Hello,

And so here is my first blog entry! (kind of). I had completed one about 2 days ago but the poxy internet cafe that I was in decided to delete all of my work for me. I was not too pleased.

My first impressions of this hustling, bustling mega-city where ones of utter bewilderment and astonishment. Without trying to sound like every other blog about Mumbai, there really is something going on around every corner, at every single second. I arrived at the airport and was struck immediately by the sight of the slums that are just meters away from the runway. Slums in which there is no government intervention with regards to tax, bills or any form of assistance. But really, to a large extent, it is not wanted for. If these people are not aware of what they do not have, they do not want for it.

I have passed these slums a fair few times on my travels around the city, going to and from my hostel. They are scattered all over this immense city. I did not realise the true extent of the city until I took a boat trip on the 27th (my birthday) to Elephanta Island. The trip started at the Gateway of India, pictured in darkness in one of my albums, and took fully 50 minutes to get to Elepanta Island, which is about half the distance of Mumbai. Elephanta Island was a great experience, with its wild monkeys, dogs and cows all roaming free in the markets and holy Hindu temples.

As far as culture shock is concerned, I have been no exception. Everything is very much in your face, whether you like it or not, and in the further regions of the city a pale-skinned, ginger haired fellow like me gets many a stare. I'd like to think I've coped quite well with it though, and I've spoke to a few people who have not enjoyed this city at all because of that. A canadian girl I have spoken to recently said she had been followed home several times and is rather paranoid as to their intentions.

I am now coming to the end of my time in Mumbai and can honestly say that I have enjoyed every second. Despite the occasional bafflement and confusion (and leaving my wallet on the back seat of a tuk tuk), it really is a crazy city, so much of which I haven't seen.

I give it 7 thumbs up (without having a scale with which to start).

Talk soon.

Ste!