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[Here we go - straight from the archives. So what if it's a month late?]

DAY 1: Monday, 14 January - 4:00 AM

We're here in Mumbai. It's just about 4 AM (5:15 PM on Sunday in NJ) The flights were fine, we left JFK around 9:15 PM.

On the way to the airport from Rajiv's house, Bernie realized he'd left his portfolio in Misty's car. So there was this sitcom-esque phone tag going on between Misty, her brother and her friend Scott - all trying to get in touch with Debbie, the woman driving the car with Bernie's portfolio in it. We finally caught up to her, although we ended up losing about 45 minutes. No worries - we were to JFK in plenty of time.


Saying "Goodbye" to New Jersey, USA.

Checking in was a blur. I still felt so sick from the anti-malaria medication, and was just like a zombie checking in my bags. The flight from New York to London was fine. We flew British Airways and I had an aisle seat with two empty seats between me and an Indian dude. I slept most of the time. They fed us dinner and breakfast - both within about 6 hours. I had zero appetite, but figured I should stay well hydrated.

Our layover at Heathrow was only like 90 minutes. The flight from London to Mumbai was longer. I debated not taking anymore Malarone, but decided I would be better off not getting malaria. I ate a container of rice pudding on the plane and it really helped a lot.

I watched a couple movies on the plane (Fever Pitch and Death at a Funeral) slept a lot and before I knew it, we were landing. As soon as we got out of the airport, I noticed the smell. Kind of a cross between sulphur, exhaust fumes, b.o., curry and cows. It smelled like LIFE! The weather is kind of muggy.



We met up with our hosts, Radhika and Ajay, and they took us to a nearby flat to stay the night. We three girls (myself, Misty and Elizabeth) are in one room and Bernie and Rajiv are in another. I think the hosts are staying in the living room.


Our Mumbai escorts, Ajay and Radhika

I can't believe I'm here. It's 4:00 AM and I don't know how I am going to sleep since it's really only 6:30 PM back home. One thing for sure, the next four weeks will certainly be different from what I am used to!

Namaste.