Diwali Time

Happy Diwali!  It was said all day yesterday!  The happiness was everywhere.  For me to be in India during the Diwali celebration has been wonderful.  I watched the fireworks announcing Diwali is here! 

After work shift ended, I was back at the Hyatt Regency.  Rush called to discuss the plans for lunch with his family.  Based on the time we discussed, I was ready at 12 noon IST.  This time is my time not India or Rush time.  About 1-1/2 hours later we were off in an auto rickshaw to his home.  We had a wonderful lunch and great conversation with his Mom and sister.  Due to the lateness of the lunch my plans with Khatija were canceled.  I feel horrible about missing time with her.   I had time to shop with Rush and his Mom.  It was a great time.  I purchased some items. 

Rush, Mom and Me!

Wednesday of Diwali I have been told is the best day to by gold.  It was fun and listen to the bartering.  Even though it was in a different language, I knew the best deal will be given.  Look at Rush's Mom face.  She is so beautiful.  Who can say NO to her???  It was a fun experience.  Rush is a great son!

Later in the evening Ashish, Swapnil, Madhura and I drove to the Queen's Necklace in Mumbai.  We were meeting Avinash and Ruchi.  

Diwali fireworks were dancing in the night sky.  I was watching the show from my hotel room.  It was so beautiful.  Diwali celebration began Monday!  November 7 was Diwali.What is Diwali?

It was a beautiful night.  The light cool breeze.  The happiness filling the air around me.  The women dressed so beautifully!  We met at a restaurant that is so popular the customers wait for a very long time. The food (vegetarian) was amazing.  It was so buttery and delicious.  Swapnil ate his and mine as well.  For a skinny guy he can eat a lot.  

Breathe freshener

Cooking!

Then - Avinash told me to get on the back of his scooter!  My head was spinning.  I told him that I wanted to ride on a scooter/bike in Mumbai.  And - here it is - the opportunity to do it.  My mind was trying to think of every possible excuse not to.  As I was getting on the back - my mind was telling me "YOU ARE CRAZY!".  There is no helmet of the passenger.  There is a new law for the driver and passenger to wear a helmet, but it so new no one does it.  The driver is required to wear a helmet.  Again so many do not wear it.  Most drivers do not fasten it under the chin, so it would not help anyway.  

I am on the bike.  Now I have to get my feet on the foot rests.  Done!  Ruchi is telling me to hold onto Avinash.  I was holding onto the back of the bike.  This is what I see others do.  I felt better to hold onto him instead.  Now we are ready, but need to take a selfie.  The excitement was growing.  I was actually ride on the Mumbai streets at night on the back of a bike. Me!  

Just the beginning! Excitement!

We are off.  I keep talking.  I needed to calm down.  The cool night air was brushing my face.  I was so excited to be on the bike.  I did it.  I overcame a fear.  I wanted to do this.  Avinash and Ruchi gave me a great gift!

 

I was asking questions during the entire trip.  This calmed me.  When the car had the left blinker on and Avinash went to the left side of the car...that scared me.  The car was turning into us.  Avinash took charge of the situation.  

What a great night!