We arrived in Mumbai two days ago, spent the night and then hired a driver to take us to Puna, about 3 hours away. We are staying in the house of Satyendra Huja's father for the next 5 days. Then we head back to Mumbai for a night before flying to Dubai and then on to Kenya. I didn't know what to expect in India. My last visit here was 18 years ago and much has happened. The Indian economy has been booming and Pune is the center of information technology in India.
Our first taste of Mumbai reminded me very much of my last visit here. Our hotel was not in a nice area and we were all shell shocked as we began to absorb our surroundings. The area looked like a war zone clogged with traffic and wandering refugees. A trip out of the hotel to find an ATM was exhausting. Having been here before, I knew that all of Mumbai was not like this but Liz and the kids were overwhelmed.
Puna, however, is a very different place. Less crowded, less pollution, cooler and signs of affluence everwhere. Modern shopping centers, luxury high rise condos and tree lined streets are unlike anything I ever saw here 18 years ago. We are enjoying the hospitality of Huja's brother and sister-in-law. The house, while old and certainly not of US standards, is located on a quiet shady lane. Will write more when I have a chance.
1 comment:
It has been great to follow you all in your travels. I have especially enjoyed Anne Nelson's account of your days. She is really good at keeping up-to-date on things. It is quite interesting seeing things from her point-of-view. What an incredible learning experience for you all. Homeschooling at it's finest (or should I say, Wordschooling?). Hope your journey continues to go as planned.
Sarah Hutchins
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