Time for myself
Well, I think I finally got my body clock and the actual time within shouting distance of one another. I went to sleep last night by about 11, and did not wake up until about 6:30am. I did take a bit of a nap today but I think I am on the right track.
So today, I pretty much goofed off in the morning until I suddenly realized I had a problem to solve. I realized that I had a baggage problem. International flights allow for a checked bag for free, but I realized my next 2 flights were domestic -- meaning I was going to be charged twice for the privledge of lugging around a huge suitcase. I had a big backpack given to me by a friend, and so I picked out all my clothes needed for Chennai, as well as the other essentails and then loaded up the big suitcase with my laptop case (kept my laptop), dirty laundry, and extra clothes and had it couriered to my Mumbai hotel. The cost of courier: $45 direct to hotel. The cost of lugging it to Chennai and then to Mumbai: $180 (they charge by Kg domestically) If it makes it there, it saves money and time. We will see.
By the middle of the afternoon today, I had read the India paper and caught up on all of the Olympics news and was getting stir crazy so decided to go for a walk. I had a map of a mall somewhere close by so decided to see of I could find it. As I mentioned, the sidewalks were not being used so really felt like a local walking down the street. Only thing was that I was obviously the only white skinned person and I got a few stares which I ignored. I did discover partway down the first road why sidewalks are not used -- the sidewalks are for street vendors! There was someone selling coconuts, lots of food vendors, and even a guy who seemed to operating a tire repair place. People with motorcycles were lining up alongside his truck which was filled with tires and innertubes.
As I got to the first major street, I started to have some doubts about my idea. There was a mass of people. I turned right down the main street (mainly because the crowd was more on the left) and began walking down the street. I walk for a block or two and began to wonder about my directions. I pulled out my map and found I turned the wrong way and I needed to get past the crowd. So I gathered my courage and headed into the crowd, which were there as it turned out, to eat at some roadside "cafe" which was basically a string of kiosks. I continued walking with a few stares and a couple shouts from vendors toward my goal and I started to be able to see the mall. Along the way, saw this parked in front of an entrance to something with a sign that said "Locomotive Institute" The rest was in Sanskit so not sure what it was.
Well, I think I finally got my body clock and the actual time within shouting distance of one another. I went to sleep last night by about 11, and did not wake up until about 6:30am. I did take a bit of a nap today but I think I am on the right track.
So today, I pretty much goofed off in the morning until I suddenly realized I had a problem to solve. I realized that I had a baggage problem. International flights allow for a checked bag for free, but I realized my next 2 flights were domestic -- meaning I was going to be charged twice for the privledge of lugging around a huge suitcase. I had a big backpack given to me by a friend, and so I picked out all my clothes needed for Chennai, as well as the other essentails and then loaded up the big suitcase with my laptop case (kept my laptop), dirty laundry, and extra clothes and had it couriered to my Mumbai hotel. The cost of courier: $45 direct to hotel. The cost of lugging it to Chennai and then to Mumbai: $180 (they charge by Kg domestically) If it makes it there, it saves money and time. We will see.
By the middle of the afternoon today, I had read the India paper and caught up on all of the Olympics news and was getting stir crazy so decided to go for a walk. I had a map of a mall somewhere close by so decided to see of I could find it. As I mentioned, the sidewalks were not being used so really felt like a local walking down the street. Only thing was that I was obviously the only white skinned person and I got a few stares which I ignored. I did discover partway down the first road why sidewalks are not used -- the sidewalks are for street vendors! There was someone selling coconuts, lots of food vendors, and even a guy who seemed to operating a tire repair place. People with motorcycles were lining up alongside his truck which was filled with tires and innertubes.
As I got to the first major street, I started to have some doubts about my idea. There was a mass of people. I turned right down the main street (mainly because the crowd was more on the left) and began walking down the street. I walk for a block or two and began to wonder about my directions. I pulled out my map and found I turned the wrong way and I needed to get past the crowd. So I gathered my courage and headed into the crowd, which were there as it turned out, to eat at some roadside "cafe" which was basically a string of kiosks. I continued walking with a few stares and a couple shouts from vendors toward my goal and I started to be able to see the mall. Along the way, saw this parked in front of an entrance to something with a sign that said "Locomotive Institute" The rest was in Sanskit so not sure what it was.
I walked a little further and saw the mall on the right -- the problem being I was going to have to cross the road --- a very busy road and I had seen from my experience riding that there was no such thing as a crosswalk or yielding. I watched the local crossing technique then made my move. Success!
What I found (after having to go through a metal detector to get into the mall) was a fairly modern mall, a food court with Pizza Hit, Dominos, Subway, and a lot of Indian specialty food places. I browse around until I found something I least expected -- a bowling alley. I debated for a while, but braved the figuring out part which is so awkward. Pretty soon, there I was, bowling in India. Did not do too bad, a couple of strikes, some spares. Not bad. One of the attendents took some pictures for me, but unfortunately do not have a cable to download to include them so that I can attach to this blog. Hard to believe I would find a bowling alley in India! It was fun and cheap. $175 for a game and shoes (about $3)
Last topic: DOGS
I had mentioned that I had seen dogs all over. I had been warned not to run due to them, but today was thinking I did not have much to fear from them. Attached are some pictures on the walk back. Obviously these dogs are VERY comfortable just hanging out -- even sound asleep in the road. Dogs are king!!
 |
| Apparently too tired to get off the road |
 |
| Yes this dog was sleeping right in the middle of the road! Just like everyone else I just walked around him |
 |
| This guy almost came home with me. |
Tomorrow: IJM Bangalore Monthly Client Aftercare meeting
Tim,
ReplyDeleteSo are you going on the pro bowling tour in India? How is marathon training going?