Finally arrived in Mumbai at 11am yesterday (Friday). The flight was really good in the sense that the service was excellent, the seats turned into beds, and everyone got some sleep. My colleague kindly met us at the airport and took us to our apartment right away. We were glad that it was ready and we didn’t have to stay in a hotel as expected. It took two vans plus our own little SUV to take us and all of our luggage!
Mumbai streets are busy and loud. Our driver said that everyone honks because “there is no lane discipline”. That was true because even as he said it he was straddling a line on a road with three painted lanes of traffic and five real lanes of traffic! Yesterday after we arrived I went into work for a few hours and it took an hour and a half to get home because of “Friday traffic”. Even in our apartment you can hear the cacophony of engines and honking horns — and we’re eight stories above ground.
The other thing that has struck us already is how much poverty and wealth live side by side. We live in central Mumbai and it doesn’t seem to be a right or wrong side of the tracks. There are the most chic establishments like the Four Seasons and just outside the gate you have shanty housing.
Our apartment is bright and clean. Not quite as big as we had imagined it but still lots of room. Everyone took a tour yesterday afternoon while I was at work and seem to like the compound. The boys worked out in the gym this morning and C was very excited to tell me there was a spa. Apparently we can get our eyebrows threaded there for $4. If that is the only service she desires I’m fine, but suspect that is the gateway drug to higher priced spa treatments.
Everyone is still getting over jet lag but last night (Friday night) everyone slept through the night which is a good start. Today we went to the local mall amid a downpour. The mall was interesting in that you had to pass through a security check before you could enter. Inside were lots of different shops — even some Canadian ones. Then home for a nap for some of us while M and the girls went swimming.
We hope to see sun eventually, but I guess landing in monsoon season is not the best time for that. Nonetheless, the view from our living room windows is impressive. 
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I’m really enjoying your blog so far. Impressive view from your apartment. Enjoyed all the pictures and especially the one of K sleeping on the plane. While it is only Aug. 2nd here, I know it’s Aug. 3rd where you are so happy wedding anniversary to you, M and T. Hope you had a nice celebration. And I hope the kids enjoy the rest of their summer holidays, not much left as I presume they start school next week. While you are in monsoon season over there, one would think that we are here also as we’ve had big thunderstorms flooding the Whitemud underpasses twice last week, 4 days in between. It rains just about every day. Big hugs for everybody. Juliette
Wow I want to read more. I am glad you all got there safely and hope the jet lag does not last to long. I read the first post to Doug and he will read the others later. Take care love auntie Leslie
Really enjoyed your initial impressions of Mumbai and cannot wait to read more . I am a recent student of M’s and was thrilled to learn you had a blog. I’m extremely interested to see how your opinions change as your time in India grows. What a wonderful opportunity for you all to immerse yourselves into a culture for the period you are. Very happy to know you’ve all arrived and are doing well.
P. S. See if you can convince M to do some writing on the blog as well.
Darin
Great view from your apartment! Hope all is well, Happy Anniversary a day (or two) late!
Thanks for the updates…very interesting to read your view. Very glad to read you landed safely twice an d you were able to have both sons go the rest of the way!!! Hugs from us 2 Auntie Sha and uncle Bill
How wonderful to be able to read your impressions. Sounds like you will all adapt well. We wish you a great and enlightening experience.
Happy your adventure has begun! Sure miss you guys! xo