Mumbai Day 2

After mostly sleeping through the night, I still tend to get up about 2-3am thinking it is morning, I decided to venture back to the mall for some household items I had forgotten. I bravely got an auto rickshaw and headed to Nirmal Lifestyle Shopping Center. It was a holiday, Independence Day, so there were SO many people out. Again, the attention was overwhelming....people constantly stop, stare, follow, etc. I tried my best to ignore it all and continue about my business...I made my way to FabIndia again jsut to look at all the amazing textiles. After leaving there, I stopped at the store to re-stock my Diet Coke supply and get a few more things. Finally, the attention was too much, I had to get outta there. Clearly, I am the only American within miles of this neighborhood, Mulund West. I again found a rickshaw, gave him the address and headed home. He dropped me off on my street, but, of course, I recognized nothing and got all turned around. After walking forever and asking about 10 different people to help me find my apartment, I finally made it. I decided then that I would never leave my apartment again! The neighbor and her son came over for a bit and we talked. They were wonderfully helpful and I appreciated the company. I knew this was going to be a challenge, but I guess I didn't realize how challenging until I was actually living in the situation. But alas, tomorrow is another holiday, Rakhsha Bandhan (see link above) and I will be spending it with Renu at her home, and then off to a picnic on Sunday. I look forward to that!