Sweet Taste of India

View from the Apartment
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As the plane began its descent I could see the rugged outline of the Indian coast covered with dots of light - Mumbai!.  Even when arriving late at night ,the city still seemed very bustling.  Luckily, my friend from college - Priyanka was the first person I met when I stepped outside.  We hopped in the car and I had my first taste of Indian traffic.  Lanes are more like suggestions, and if you just honk your horn long enough the slower people in front of you will move out of the lane. It's amazing how much fun something simple like looking out the window can be.

Cow walking down the street
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The next morning we left with some friends for the nearby town of Lonavla where they have a house.  I actually knew most of the people going from when they visited Pri during college.  The drive was about 2 hours, in which we listened to music and looked out the window.  I was really excited when I saw 3 monkeys just hanging out on a wall next to the road, however I was told they are a big pain for those living near them - they break windows and throw things at you.

The house was beautiful!  It had been her grandmother's and dated from colonial time (outlines of the queen were part of the metal balcony).  The view was amazing (pic included)  Since it is monsoon season we mostly just staying in side, but you can always hear the constant beat of rain in the background.  Pri's mother sent a cook to the house, so I was able to try some more amazing Indian food.  The next day we chilled at the house some more, and left around 530p.  Terrific was table coming back, but we made it by 9 - just in time for dinner.  I ate with Pri's family and extended family that lives downstairs.  Everyone was very hospitable, and eager to have me try the different food - which was delicious.  After dinner we went drove around a bit and had a drink at a local bar with some more of her friends.  Luckily Pri has internet access at home, so I can update this journal pretty easily while I'm here.  So far I have only seen mumbai by night, but tomorrow will be my first day seeing it by daylight.