We made it back in one piece!! After finishing up another great week on the medical van, we started our trek to Mumbai. Once we reached Mumbai, we met up with some friends and went shopping! This experience was in one word, awesome. There were rows and rows of vendors selling everything you can imagine… CHEAP. We bought everything from tapestries to toy cars and with the help of our Indian friends we spent a fraction of what they wanted to charge us. I met the 100+ gift quota I had originally set for myself with ease. Whew!
After shopping we made our way to the airport a bit of a round-about way so we could see some of the famous spots in Mumbai…mind you it was pouring and I mean POURING the whole time. Despite the rain, we saw some really cool places, including the Gateway of India and a slum that is considered the largest in Asia. I was impressed.
Once we arrived to the airport things got a little hairy. We ended up having the time of our flight mixed up, and it was actually the night before! I almost threw up on the ticket man. The 9 ½ hour time difference, that whole concept of the day changing after midnight, and the complete and utter lack of sleep throughout our stay in India caught up with us and got us good. LUCKILY, Delta came through and with a small fee from the “shit happens” fund as Cindy calls it, we got on the next flight home. 24 hours later, we reached Atlanta safe and sound! My bed had never been more comfortable in my life J
Readjusting to here has been much easier, although going to the grocery store for the first time after I got back was pretty weird. I didn’t have to bargain with anyone and all the food was perfectly laid out waiting for me to pick it up. I paid with my debit card and left in my car. All of those things I had taken for granted before.
Traveling and studying abroad in India has really opened my eyes to just how different peoples’ lives can be. Small things we take for granted here make a huge difference in the lives of people there. In some parts of India, soap and running water is a luxury. I’m so thankful for what I have been blessed with and hope to continue to help others throughout my life.
On a lighter note, I’ve been eating a ton of meat since I got back. I didn’t really miss it while I was there, but after making some damn good steak fajitas yesterday, I’m re-addicted.
Thanks to everyone who kept up with our blog! We really appreciate your support throughout our journey! This trip has truly been a life-changing experience for us both.
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