After getting off the plane, we grabbed some hand carts to "carry" our bags. However, 10 minutes after the belt stopped distributing baggage, we were wondering, "where were ours?" So despite our efforts of running to make our flight yet going slow enough to give our luggage a chance…no bags in Mumbai! We spent over an hour individually giving our information about our bags (down to the type and color) and hotel location to an incredibly patient Continental representative. We then had more paperwork to get us through customs and get our missing bags cleared through customs so they could be delivered to our hotel after they (hopefully) arrived on the next flight. Our bags were likely held back in Newark, NJ becaues were rushing so much to catch our connection flight. Once the group was finished with paperwork, we walked out of the airport at around 11:30 PM, we walked outside to see a mass group of people (like hundreds) awaiting the arrivals. As we walked out, we saw a "WELCOME DUKE" as we were met by "Caps" (Shefali's dad) and Aarti (Shefali's mom) Mathur, along with a gentlemen associated with the World Squash Federation to ensure for our safety and transportation. The entire feeling was like we were walking from the stage after performing a show as they escorted us to the bus. We were led to the bus, which was complete with decorative lights and curtains. Does anyone remembers was like a "hippie bus" or can imagine an "Indian party bus". Yes, we are in India. We had an early introduction to traffic asour driver skillfully maneuvered around the airport parking lot and through town with only a few grimaces as we got a little close to a few buses, cabs, and pedestrians. (Shefali, we saw "Queen's Necklace" at night! What a beauty!). We arrived at our hotel and sorted out rooms and roommates (without much baggage). We had sandwiches and bottled water provided for us by our local hosts which we quickly divided up and then headed to bed! We’re still working on resetting our internal clocks, but hopefully that gave us a good start to actually sleeping when it’s night over here!
4 comments:
I'm so glad you guys made it safely! You've all been in my thoughts and prayers. So, do you have bags yet?!
Well...travel is an adventure!!!! Glad everyone arrived safely. We are thinking about you back here in Durham. Keep taking those pictures and video. Can't wait to hear, and see, what you have experienced once you return. Thank you for the updates.
Hello from Durham! Ben and I have been checking the site, and we are glad to hear that things are going well. We look forward to hearing about all of the wonderful foods you are trying. Hmm, I could go for a salty lassi, rasam, baigan bhartha, spicy mango chutney, masala dosai, rasogoolas, and gulab jamun. Mmmmm. Food markets, spice markets - mmmmm. I am getting hungry and distracted - I should get back to studying! Take care, and have fun. Ben and I look forward to reading about your adventures.
Hi everyone! I'm so glad that you have made it there and are enjoying your work and adventures. I can't believe the plane issues...good thing you are Physical Therapy students ;) You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I can't wait to see the video footage. Blessings.
Tori
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