July 14-15th, 2011

Thursday, July 14th

I was up pretty late last night answering e-mails. The outpouring of prayers and concern was really heart-warming. Things seemed pretty normal this morning until I heard a loud noise. When I went to the living room, Matt and Nut (it’s pronounced Noot btw) were looking out the window. Matt said it sounded like a bomb to him. We couldn't see anything. Nut said she's heard it before (she's home during the day), so it was probably construction. They should know this isn't the time for loud noises. Lol

Raj came to the guest house today. He said the staff at OTA were all in a meeting last night so they are fine. My heart hurts for the families who lost loved ones. I’ll never understand how someone can develop that kind of hatred; I guess we are not meant to.

I played with the kids for a bit while Matt and Nut were packing. Xavier built a puzzle (which is really impressive for 2 years old) and Sebastian just wanted to touch it. They’re adorable. Matt and his family left at about 10 pm.

I didn’t waste any time taking over the master bedroom. I had it cleaned and my stuff moved in by midnight. I love it. It’s so much bigger, queen size bed, newer tile in the bathroom, nicer balcony and a push out with windows that go from ceiling to the floor. I moved the desk in here (it was just piled with laundry in the hall) so now I have a place to work. It’s really cool to sit at my desk and look down 21 floors. At night the view is amazing.

After my room was setup, I reorganized and cleaned the kitchen. I would actually cook in there now… well, if I cooked.

Friday, July 15th

Pappu was moved to another floor and we got a new cook named Rakesh. He speaks some English (enough to communicate). He’s very clean and neat too. He brought in a loaf of fresh oat bread this morning and threw away my wheat because it was expired. I am so happy that he looks at expiration dates! Pappu is very sweet, but he bought expired OJ and the first loaf of bread was old (that’s why it nearly pulled my teeth out on my first day here).

Rakesh made me a cheese omelet and oat bread toast; it was really good. Tonight he made some cheesy noodle dish; that was good too. With all this good cooking, I had to get back to doing my workouts; that feels good mentally (the physical part will have to catch up). I had to give up the stairs; they were wet too many days from the monsoon rains. Wet marble, stairs, me…not a good combination.

Priya and I went to lunch at Shiro. She came to “fetch me at half twelve”. I love the way she talks. Lunch was wonderful. They cooked and served hibachi style. We both ordered filet mignon. After two weeks, it was sooooo good to have beef! We also shared a bottle of Indian wine and a chocolate volcano. So much for the workout… I guess it’s better than eating that and not working out. As my sister says, it’s my story; I will tell it the way I want to.

Priya decided she didn’t want to go back to work so we headed to the Palladium Mall. It’s right next door but it was raining so her driver took us to the front door. I love her life.

I’m finding the charm that everyone sees in Mumbai. Priya has been an amazing friend and I always love spending time with her. We obviously have the same taste; I’ve loved every place she has taken me. The people at the center (Rajesh, Hari, Kapil, Saurabh and a couple others whose names I don’t know) have been absolutely wonderful too. They greet me with a warm smile and treat me as an honored guest. They have an amazing support staff too so you’re never without assistance. It’s a great office. I’ve asked the girl at the front desk her name about 3 times now. I don’t know why I can’t remember it, but she’s very sweet and understanding. The names are harder to learn because I’ve never heard them before. I’m sure mine is unusual to them too.

It’s rained a lot lately, but like Greece, you just get used to it and walk in it anyway. It’s too hot for my purple plaid boots and raincoat. Too bad, because they’re really cute. I’m getting used to the honking too. It’s just part of life here. Xavier was driving his matchbox car around on the floor and saying, “Beep beep beep beep”. Matt said he’s been here too long.

Tomorrow is my first day of class. Derek arrives tonight, but I don’t know what time. I thought it would be weird living with people you don’t know, but it’s really not. Bombs, honking, millions of people, smelly spots…I’m starting to get used to it. Well, not the smelly spot. That may take a while.