What an experience! (Wed, May 21)

It was like Christmas morning!!!! We woke up to a phone call at 6:45 am informing us our luggage arrived. A few people stayed awake during the late night to ensure the "arrival of their gifts", as another group got a knock on their door to wake up. It was perfect! So we ran downstairs to find all our suitcases wrapped in saran wrap and “impossible to break” rope, but “not resistant” to the concierge’s scissors. After a few short minutes of excitement, the group took advantage of the opportunity to work out at the Bombay Gym with Zubin (our host/travel coordinator). Some were adventurous and learned how to play squash, and the rest of us were trying to avoid heat stroke by walking/jogging around the rugby fields and engage in yoga activities. Wow, it was definitely a hot and humid day. To get >30 minutes running in would be enough for anyone!
Our next plan was to go on the "City Tour of Mumbai". We were accompanied by “Mark” on a tour of Mumbai. Major sights included: the Mumbai train station (which transports millions of people into and out of the city every day), the Hanging Gardens (famous Bollywood love scene filming location), the house Ghandi stayed in (with famous quotes and information on his courageous life), and the open air laundry facility (where you can pay to have your clothes washed by hand). We learned the true meaning of “30 more minutes for the tour” actually means 2 more hours…as we missed our lunch reservation. A group of five went to Mucambo for a quick lunch. A good suggestion would be "order the mango lassi". If you have never had it, it's a like a mango milkshake. Try one!
Later in the afternoon we were escorted to the National Association for the Blind (NAB), an NGO which trains visually impaired individuals for community integration. We were greeted with a traditional Indian welcome which included presentation of gifts, formal introductions, and a candle lighting by our “Distinguished Guest of Honor”…J-Money! Visually impaired students from NAB gave us a tour of their facility and demonstrated how they studied using a computer voice program. They performed specific modalities and interventions. Originally we thought we would be presenting to students; however, alumni and other healthcare providers also were in attendance. The participants and “faculty” (yes, we are the faculty) spent time discussing logistics of our 3-day seminar on “Manual Therapy for Joints.” Check back tomorrow for more details…
Dinner was hosted by Amar, a former squash coach of Shefali's brother at the Cricket Club of India, where the national team plays. It was a great dinner, as the service, food and company were of the highest level. Another day that we went to bed on full stomachs. We filled up on naan, garlic naan, tikki chicken, prawns, a fish dish, tostadas and so much more from the Indian and Chinese cuisine. We even kept some room fresh mango and ice cream, along with tea/coffee. Yes, mangoes are in season in Mumbai. Come right now! Everything was amazing!

Sincerely, Rachel