They got out just in time......

I write with sadness at the departure of Shagga, who settled into Mumbai life, living & breathing the glorious frustrations of this crazy town.

And for my little brother, who, only 2 weeks after our arrival landed on our doorstep, and has been coming and going ever since. He heads back home after 7 months on the move.

They left in the nick of time. A day later, they would have had to row to the airport, if the planes actually take off at all in this weather.


Rain has pelted the city over night, and continues in full force today. Even without the dreaded litter and with good drainage, I think flooding would occur with so much consistent rain.

Mark went out earlier to try and start Noddy, our new Ambassador as it kind of ran out of petrol (or so we think) as we arrived in our street 2 days ago. He bravely walked to the service station to fill a jerry can, wading knee deep and walking in the middle of the road in order to avoid the open drains. Still Noddy won't start - although it makes a better sound than before. (whatever that means). He lived undercover in his old life - now he's out in the rain, and could just float away.


It's a true mixture of excitement and disappointment, we were headed to the Taj Lands End to watch the Bledisloe Cup today, but not only is it dangerous to head out on the roads, we could get stuck half way, or at the Taj. So I sit wearing the Aussie colours, in the lounge room, it's actually pretty nice to be stuck inside (at the Mumbai Resort), if only our cable would work. Ash stayed the night, after a night out this side of town, for Kavita's birthday and had planned to head to the footy with us this morning. He lives in Sth Bombay, and rather than endure the commute in awful traffic, it's easier to stay this side. He's now trapped. Megan called before and asked if we stocked up on food! Jason rang also from the Marriott making plans to gather beds for a 100 or so staff who, if the rain persists, will have to stay over night as they won't be able to get home.



Our streets have turned literally into rivers. Our little compound is now full of water and every time a bus, fire truck, 4 wheel drive or even a little car braves the road, it makes huge waves. I just saw a poor dog nearly drown, swimming for his dear life after a fire truck went by. People are wading through and the Paan wallah (beetle nut seller) has packed up shop, moved to our compound with his wares to wait out this incessant rain.


More photo’s to come.



It's fun!