I've finally arrived in India! After a 16 hour flight to Dubai, a 3 hour connecting flight to Mumbai and getting through the airport I made it to my hotel. Let me tell you - it is beautiful! The architecture and decorative accents make my room so luxurious. I absolutely love the ornate details and use of color.
After catching up on some sleep I was ready to explore the city. Today is a holiday in Mumbai 'Republic Day' and the city is celebrating with lots of parades! Satish, one of my colleagues that I will be working with, picked me up to show me around. During my tour of Mumbai I was able to see the Gateway to India and walk around the streets. The city center reminds me so much of my time in Madrid, especially with all the people selling little things along the street. I wish I had taken pictures but it was a bit chaotic (I thought it was going to be crowded but not that crowded!)
Satish also showed me the hotel that was subject to the bombings a few years ago and I didn't even recognize it. It had been fully renovated - it looked beautiful - everything about that place was stunning, especially the spiral staircases leading up to the rooms and the magnificent crystal chandeliers hanging throughout the lobby. I'm so glad I was able to walk through and see it!
After our walk around the city center we stopped for dinner - my very first authentic Indian meal. It was around 7pm when we walked in and the restaurant was empty (everyone usually eats dinner around 9-10pm). I was grateful he ordered for both of us because the menu was overwhelming. The entire meal was phenomenal. It wasn't too spicy but he warned me that local cuisines (like in Pune) are much spicier. We had a lentil soup, some vegetarian dishes, and ended the meal with a sweet dessert. I can't wait to try the local cuisine and see what Pune has to offer!
Tomorrow I leave early in the morning to Pune - looking forward to seeing where I will be spending the majority of my time in India.
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