Rollin' in the Rick and Rock Star Haircut

So, my mentor Savita, who has been escorting me to school each day in her air-conditioned car, complete with driver, has decided I am to be on my own now. It isn't convenient for her to come all the way into Mulund, but she wanted to make sure I knew my way around before she turned me loose. Now, I am an official rickshaw passenger. Riding a rickshaw to work is a bit like riding a lawnmower to work, seriously. And I get to do it for about 35 minutes each way....don't be jealous....! The rick looks like a little pod-type thing, covered at the top, is motorized, and rolls on three wheels. I can't wait to get my pictures up....sigh....always an adventure....and so not my preferred method of transportation...did I mention, no a/c?
On a better note, my principal has decided I don't need to work until Friday this week. The students have exams and there is really nothing for me to do at this point. Better yet, no need to suffer in a rick when I don't have to. Renu, my lovely mentor and I, took advantage of this sudden vacation time with a trip to her salon, new haircuts for both of us. I was skeptical at first because I am a little picky about my hair....but you all already know that. Renu's stylist is also known as stylist to the stars here in Mumbai, Bollywood stars, of course. The salon is in the swanky neighborhood of Bandra, right along the shore of the Arabian Sea. The salon, complete with dj...that is becoming a theme in my world, was full of very trendy hipsters who clearly think like I do when it comes to hair. After much discussion and double checking that they could do what I wanted, I allowed them to take the lead. The result was awesome, total rockstar hair and I am loving it! Ok, so that worry is nixed....the salon was very expensive by Indian standards, but really was a bargain to those of us who are used to paying US prices. I even got to see this alleged hairstylist to the stars when he popped in for a visit. I guess that was a big deal?? Dunno....
All in all, a great few days and an impromptu vaca to boot...I am going to explore more of Mumbai tomorrow and look forward to that. I am finding more very cool neighborhoods with so much to offer. I was also excited to learn that my friend Andrea is coming from Calcutta during the HUGE festival of Ganesha which kicks off on Sept. 3....more on that later!