Well, I am here. I left Los Angeles at 3PM on Monday and I am in Mumbai now on Wednesday morning. Somehow I lost Tuesday in the travel. But I am ensconced in my favorite hotel in Colaba, drinking masala chai and reflecting on traveling.
Someone asked me in those few days before I left, if I was scared to make the trip. I explained this was my 12th trip - the same route, the same protocols, the same hotels and visits, therefore I know what to expect. Of course every time is different - some of my favorite restaurants and shops have closed; sometimes I take a different route, depending on where I am living/working at the time; sometimes, due to scheduling factors, I am not able to visit all the places I’d like.
When I first began this trip - in 2008 and some years after - I went with a team of doctors and their families, so I became acquainted with this area of Mumbai with them. About 6 weeks after that first trip, this area of Mumbai - Colaba - was the sight of a deadly terror attack, chosen for it’s reputation as the area that tourists enjoy. Several attack sites were ones that we had visited previously, including the Taj Hotel. (I will be visiting the Taj hotel tomorrow, my go-to spot for lunch or afternoon tea, people-watching and journalling. Photos to come.) But the familiarity, along with the “tips” I learned from the medical team, the careful care of those people I’ve met along the way, I feel safe and protected.
All my flights were fine - people were on good behavior and polite (mostly) and flights were on time and smooth. I packed on extra suitcase - due to the amount of gifts I’m bringing - but that should only be a burden when I am getting on and off the train tomorrow. I checked my two suitcases and carry on my backpack and camera bag. I usually stow my backpack under the seat in front of me, but my chosen seat had an obstruction under the seat so I asked the flight attendant for a different seat and got a great seat with lots of room. Usually, I just endure , but I was glad I asked. After my 12 hour flight to Frankfurt, I had an amazing cheese sandwich and chips and then took another 8 hours from Frankfurt to Mumbai. I arrived at 1:10AM, went through immigration and customs, picked up my bags, took a prepaid taxi to Colaba and checked into my room at 3:30AM. Today is a day of resting.