After a quick stop by the restroom, a coffee from Cafe Nero, and the compulsory browse through the duty free shop, we went on to find our gate and board the plane. Our flight to Zurich was only about a third full which was a relief because our layover in Zurich was brief and less people equals a quicker deplaning process. Our flight got off a little late and we subsequently landed approximately 30 minutes behind schedule. Still we had adequate time to make our next flight. The approach into Zurich airport was amazing. Gorgeous views of the snow capped Swiss Alps against the brilliant green forest, deep blue of the lakes, and the sunshine, made it a landing to remember.
We boarded the plane for the leg to Mumbai and settled in to our seats for the next 7 hours. The plane was quite nice and roomy compared to Delta so that was a nice surprise. The plane was equipped with individual televisions with an array of movies available on demand. Typically I've seen most of the movies that are available and of interest to me, but this time was different. I wasn't sure what to watch first. I decided on The Descendants and Mo chose Sherlock Holmes. Our movies carried us all the way through dinner service. Both of us thoroughly enjoyed our movie choices. I don't know what it is, but it seems the older I get the more easily moved I am...I cried enough during the movie that at one point Mo looked over at me and asked if I was okay. After dinner I moved on to movie choice number two and proceeded to fall asleep almost immediately...I woke up to credits rolling. I still need to see Iron Lady. As most of you know, my falling asleep had less to do with the quality of the film and more to do with my narcoleptic tendencies. By this time we were about 4 hours into the flight. Next on the movie reel for me was War Horse. Such a good movie and once again, a tear jerker, at least for me. Shortly thereafter the lights came on, snacks were served and we began our initial descent.
We landed about twenty minutes early and thanks to rapid movement through immigration and baggage claim we were united with Mo's father minutes after we were supposed to land.
We were both wearing our signature travel outfits consisting of running shoes, jeans, a t-shirt for me and a collared dry-fit for Mo, and light fleece pullovers. The heat and humidity of the Mumbai night enveloped me and the pullover had to come off. We arranged for a cab and began the ride to Mo's childhood home ("home" for this leg of our trip).
We reached home put our luggage away and headed out to dinner. By this time it was almost 11pm. We walked over to Urban Tardka, one of our favorite, local, Punjabi style restaurants. In true Indian fashion there was still a wait but as soon as the host caught a glimpse of my milky white skin, a table became ready. Probably unfair for the other patrons, but I may never tire of the special treatment I've received over the years while visiting India. It's the only place in the world that views me as a VIP and I will take it as long as it lasts.
After a tasty meal of dal, roti and chicken, our bellies were full but not to full for my favorite Mumbai treat...Natural's ice cream. We caught a rickshaw to Juhu and the ice cream shop was packed! They were out of my first choice (choco almond) and also Mo's (custard apple). Most of the flavors at Natural's are fruits, but a girl loves chocolate. I actually went back four other times and they were still out of choco almond. This was my first trip to India without having my favorite ice cream. Definitely a disappointment.
After ice cream we headed home, took a much needed shower, and went to bed.
I woke around 10:30 on Sunday morning. I don't know what it is about India but I could sleep forever here. We went over to the next door neighbors house, Auntie and Uncle's, for breakfast consisting of South Indian cuisine of idlis, mango lassi, sambar and coconut chutney. Once again our bellies were full and we were content.
Now we needed a walk after all this food. Where better to go than our favorite shopping destination...Star Mall. Mo and I think it's related to Tesco, our UK grocer, because they had some Tesco products available. Star Mall is an Indian Wal-mart of sorts. I was on the hunt for some linen capri pants since my favorite ones, holes and all, got thrown out when we moved to London. I tried quite a few and nothing was quite right but I can say with confidence that in Star Mall sizes I'm a XXL ...yes a double extra large and that's after shedding a few pounds since being in London...nothing like a little Asian sizing (no pun intended) to dash your hopes about the way you look, or more specifically your size! We picked up a few groceries and toiletries...yes, I did say this place is like Wal-mart, and headed home.
Around 1:30pm we headed to Andheri station to catch a train to Bhayander to visit Mo's uncle, Vilas (his mom's younger of two older brothers). This was a momentous occasion as it was my first local train experience in Mumbai. To give you some context, it was a Sunday, the least busy day for train travel, and we had first class cabin tickets, and we still had to stand up for most of the journey. We also met a fellow Deloittean along the way who was headed home after a Sunday morning in the office...go figure!
On the train returning to Mumbai
Mo's uncle lives in an old age home among about two hundred other folks. He was thrilled to see us. We only called him once we reached the station as we didn't want to excite him too much or cause him much trouble in the way of preparations to meet us. We visited with him for a bit and gave him some treats that we had brought him. After a while he walked us to the main entrance where a rickshaw was waiting to take us back to the station. It was a very emotional goodbye especially for Vilas.
Being an XXL already , we figure what the heck, we would stop by Natural's on the way home from the station for a little pre-dinner treat. I still got ice cream though choco almond was still unavailable. I got anjeer (fig) this time and Mo got jackfruit. Many of the fruit flavors available at Natural's (or in India for that matter) I had never seen or heard of prior to my trips to India. Once we reached home, Mo's dad prepared a delicious dinner of fried fish, cabbage, dal and chapaties. We settled down for the evening, Mo watching cricket and me with my current book. Another lovely day of vacation and it was only Sunday, so by my count it was still the weekend and official vacation would begin tomorrow.
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