were a little lacking. Roaches? Yes, madam, no problem. Hot water? Toilet paper? Internet access? No, madam. So that kind of sucked. However, the people were super nice. For example, this morning I started calling for a taxi and found that none were available. All day. So I asked the hotel manager if there was a taxi service that the hotel recommends, and he said he'd call his own driver and have him take me. Awesome. Plus, he charged less than half what the taxi had charged for the airport-to-hotel service. I really appreciated how helpful and kind he and his staff were, but I just can't recommend the place due to the roaches.

So since it's pouring rain and transport is scarce, I'm here at the airport 7 hours before my flight. I'd rather relax here than at the hotel, and siteseeing holds no appeal in pouring rain, standstill traffic, and scarce taxis. Have to say, I'm feeling good! So happy to be here at the airport. So happy to have wifi and a comfy chair. So happy to have an available restroom with toilet paper.

Oh! But on day 1 in Mumbai I did do some siteseeing! When the taxi dropped me at the hotel to check in, I asked him to return in an hour. When he did, I went to see the Gateway of India and the Taj Hotel. It was a super duper long drive; I knew that the Gateway of India was in the very south of town when I was in the very north. But I didn't realize that it's like being in north Coppell and taking a taxi to Burleson! (Btw, non-Texan readers, that was a DFW metroplex comparison.) But the drive was interesting b/c I feel like I got to see a ton of the city from the comfort of an air-conditioned car. No complaints there. Plus, I actually found the specific craft shop that was recommended in the guide book I purused before leaving Bangalore. Prices seemed good, and I bought a small carved elephant in case I don't have any shopping opportunities before I head home. I took lots of pics of Mumbai but forgot to pack the connector cable, so I can't get them off my camera til I'm back in Bangalore. Will post them soon!