Carol and Harold's India trip: November 26

Our flight to Mumbai (Bombay) was on time and uneventful. We were met at the airport by the OAT representative who took us to the “Le Royal Meridien” Hotel – probably the most high class place we’ve stayed on the entire trip. Since the other five in our group left for the airport at 11:00 PM, they didn’t even get a chance to sleep in the beds; however, since we don’t leave until Saturday night, we’ll enjoy our night of luxury. We quickly re-grouped and boarded a full-sized bus (which seemed a little overkill for only seven of us!) for a three hour tour of Mumbai. It is an extremely interesting city – a mix of the rich and poor, slums and penthouses, new and ancient with plenty of pollution and traffic thrown in. Our local guide was very well informed and kept up a steady stream of commentary during the ride. We made a few stops but mostly just took in the sights from the bus. We saw evidence of heightened security as today was 26/11, the second anniversary of the Mumbai terrorist attack. Tara, Susan, Harold and I met in the bar for a few last “happy hour” Kingfisher beers and a pizza, and then we were off to bed.

Our last day and it was a perfect way to end a marvelous two months in “Incredible !ndia”. We left the hotel by auto rickshaw at 8:00 and went to the train station. We boarded the fast train for Mumbai Central– a 40 minute ride. The train was crowded and, although we weren’t hanging out the door, we were only one back from the open door – just like all the movies showing trains in India. We walked from the train station to the Gateway of India and caught a ferry for Elephanto Island – a one hour ride and great way to see Mumbai from the Arabian Sea. On the island is a labyrinth of cave-temples carved into basalt rock. The main Shiva-dedicated temple is a latticework of courtyards, halls, pillars and shrines. The most impressive sight is a 6 meter tall statue depicting the three faces of Shiva as destroyer, creator and preserver of the universe. The temples were created between 450 and 750 AD. On our return to the city, we had a last Indian meal (veg and non-veg kabobs with Kingfisher beer and garlic naan). We then did a walking tour around the center of the city. We returned to the hotel by train, showered and changed and took a taxi to the airport. We are through security and waiting for our plane.

Since we are now officially off the OAT tour, I will summarize our experience. The first two weeks were absolutely fantastic. There were so many amazing sights and our guide, Sanjay, was the absolute BEST! Although the houseboat was thoroughly enjoyable, some of the extension tour to the south was a little bit of a letdown. Perhaps it was the fact that Cochin did not have many exciting sights, perhaps it was the fact that our guide, George, lacked the spark to make the city interesting, perhaps it was the fact that two of our afternoons were free to relax at the hotel and we are not used to relaxing or perhaps it was the fact that we were all a little tired of traveling and ready to go home. But, all in all, I would highly recommend this trip (especially the first two weeks) to anyone with a yearning to learn more about the fascinating country, India.