I don't have the facility to put the photos. I am sorry. That will come when I reach UK around the 17th Feb. i.e. if Heathrow does not shut due to SNOW!!!
Dear All
Dear All
News 17 from Mumbai - India
It is going to be two weeks on Friday the 3rd Feb 2012 since I left Bangalore to come to Mumbai.
On Friday the 20th Feb, Sheela and her daughter in law Sunita were so generous in their time and care for me that they dropped me to the bus depot at 8am as traffic is very bad and made sure that I boarded the right bus to the airport. I was really touched by their love and concern. I happen to sit next to a young man called Sidmurthy and being myself I just could not stay quiet and started a conversation like 'are you traveling to the airport'? His answer was I work at the airport and that made me feel more secure. Now it was his turn to ask me where I was traveling to which I replied to 'Mumbai'. He noticed by my conversation and also by my good byes that I did not live in India!!. Well I had to tell him all about myself and in the bargain I got his life story which was very interesting and through this he became my guide for the journey and told me all the wonderful landmarks of Bangalore which I could not see and he has invited me and my family back so that he can be a proper guide to us. Now would you get that sort of response and hospitality anywhere in the world? May be it would happen in The Philippines, Mexico and of course India. He then went off to work and I went to check in at 10.30am to be told I was very early for my flight which was at 1.45pm but all the same they checked in my luggage and I was free to do what I want.
I went for a little walk, had a cup of coffee, ate hot samosas, read the newspaper and watched a colony of birds in the cafeteria, few near my feet. It was amusing as you would not get this scene anywhere I think! I pulled my camera and of course only managed to click one sparrow because the others flew to the ceiling ha ha..
I went to the board to check about my flight to see that it had been delayed to 2.30. To myself I say 'okay' then after sometime the board said 3.30pm and still I was calm but I decided to go through the security because at times I have experienced the mad rush and I did not feel like getting stressed so I went through the security which was not bad unlike Goa where bags had to be screened again and again. I found a nice spot near the boarding gate and noticed that the flight was now delayed to 5.30pm. Oh boy at this point I screamed 'what 5.30pm' to which a young girl comes to me and asked me what is the matter? I pointed her to the board. You should have all been here to see the reaction at the noise she made and there was a real mob attacking the staff at the desk. I moved out but I was really embarrassed to see some foreign people with children sitting quietly. I pointed this to the unruly mob and told them that they should be ashamed of their action. It was not their fault for the delay but I did tell the what looked like the aircraft crew that they should have communicated by making the announcement - after all these people are regular travelers and some are flying due to urgency and thirdly that I was starving. He was horrified that we were not given any refreshment. He immediately went and sorted that out and came and told me to go to the cafeteria but with a job to notify the other passengers. The choice of menu was excellent and so at last I could eat and be happy. We finally did board and I asked for a feedback form on which I wrote all the above comments and ended with how disappointed I was that the captain of the aircraft 'Indigo Airlines' could not apologize to the passengers for the delay on behalf of the company. On the other hand the cabin crew kept coming up to me to apologize and to thank me for making the move with regards to the above and for the refreshment. I politely bowed my head! Oh by the way the passengers sitting next to me were very good and they were impressed with my actions and now are we are keeping in touch. One is from Bangalore and the other is from Abu Dhabi.
My friend Antoinette (childhood friend) came to pick me up and dropped me to my friend Zelia and Robin's home. A big warm welcome was waiting for me, had dinner and had a good night sleep. The next day I got my wedding clothes all ready for Sunday. On Sunday the 22nd Jan my coz's son Arup got married to Lynette. The high tea was great. I met so many of my cousins that I had not seen for so long and then we were driven to the hall which was decorated beautifully with blue as a theme. Met more cousins, danced away and enjoyed the food and my friend Antoinette had taken the place of Jack. I felt a bit funny in the beginning dancing with her but through the evening we all danced together. It was a memorable wedding. That evening I went back with Antoinette and had a lovely one week with her. She took time off work and took me around. She, her husband Thomas and her two grown up boys Arun and Dominic were all fantastic and made me very welcomed and comfortable in their home.
Antoinette and I visited places look below and had a wonderful day enjoying ourselves and the beauty of these caves. At Elephanta we had a guide called Rupesh and he explained very well in English. By the way we traveled in a toy train to get to the bottom of the hill and then had to walk up. I did it.
ELEPHANTA CAVES
The great caves at Elephanta are one of the popular tourist attractions near Bombay. It is a complex of Hindu caves on Gharapuri Island the old name. Elephanta is the name given to the island by the Portuguese after the statue of an elephant near the landing area of the island, dating to the sixth century A.D. It is located near Mumbai about 10 km away from the Gateway of India. there are various rock cut temples present in these caves, which are as old as 5th century. You can go to the website to enjoy reading all about it and also see the pictures. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Antoinette's sister Maria is a tour guide and she was very very generous in taking me and Antoinette's husband Thomas for sightseeing. We went to the National Park to see the animals but of course I have already seen the best in Masai Mara in Nairobi, Africa and then we went to visit Kanheri Caves.
KANHERI CAVES
Kanheri comes from the Sanskrit word Krishnagiri meaning black mountain. They were chiseled out of a massive basaltic rock outcrop. These caves date from 1st century BC to 10th century AD. In total there are 109 caves. The Buddhists used to live here. You can read about it again on the website and enjoy what they used to do. There was a lot of climbing and I did it. I know my family would have been very proud of me. It was exciting as it was scarey and not having my family for a change made me climb to tell them all about it. The caves are very beautiful.
It is going to be two weeks on Friday the 3rd Feb 2012 since I left Bangalore to come to Mumbai.
On Friday the 20th Feb, Sheela and her daughter in law Sunita were so generous in their time and care for me that they dropped me to the bus depot at 8am as traffic is very bad and made sure that I boarded the right bus to the airport. I was really touched by their love and concern. I happen to sit next to a young man called Sidmurthy and being myself I just could not stay quiet and started a conversation like 'are you traveling to the airport'? His answer was I work at the airport and that made me feel more secure. Now it was his turn to ask me where I was traveling to which I replied to 'Mumbai'. He noticed by my conversation and also by my good byes that I did not live in India!!. Well I had to tell him all about myself and in the bargain I got his life story which was very interesting and through this he became my guide for the journey and told me all the wonderful landmarks of Bangalore which I could not see and he has invited me and my family back so that he can be a proper guide to us. Now would you get that sort of response and hospitality anywhere in the world? May be it would happen in The Philippines, Mexico and of course India. He then went off to work and I went to check in at 10.30am to be told I was very early for my flight which was at 1.45pm but all the same they checked in my luggage and I was free to do what I want.
I went for a little walk, had a cup of coffee, ate hot samosas, read the newspaper and watched a colony of birds in the cafeteria, few near my feet. It was amusing as you would not get this scene anywhere I think! I pulled my camera and of course only managed to click one sparrow because the others flew to the ceiling ha ha..
I went to the board to check about my flight to see that it had been delayed to 2.30. To myself I say 'okay' then after sometime the board said 3.30pm and still I was calm but I decided to go through the security because at times I have experienced the mad rush and I did not feel like getting stressed so I went through the security which was not bad unlike Goa where bags had to be screened again and again. I found a nice spot near the boarding gate and noticed that the flight was now delayed to 5.30pm. Oh boy at this point I screamed 'what 5.30pm' to which a young girl comes to me and asked me what is the matter? I pointed her to the board. You should have all been here to see the reaction at the noise she made and there was a real mob attacking the staff at the desk. I moved out but I was really embarrassed to see some foreign people with children sitting quietly. I pointed this to the unruly mob and told them that they should be ashamed of their action. It was not their fault for the delay but I did tell the what looked like the aircraft crew that they should have communicated by making the announcement - after all these people are regular travelers and some are flying due to urgency and thirdly that I was starving. He was horrified that we were not given any refreshment. He immediately went and sorted that out and came and told me to go to the cafeteria but with a job to notify the other passengers. The choice of menu was excellent and so at last I could eat and be happy. We finally did board and I asked for a feedback form on which I wrote all the above comments and ended with how disappointed I was that the captain of the aircraft 'Indigo Airlines' could not apologize to the passengers for the delay on behalf of the company. On the other hand the cabin crew kept coming up to me to apologize and to thank me for making the move with regards to the above and for the refreshment. I politely bowed my head! Oh by the way the passengers sitting next to me were very good and they were impressed with my actions and now are we are keeping in touch. One is from Bangalore and the other is from Abu Dhabi.
My friend Antoinette (childhood friend) came to pick me up and dropped me to my friend Zelia and Robin's home. A big warm welcome was waiting for me, had dinner and had a good night sleep. The next day I got my wedding clothes all ready for Sunday. On Sunday the 22nd Jan my coz's son Arup got married to Lynette. The high tea was great. I met so many of my cousins that I had not seen for so long and then we were driven to the hall which was decorated beautifully with blue as a theme. Met more cousins, danced away and enjoyed the food and my friend Antoinette had taken the place of Jack. I felt a bit funny in the beginning dancing with her but through the evening we all danced together. It was a memorable wedding. That evening I went back with Antoinette and had a lovely one week with her. She took time off work and took me around. She, her husband Thomas and her two grown up boys Arun and Dominic were all fantastic and made me very welcomed and comfortable in their home.
Antoinette and I visited places look below and had a wonderful day enjoying ourselves and the beauty of these caves. At Elephanta we had a guide called Rupesh and he explained very well in English. By the way we traveled in a toy train to get to the bottom of the hill and then had to walk up. I did it.
ELEPHANTA CAVES
The great caves at Elephanta are one of the popular tourist attractions near Bombay. It is a complex of Hindu caves on Gharapuri Island the old name. Elephanta is the name given to the island by the Portuguese after the statue of an elephant near the landing area of the island, dating to the sixth century A.D. It is located near Mumbai about 10 km away from the Gateway of India. there are various rock cut temples present in these caves, which are as old as 5th century. You can go to the website to enjoy reading all about it and also see the pictures. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Antoinette's sister Maria is a tour guide and she was very very generous in taking me and Antoinette's husband Thomas for sightseeing. We went to the National Park to see the animals but of course I have already seen the best in Masai Mara in Nairobi, Africa and then we went to visit Kanheri Caves.
KANHERI CAVES
Kanheri comes from the Sanskrit word Krishnagiri meaning black mountain. They were chiseled out of a massive basaltic rock outcrop. These caves date from 1st century BC to 10th century AD. In total there are 109 caves. The Buddhists used to live here. You can read about it again on the website and enjoy what they used to do. There was a lot of climbing and I did it. I know my family would have been very proud of me. It was exciting as it was scarey and not having my family for a change made me climb to tell them all about it. The caves are very beautiful.
After the caves we had my favorite South Indian meal and then walked memory lane to the ‘Dahi Place’ translated ‘Yogurt Place’. Here I had LASSI, a yogurt drink. Well why is this significant you may ask. As a youngster (I was young once!!) my parents always after getting off at Dadar Station (Dadar is a very busy train station hub in Bombay) they would take me to have that LASSI. So I went with Thomas and enjoyed that glass of LASSI and told that man that I am coming after over 40 years and his LASSI is still the best. Gave him the Thumbs up sign! So this is how I said in Hindi, do not laugh for those who know Hindi.
(Chalis buras hothe hi, meri mummy and daddy station sey idhar atate thay and upke LASSI peete layte thay. Bhahoot ache hi.) AND THEN I GAVE HIM THE THUMBS UP SIGN. In return he smiled, bowed his head and said ‘Thank you’ in English because I told him that I am now living in England.
I met my school friend Philomena after nearly 20 years and spent one night with her. We chatted through the night and went to see a movie called Agneepath. It was Indian but I enjoyed it and then she treated me to a yummy lunch. Then spent another night with Zelia's sister Doris and we went and saw a movie The Descendants starring George Clooney. It was good. Doris took me to her Prayer Meeting and it was nice giving my feedback.
Stayed a few days at my brother Edwin and Freda's place in Andheri where I grew up. I can still feel my parents presence here and my grandma Estelita who died here. I can go back to my mischievous days and bring a smile to my face. The sea of course has been pushed back and on the reclaimed land there is only a concrete jungle. It is sad but that is a fact of life not only here in Bombay but all over the world. Freda's mum lives there now and it was a joy to have a senior to have a chat about different things. Like my brother Peter her memory is a problem. My niece Elsa is lovely and has so much patience with me with regards to my Blog and sorting my tickets. Freda on the other hand after work still manages to make me comfortable. She and I also managed to shop and have some fun. Thanks to them for giving me this pleasure of being here and enjoying their company. Visited one neighbor so far and I still have to do some more rounds.
(Chalis buras hothe hi, meri mummy and daddy station sey idhar atate thay and upke LASSI peete layte thay. Bhahoot ache hi.) AND THEN I GAVE HIM THE THUMBS UP SIGN. In return he smiled, bowed his head and said ‘Thank you’ in English because I told him that I am now living in England.
I met my school friend Philomena after nearly 20 years and spent one night with her. We chatted through the night and went to see a movie called Agneepath. It was Indian but I enjoyed it and then she treated me to a yummy lunch. Then spent another night with Zelia's sister Doris and we went and saw a movie The Descendants starring George Clooney. It was good. Doris took me to her Prayer Meeting and it was nice giving my feedback.
Stayed a few days at my brother Edwin and Freda's place in Andheri where I grew up. I can still feel my parents presence here and my grandma Estelita who died here. I can go back to my mischievous days and bring a smile to my face. The sea of course has been pushed back and on the reclaimed land there is only a concrete jungle. It is sad but that is a fact of life not only here in Bombay but all over the world. Freda's mum lives there now and it was a joy to have a senior to have a chat about different things. Like my brother Peter her memory is a problem. My niece Elsa is lovely and has so much patience with me with regards to my Blog and sorting my tickets. Freda on the other hand after work still manages to make me comfortable. She and I also managed to shop and have some fun. Thanks to them for giving me this pleasure of being here and enjoying their company. Visited one neighbor so far and I still have to do some more rounds.
I am back in Bandra with Zelia's where my luggage was left and as I said I am trying to visit my childhood joints and she took me to Don Bosco church. He is my favourite saint and our John Bosco is named after. What a beautiful church and so I prayed for you all by offering Masses through donations. Then we visited a park called Joggers Park and the sea is the view for all those who come to take their walks and do you know you have to pay to enter so by paying the park is kept clean and no beggars can enter as well. My school friend came to meet me there who I am meeting after 20 years.
The next email will be all about my best friend Marcia and Nevis who lives in Goa and will be staying with them from the 5th Feb. and also attending attending the Punjabi Wedding of Daljit who is flying all the way from London to Goa and for this reason I am still here giving my support as a family friend. Maryann and Jack supported her and the family when she had her English wedding on the 22nd January in London..
Take care and with lots of love to you all, waiting to hear from you with your news.
Love and God Bless
Mel
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Take care and with lots of love to you all, waiting to hear from you with your news.
Love and God Bless
Mel
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| I am with my best friend Antoinette |
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| Carvings at the Elephanta Caves |
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| My Aunty Eslinda of 95 years old and Antoinette |
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| You have the option of being carried like this from below to the top. Can you imagine me on it?? |
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| The New Taj Mahal after the Bombing? Do you remember that? Next to it is Gate Way of India that goes back to the British Rule Time |
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