March 29, 2015
Hilo to Mumbai
It is difficult for me to understand why I'm so devastatingly not jazzed about the adventure we have embarked upon. Perhaps because it was rather a last minute thing and we just didn't have the time to get excited. Or because some of the countries we are hitting haven't been on my bucket list. Then again, it could be that the Egyptian portion has been cancelled.
Bad start. Scratch that. Do overs.
Get in the mood!!!
We are off on the next adventure. I'm not quite sure what we have gotten ourselves into, heading to the Middle East right now. We are confident that Seabourn has professionals on task, insuring that we don't head into anywhere that may be dangerous.
Leaving Hilo last night, on the dreaded United red eye to Los Angeles, we arrived sleepy and hungry into LAX. John had the brilliant idea of using airport wheelchair assist, since he is spending some extra time in his cast. After a short wait at our arrival gate, Albert came with a wheelchair and a smile. And he knows how to navigate the airport. The wheelchair assist also gets both of us an early boarding, so we are sure to get our roll aboard luggage stowed and John can change from the walking cast to the resting cast.
Gee, does United treat all of their flights like a cattle call? Boarding in Hilo was a failed attempt at organization. I had to chuckle at the confusion due to the lack of clearly defined lines for boarding groups. But our arrival in LA was softened by Albert, who was truly helpful.
Our flight from LA to Newark was filled with a bunch of boys in soccer uniforms-a very professional looking group. My conversations with them garnered some interesting information. They, and their parent chaperones, are heading for Barcelona. Yes, Barcelona, where soccer RULES. After getting gold regionally (LA area) this Y13-14 soccer team is heading for competition for the fourth straight year, in Barcelona. They are hoping for a win going into this game TP better their record of one win, one loss and one tie. They are a really great group of early teens, and all, except one red head, are of Hispanic decent. And they are accompanied by some great parents. This is one of those times I wish I had more Spanish language skills. We will be keeping our eyes open for news about their Barcelona match.
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Our first stop when we get done flying will be Mumbai, but only for the night. After flying and waiting for some 35 hours, we will be ready for a horizontal sleeping arrangement. I must say, India has been only a thin veil of thought in my places to see. We considered leaving home earlier to travel in India, but 4 weeks at a time is enough to be gone.
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We were whisked through luggage, customs and immigration at the Mumbai airport when our 15.5 hour flight ended. Such a lovely, modern airport. We took a cab to our hotel, complete with luggage strapped to the top of the car. Traffic is crazy and this is certainly not a city I would want to drive in. Their roads are set up British style and the driver is on the right hand side of the car. Lane dividers, traffic signals and speed limits are all just recommendations that no one seems to consider. Horn honking in mandatory.
We drove past miles and miles of galvanized slums, where families live just beside the main road in shacks made of steel roofing type walls. Hundreds of 'homes' with thousands of people. India remains desperately poor. The stark contrast to the financial district, where our hotel is located, is almost nauseating. Heavy security outside the hotel, and inside is incredible opulence.
Over the top, but a welcome sight...our luxury room for the night. ------
Jet lag is alive at the Sofitel hotel in room 713 tonight. We hit the sack at midnight and are both awake at 5 AM. After a luggage reshuffle, we will head to the boat at noon to meet up with Gene and Marilyn Hendricks.
So for now, I leave you with one of my favorite quotes...
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”
― Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad/Roughing It
