This morning- later than usual we woke up, packed (folded and clean laundry from the hotel!!) and had breakfast. I went on the internet to use up the remaining time afterwards and then passed the computer to my father (who, for the record, did not ask to use it until the last minute- don't let him tell you any different) and got my luggage out to the bus.
We said some quick goodbyes (to our hosts) and went to the airport. Then we had some problems with some of the members in our group's tickets. Apparently their tickets had been canceled, so they had to buy new ones. I am glad it was not us. Eek! But it all turned out ok. :)
The Kingfisher flight was a little rougher than the others, I think. But they served us a full meal, even though the flight was less than 2 hours.
After we arrived at the airport and found all our luggage (courtesy of Kathleen and Steve Inc. - simply the best :P) we found our welcome party outside. We received flowers and waited for the bus to arrive to take us to Vapi.
When it did- everyone was in for a shock. The bus was much smaller than we expected and our amount of luggage was much larger than they expected. So- they piled it on top of the bus and then secured it with ties. It was quite a spectacle. Later on, we stopped for a bathroom break, and they put a few more pieces of luggage on top. Everyone at the restaurant/store was watching and laughing. Needless to say, everyone was very relieved when we arrived with everything still intact- or at least not missing.
We met our host families. Ours is Dr. and Ms. Jain. Dr. Jain is the president of the Vapi rotary club. Plus their son (13) and daughter (10). Names coming soon- I can't pronounce, much less spell them yet.
Then it was time for dinner with our host families- but together with the team and their host families. Yummm. Pistachio ice cream too. :)
Now we are at the Jain's house. So very, very nice. But it is pretty late, and I'm tired. So, I'm going to go test out the bed and mosquito net in the other room and see if I'm awakened at 5 something tomorrow by an excited indian 10-year-old.
Pictures tomorrow- promise. I'm setting up a flickr. :)
**New word: Jansankhya- population
**bonus: hathi- elephant
*Lord Ganisha- elephant god.
2 comments:
Okay girlfriend.........let's see.......this trip is about eating, shopping, traffic, back to shopping, eating some more, and big big animals,.....ahhh, did I say shopping??
You are so wonderful! Keep up the great stories.
DG Carol
Actually it's about wanting to go shopping and how all the guys are on Indian time and don't want us to go shopping. "Just an hour more" This translates into 3 hours. :)
Thanks!
My mother and father say hello.
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