Hello people! Don't worry I'm still alive! Sorry for the wait…

Got the train from Delhi to Mumbai I the comfort of sleeper class, the beauty of which is when you wake in a different state without having to pay further accommodation charges.

I made my way to Deepak Uncle's place, where I spent a week with the welcoming family. I was whisked away on a scooter (when Uncle had time, in between processing Dad's order) into town.

I was treated to a wonderful assortment of food, things I won't mention as they would make your mouth water… but the thick lassi which you had to eat with a spoon was amazing! I had listed foods that I wanted to sample before I left Mumbai, and with the help of the family I managed to complete all bar one, the Frankie! I'll have to visit Preeti Auntie and the family again for some delicious homemade meals!

I was given a half day tour of Mumbai on the scooter, two wheeling it all the way into Colaba, passing Juhu beach, Bandra, etc. The thrill of the ride is extreme. I just love the cool evening breeze blowing in my face as the scooter picks up speed, which also puts a stupid smile on my face!

The temperature was borderline unbearable, so the afternoons were spent at home reading Shataram. Having completed the book I had to visit the infamous Leopolds to get a visual representation. It was busy and expensive, but the food portions were huge. As a reminder of the Mumbai attacks they had kept the bullet holes in the main window, which gave it a little more history to the place. I was slightly disappointed having met a few travelers who had never heard of the book and unaware its history.

In one of many shopping malls, I had the opportunity to win 10 lakh! It's was promoting India's version of Red Bull, which tastes rough, but mix it with something stronger and pinch your nose while drinking…it still tastes rough! I was the lucky one who got through to the final round where you had to hit a can on a string with a soft ball, standing a few yards away from the target. I managed to hit it twice (I did hit it a third time but was excluded as they said it hit the string…I beg to differ), rewarding me with 10 cans of the concoction (3 hits would have been 15 cans). The money prizes would have come if I had hit the target 4 times with my nine attempts.

The family and I had a fun day out, cranking the radio to full volume in the car and treating the beach as our private dance floor! We did get some funny looks, but they were just envious of what we were doing! I was also considered a VIP when visiting the tallest Buddha temple, giving us access all the way to the entrance!

The family treated me to customized birthday cake with my name on, which contain the best chocolate I have tasted in India (none of that waxy chocolate). Then later visited the lassi joint, followed by kesar milkshake, followed by the creamiest kulfi ice cream!!!

You would have thought I would have put on weight, but I accompanied Uncle on his early morning walks, and drank the healthy carrot juice and some other juices mixed together, which is good for the body.

I had arranged to be relaxing on a Goan beach for my birthday, and if lucky to attend a party with any new found friends. So the train ticket was arranged and another overnight sleeper was ready and waiting…