Bombastic Bombay

Arriving in Delhi I wasn't really prepared for the madness that would ensue afterwards, because being the extremely well-planned, organized Peace Corps volunteers we are, we didn't do anything for this vacation except purchase plane tickets.

So sitting in the travel agent's office on Sunday afternoon in an effort to figure out how to get to Goa, the nice man gave us the grim news.

"I'm sorry, madam. All trains are booked."

"Do you have any flights available?" we asked.

"The only flight we have is a jet and the cost is very expensive."

"What about Mumbai?" we asked. "Can we go there?"

"I have already checked for you, madam. There is nothing available."

At this I sunk down lower in my chair and put my head in my hands.

"Well can you drive us there?" I asked.

At this the man threw back his head and laughed out loud.

"I have not permission to drive outside the district, madam. If you like, you can come to my house for New Year's Eve."

So we wandered down the street, dejected and sad until we found an internet cafe in which we used to find three cheap, available tickets on the next flight out to Mumbai.

But, as fate would have it, our flight was delayed at least three hours due to fog. So we sat and watched as the lines of people stood to board their flights to...where? Goa!

I jumped up and ran over to the SpiceJet ticket counter.

"Hi!" I said. "I just happened to notice this flight is leaving for Goa. That's where we want to go...can we change our flight?"

"Madam, this flight is already boarding. That is not possible," he said.

"But...I mean...if someone decides not to show up, could you just give me a heads up?"

"Madam you must wait for your flight. You are going to Mumbai."

"Fine," I said.

Later we noticed that our flight to Mumbai was heading to Goa after our stop.

"Excuse me," I asked again. "Our flight is going to Goa after Mumbai...can we just stay on the plane and go also?"

"Madam, there are no seats available on that flight. You are going to Mumbai."

And so it goes...we arrived in Mumbai, a plethora of beauty and amazement.

Nothing beats this place...I could spend years here and not come close to exploring as much as I'd like to. The food, the gorgeous atmosphere, this country is amazing.

Next stop: GOA!!!!!!!