What a City!

Terrified. The only word that adequately describes our first day here in Mumbai. Not belonging to any organized tour to pick us up from the airport and wisk us safely to our comfortable hotel, not speaking the local language, not having any idea of what to do even if we ran into trouble... it is safe to say that we were in over our heads.

With our packs, we waddled to the long line of pre-paid taxis lined up outside the modern looking airport terminal. We told the taxi driver we wanted to go to "Fort," the name of the part of town the hostel we wanted to stay at was located. He nodded in what we hoped was understanding and thus, we began the insane hour and half journey through the heart of massive Mumbai.

Mumbai is a developing city. Construction everywhere with enormous cranes erecting even larger glass and steel buildings. However, even more noticeable is the stark constrast of slums and squatters that infiltrate the new Mumbai of any available land. Many of the slums surround these sewage "lakes" where raw sewage and garbage is dumped. (There should be a foto of one of these such slums that we took near the airport from the taxi window.) Because of the amount of garbage and raw sewage baking in the intense heat (highs around 90 F with 70% humidity), it is safe to say that that first taxi ride without AC was an experience in itself.

Because our driver didn't understand our English in the slightest, as we got closer where our hostel was, he pulled over and asked people walking on the streets to translate for us. We finally made it to the city square that was close enough for us to try and walk to find the hostel (asking the driver to find it was out of the question). We were soaked in sweat and our eyes stung from the pollution and dust from the open-windowed ride.

As walked down side-street after side-street looking through our guide book map, we were losing hope that we would ever find this elusive hostel. Finally, we spotted a tiny faded sign on a tall building down a small alley and began to climb the deserted stairs. Each foor we climed was empty. No offices or residences of any kind. Just as we were about to turn around and go back down, the Hotel Lawrence appeared on the 4th floor! An unimpressive but clean lobby fed off a hallway of only nine rooms, all of which were booked. Our plan of showing up without a reservation turned out to be an unwise one. The manager was a kind man and let us use the phone to call around to other hostels, but all claimed to be booked as well. Hot, exhausted and dejected, we were running out of options when the manager came to us and said he had a cancellation! We were overjoyed at the prospects of finally escaping the terrifying city streets and having our own beds to lay down on.

That was two long days ago... we now feel like we have this city at least somewhat under our control. We no longer feel uncomforable with the unusually long stares we both get wherever we go (Becca seems to get more than Matt), we brave the 15 Rupee street food (less than 20 cents), and have met travelers from around the world who have so many interesting stories. Our stomachs still feel a little "spicy" from the strange flavours and spices, but the taste is well worth it! Matt is especially in love with the curries and "pani puri" that is served from venders on the street. The smell we also have gotten used to, and have embraced the inescapable B.O. that comes with the heat and millions of people.

Tomorrow, we are catching an overnight train (11 hours) to the beach state of Goa for some needed relief from Mumbai. Hopefully the sands and cool ocean water will provide some relaxation after a stressful week.

Miss home (kinda) and to our parents... we are safe, do not worry!