Arrival -18/08/09

I've just set this up so I thought I would go over everything that has happened so far.

Well the flight here went smoothly, I had the usual entertainment with the added option of Bollywood films. Looking out of the window when we were just about to land I could see a landscape that was awash with colour and crammed full with people. The blocks of flats and high-rise buildings, which usually stand alone in a city, had slums crammed in between them, which gave me an insight into the business to expect below.

On arrival at Mumbai airport I was greated by staff with masks covering their mouth and nose and a man holding a heat detector . Why? Because of swine flu. I was even question and had to fill in a form as to whether or not I had a temperature or a cough etc. (at which time I had a slight cold but nothing on the level to indicate anything serious, so I made sure not to cough whilst talking to the staff ).

The ride to Pune was interesting, as soon as I left the airport I was greeted by such a mixture of aromas that it's difficult to describe. People had mentioned all the smells which would greet me on my arrival and I found that it was wonderful. So different from the culture I'd left behind, something new, and interesting and one I was eager to explore. It didn't take long to get a test of the culture, as we drove towards Pune I saw the business of the city turn into beautiful mountains. Both views where amazing, there was so much going on in the city I didn't know were to look, from the shops to the slums it was all so new. It was difficult seeing the poverty 1st hand, people living on the pavement with just a few sheets (attached to the wall behind) to protect, children sitting by the traffic light, looking after younger sibling, so that when the lights turned red they could ask for money from the passengers of cars and rickshaws.

Driving habits are ...well lets say different. For one everyone is rather horn happy and they use every opportunity to have a blast, just to remind you that they are there and coming up behind you. So move out the way!!! Also though there are lines on the ground no one pays attention to them, you just fit in where you can.

On arrival at Sangam, Pune, I felt immediately at home. After a little rest and refresh I got to know my companions for the next 3 months. I am sharing my room with one of the Swedish girls, Sara, who is great and I feel at complete ease around her. All I can say is that everyone is lovely and I know that I am going to extremely enjoy my time here at Sangam. To top things of the evening started with a beautiful monsoon sunset.

For dinner I not only had cake (which managed to travel all the way from the UK in my suitcase) but also food out at one of the staff's house, which was delicious.