And She's Off!

Yes! I am finally able to leave Mumbai! Tomorrow I will be flying off to Cairo. YAY! I am excited for many reasons. One is because I am going to continue on with my trip and visit two more countries of the world. But mostly it’s because I am able to finally leave India.

It isn’t because I have not enjoyed my time here. I have. Tremendously. Well, except for this last part. This part I hated, feared, and dreaded. But even throughout this excruciating ordeal I have been able to experience some rather incredible things. Like the forex owner pressing on me Rs. 1000 without asking for securing against it or even knowing my name – only trusting that I will repay him. Like the care and attention given to me by the staff at the hotel I’ve been staying at this past week and half here in Mumbai (Have you eaten? Here, have some chai. Take the water!) Like the friendly greetings or waves of acknowledgment from street vendors and neighbors of the areas I pass through almost on a daily basis to replace all the official documents permitting me departure and entry into countries (even my own!). The generosities of smiles, kindness and spirit have done much to counteract the loss of all things taken from me (not only that which was stolen…).

I can see why people have said that most visitors come away from India either loving it or hating it. Or both. Traveling in India is definitely something that you have to work hard at if you want to get to the treasures she harbors. I do not say this because of how I have chose to travel throughout India. For most people, this would be true (in my opinion) even if you were to have everything pre-arranged and guided. For even trying to make your way through some of the markets and chowks to buy souvenirs or gifts to yourself requires patience, endurance and unflagging enthusiasm. But with tempered perseverance and faith, one can be rewarded with the most splendid of things, places, people and views.