Arriving in Mumbai

Leaving Delhi, and specifically Andrea, at the airport was tough. When we arrived at the airport, there was still a heavy police presence due to the upcoming holiday. India, next to Iraq, has the highest number of terrorist incidents in the world according to our embassy represetative, just an aside! The airport was crowded being that it was only 5am. By 7am I boarded my flight to Mumbai. The flight was empty and the two hours travel time gave me plenty of time to get nervous. As we descended, I could see Mumbai, surrounded by water. The city itself is vast and endless, even from the air, and is bordered by hills, which I did not expect to see. There were a lot of palm trees giving the city sort of a tropical look. I also noticed the vast slum area that surrounds the city, something that I am now getting used to. After landing I quickly collected my piles of luggage and went to look for the Fulbright representative who was supposed to meet me. However, there was no Fulbright representative anywhere to be found. I waited for awhile and thankfully had written downt he phone number of my mentor in Mumbai. I got ahold of her and she quickly made arrangements to come and get me. I waited in the airport for nearly two hours. The police were first suspicious of me, and then took pity on me. Soon after, Renu and Savita met me with a bouquet of beautiful pink roses. Their welcome was warm and I immediately felt like I had friends in Mumbai. We then left for the school. Renu and Savita told me that the students were excited for my arrival, but I had no idea what was to come. Once arriving at K.J. Somaiya College celebrity status was bestowed upon me at an overwhelming rate. Students followed the car through the gate and surrounded it as I got out. They literally parted the way so that I could walk through the door. I was escorted to the principal's office where I met some other faculty members. I was presented with another amazing bouquet of flowers and treated to a light meal while we all got accquainted. After leaving the school, Renu and Savita drove me to my apartment to help me get settled. I was met there by three other ladies (Shanthala's friends) who were all very eager to help me get settled. They showed me around, introduced me to my maid and helped me become familiar with my surroundings. Then, all five ladies took me to an amazing vegetarian lunch at a restaurant right near my apartment. After lunch, we went shopping so I could get what I needed for the next few days. At the grocery I found Pringles, Prego, and Diet Coke; those were the only items I recognized! By this time I was beat. I returned home and was eager to just absorb all that was happening so quickly. It had been an overwhelming day, but I feel like I have friends here that will make sure my time in Mumbai is memorable. Thanks to Shanthala and all her friends!