Today, my friends from the US come for a segmented stay. I’m very excited to share this part of the world with them. I worry about wearing them out because the roads, travel times and having so much to see. They are very chill and easy going. Mumbai is very much the opposite. Mumbai is a city that will eat you alive and never even look back.

I want to show them the Gateway of India where King George and Queen Mary walked. I want them to see the pigeons that flock there and the water with all of it glittered trash. I want them to experience people wanting to take their photograph just because they are white. I want them to feel loved and welcomed. I want them to witness the beauty of all that Mumbai is.

I want to share with them the joy that I feel walking around the streets where people smile and greet you. I want them to feel the jet lag but not even care how tired they are. I want them to experience food that burns your mouth but tastes delicious. I want them to feel the fear of being in a strange place but know the embrace of the Indian culture and its people.

I want them to know how much I love it here. I want them to share this joy with me. I have so many things I want to show Pieter and Lyndon that we simply just don’t have enough time. We will have to make this trip again soon where we are all on vacation and have nothing tapping our shoulder.

Pieter and Lyndon, as I am getting ready to travel to the airport to pick you up, I want you to know how much joy it gives me to be able to show you a part of the world that you have never been to before. I can’t wait to see your faces of happiness, fear and uncertainty. I can’t wait to hug you as I have missed you over these 3 short years. Appka Swagat Hai.