Mumbai, formerly Bombay (until 1996) receives its name from the goddess Mumba according to Hindu tradition. When most people think about Mumbai they think Bollywood, the billion dollar Indian movie industry. I just like the sound of the name. Mumbai.
Sonalee used to be one of my roommates in Toronto. I haven’t seen her in over three years. In that time, she moved from Toronto to Qatar, Qatar to India; got married, and had a daughter. It’s surreal to see these new roles of mother and wife. Yet, back in Toronto, I could tell she would make an excellent mother.
I am staying with her and her family for a couple weeks before I get back on the backpacker trail. They were gracious enough to pick me up at the airport and give me a place to crash. Sujay, Sonalee’s hubby, is a journalist who writes for a technology magazine. He seems like a really cool guy with a great sense of humour. Two-year-old Ruby is simply adorable. She is just so happy. I just want to play with her.
They made their home in Navi Mumbai, a satellite city, one that is considered a better alternative to Mumbai. After living mostly in Delhi, they are just getting settled in a new area and a new apartment.
My first two days allowed me just to relax. Sonalee cooked me some wonderful Indian food. She kept feeding me food and drink all day. Her apparent goal is to fatten me up (like I need any help in that department). I am going to resist though. My body does not need any excess pounds.
Most families have maids in India and Sonalee’s family is no exception. She has a cute little maid that comes here twice a day to clean and cook. To my western ways, it’s a bit odd but I am getting used to it. Being waited on is kinda fun though. Another cup of tea, please…
I said I would not get sick in India but I did my second night here. I felt nauseated and generally unwell. I was zapped of energy and I just wanted to sleep. The next day I couldn’t eat anything. I feel better today though. It probably has to do with the numerous weird potions that Sonalee gave me to drink.