Mumbai

India is crazy about cricket. It is more than a pastime. It is a national obsession. Many times in Rajistan and Uttar Pradesh, the poorest states we visited, I would see impromptu cricket matches being played by the local boys.  In Khadjuraho, there was a village market and cricket match.  I have never been one for games myself, but I marvel at the ability of sport to bring people together in a peaceful way, no matter where you are. 

So it was with a sense of honour that in Mumbai we ended our trip with dinner at the Cricket Club of India, to which a business partner of Cameron's belongs.  Ardeshir Contractor is a very successful entrepreneur in Mumbai and is part of the large Parsi community in the city.  As with most Parsi, his last name reflects the occupation of the family.  Ardeshir himself is not a contractor these days but his great-grandfather built bridges and so, the name.

Mumbai, to my mind, is really the place for Westerners to start when they immerse themselves in India.  Although shantytowns line the runway when your plane touches down, so much of Mumbai will be recognizable as a city - from the streetscapes, the international brands, the nightlife and the people walking the streets.  I am realizing that we did our trip backwards - with the chaotic ecstasy of Varanasi first and leaving the relative order and prosperity of Mumbai to the last.  On the other hand, maybe it was the right order after all and Mumbai was a good transition back to Canada.

As I write this, my last post, I find myself missing India. For all the chaos and poverty, the wealth and corruption, there is such vibrancy and energy there.  Because so many people I dealt with spoke English - I tried to learn some Hindi but did not do well - I was able to speak with people and get to know them in ways that are all too rare in other countries.  I had an email from Vinesh the other day, our guide through Madurai and Cochin - I owe him some pictures - and yesterday, I had a text message from Kimi, our driver in the north.  Cameron and I have friends and business colleagues in many countries and now I am pleased to count Vinesh and Kimi among them.

Cameron is already planning our next adventure and other travels are calling to us but I do believe that India will retain a special hold.  It drew Cameron back 30 years after he first travelled there.  I have realized a lifelong dream to travel in India and it did not disappoint.  As for Alex and Chris, who knows?  If India has the kind of hold it did on Cameron and me, then hopefully they will rediscover it in their own life travels.