Welcome to India

Day 1 in India and I've already developed a love-hate relationship with Mumbai. Please note that my Day 1 started at 7am, half an hour before Gaby did his (which happened thanks to me waking him up, also please refer to his post below to see his lie).

I love the indian people. They have an air of serenity, of peace, of depth. But it was kind of hard to keep experiencing that in the midst of the traffic and crazy driving, though I must mention, they are great drivers. There were stunt turns, passes, truck dodging, almost biker hitting. Indeed poor Gaby woke up from his doze in the car, you know the one he failed to mention in his post,to a biker slamming on his window, expressing his anger at our cabbie who nearly killed him. "Why is this biker mad at me, what's wrong with him", muttered Gaby, half awake. "Go back to sleep, little baby, it's not always about you," I replied, "but put your f...seat belt on before your nodding head breaks your neck!"

We visited the beautiful Malabar Hill and Hanging Gardens, then off to the Gateway of India, the welcoming face of the country by the water.

Ironically, the monument was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay, and later was to see the last colonial ship sailing away.

We parked on Marina Drive and strolled down the road, the monsoon rain putting a damper on our plans every hour or so. As soon as it would halt, the sun would come out confidently hiding any traces of previous weather sins.

Green and golden bangles and earrings from the market and a great off the street sandal bargain will be complementing my saree outfit for tomorrow's wedding.

On our way back was drumming and marches and singing and flowers. It was Ganapati celebration, a great one in Mumbai. It is about welcoming Lord Ganesh in people's homes, poor or rich, a depiction of unity, of God's love for all. It was very nice...well ...also...ENOUGH DRUMMING i'm going NUTS!

The mother of the groom is still awake, it is past midnight, she is talking to me, nervous and excited at the same time as I try to finish this post. She must feel so proud, as her only son, whom she raised as a single mother, is finally adding another special woman to his life. I will get back to her for few minutes, then go to sleep, tomorrow is a big day.