Loving Mumbai

So this may be the longest I've gone without writing in my journal or updating the blog, but I've been having so much fun and been kept so busy here in Mumbai that I've haven't really had the time or desire to write much! I've been in Mumbai since Friday morning, staying with Manu and Rahul who I met through couchsurfing. There is a very active, close-knit group of couch surfers here and so I've been spending much of my time with them. Saturday was Holi, a fun, colorful and crazy festival that is celebrated throughout northern India. Holi is celebration of the changing of the seasons and of the coming harvest. Colorful dye is thrown, smeared, and splattered everywhere. Water fights break out of nowhere. Drinks flow. Food is endless. People walk down the streets covered in bright pinks, oranges, greens, and blues. Today, three days later, my hair is still an amazing rainbow of red, yellow, and green, and my neck and arms have an attractive blue tint to them! I'm determined to start Holi in the US...Indians sure do know how to have a good time!

Manu and Rahul have been great hosts, going out of there way to make sure I have a wonderful and memorable stay in Mumbai. There is a saying in India atithi devoh bhavah (guests are like god) and its no doubt that I've been treated as such. I am actually thinking about finding an organization to volunteer with and stay for a few weeks or longer. Well, I'm off to see the premiere of the Bollywood film, Race.