Stepping of the plane in Mumbai there is indeed a unique aroma one can appreciate, as if someone forgot to take out the trash.  I can't say it is the most appealing up front but quickly you become accustomed. The airport was impressive to say the least. There was art integrated into the concourses and the immigration gate took less than 10 minutes.  Perhaps that was because I was traveling with others who had India passports along with their USA passports.  The magnitude of people in the airport was unbelievable for midnight.  Being an international hub there were planes for Europe, Singapore, and surrounding countries. Baggage claim was hub of activity with hundreds of people waiting to claim their bags.  It took awhile for our bags to arrive not before there were thoughts of what is the  luggage is lost, then what do we do? They did finally arrive and we were off to meet Vivek's Uncle. On the way out we exchanged money, approx 1 dollar is 57 rupees, some places the rate is even as high as 62.  As we left the airport there was a crowd of people ready to swarm on those in need of assistance with bags, transportation, or direction. Then through the crowd Vivek spots Uncle.  They reunite as friends who haven't seen each other in years but don't miss a beat.  All I can do from the sidelines is observe because I have no idea what they are saying.  We then went to the car, which Uncle has his neighbor drive because driving is an art in India, and loaded up the trunk.  With that we were off.  The city of Mumbai engulfs all your senses from the not to pleasant smells to the stimulation of the lights and sounds as we traveled through the city.  If you didn't know what time it was you would never have guessed it was close to 2 in the morning. People were out, traffic was flowing and the  hustle and bustle of the city was in full force.  Of course the travelers must be fed so we stopped at what you could call a rough version of  a drive through.  A guy standing on the sidewalk outside the restaurant where you place an order from the car then they deliver the food car side when it is ready.   Unique way of doing things but hey it works.  We navigated our way through the streets until we arrived at Uncle's apartment.  I can't explain how thankful and appreciative I was for him and his family. They opened their apartment to us and even made sure we were fed.  We sat down around a table and ate the authentic Indian food served by Uncle's wife.  It was delicious and filling however, if you clean your plate more will magically appear until you are so stuffed you can't eat any more! After the meal we sat around and "talked" aka I watched.  It was fun to see families catch up and  update each other on their lives.  The Uncle explained how he recently had a stent placed and showed all his medicine to ensure he was on the right treatment.  While this was going on Uncle's wife drew me a hot "shower" which I was grateful for.  After traveling for so long it was great to clean up.  This version of a "shower" is hot water heated then filled into a bucket.  You use a cup in the bucket to pour the water on your body and clean up.  Not what I'm used to but it works just as well.  Clean, fed, and relaxing with new friends will leave a lasting impression of Mumbai in my memory. These people were strangers to me only hours before but genuinely embraced me as family for the evening.  To that I owe them many thanks.

I should first say that I am not traveling alone for the first part of my journey.  Two wonderful friends I have had the pleasure to meet and work with in my residency program are also completing an internal health elective in India during the same time period.  Vivek and Ajay have both visited their families in India so are familiar with the travel.  The only down side is that they are not going to be in the same region of India.  The bright side is we were able to book our flights together from Charlotte to Munich to Mumbai.  Once in Mumbai we all were spending the night with Vivek's Uncle's family then I was back to the airport to take two more connecting flights to finally arrive in Vijayawada.  

The highlights of traveling with my brown buddies: First I was ready to be picked up at 1200 on Friday, they arrived at 1:00 pm.  This was only the first of our struggles with time.  I had the opportunity to meet Vivek's Mom and Dad who were driving their car down to Charlotte so we wouldn't have to leave a car at the airport for a month.  They are lovely, genuine people who obviously care dearly about their son and there for any of his friends too.   We made it to Charlotte and grabbed some dinner before our flight boarded.  Then we proceeded to wander the concourse looking for headphone splitters and camera connects, standing in awe at the Best Buy vending machine. What we didn't account for was the boarding time of our flight.  We arrived at the gate just as we heard Vivek's name announced overhead as the final boarding call.  I have to say it wasn't bad not having to wait in line but man we cut it close!  The three of use were in row 41 which is only three seat.  I was between the boys and we had a great time.  We watched the movie Captain Phillips simultaneously on the seat screens and talk about an intense movie, especially during happy hour.  There was an intermission for dinner then after movie cordials. I guess it pays off to befriend the flight attendant.  Before we knew it we were arriving in Munich to catch our next flight.  It was a bit early to explore the beer garden (8 am their time and approx 3 am in NC time) but a morning stroll to stretch around the airport was enjoyed.   Of course we felt right at home with Winston Lounges everywhere (aka smoking lounges).  Then  it was time to board our final leg together Munich to Mumbai.  We were on time for this boarding call.  Probably one of the highlights of the flight was the free WiFi !! We were able to download free talking, video, and text apps so we could stay connected on our travel with each other and with everyone back in the states.   I have to say times are much different from my first study abroad experience in Mexico when the internet was still dial up and only available in the school computer lab. 

My adventure actually begun in Feb 2013 when I applied for a scholarship to participate in an international health elective.  When I found out I was the recipient of the scholarship I was ecstatic!!   What an amazing opportunity to explore the world and learn medicine from a new perspective.  Then I learned my site would be in Vijayawada, India.  My first thought was that I could not correctly pronounce the site name much less know where in India it is located.  With the help of my trusty side kick, Google, I learned about where I was going.  Also I decided to ask around to see if any one had heard of the city.   The reactions and responses I got were not those of shared excitement.  They were statements such as really? Is that safe?  I don't think you should go.  You will stick out that may not be a good idea.  I was a bit taken a back by these responses.  I was even more taken aback when it was from people who had grown up in India or those who frequently visited their families in India.  Then there was the CNN story about the troubles of foreign woman traveling in India.   All the negative cautious comments gave me more motivation to prove people wrong.  Before I have even set foot on India I have done what I can to make sure my travels are safe.  I hope that the people I will be working with and encounter in India will be kind, welcoming, and friendly as those Indian individuals I know in the States.  That being said I am going to do everything in my power to respect the cultures and traditions of my host country.    If I'm honest I will admit I don't agree with all the views or customs but is it my place to bluntly disrespect them to prove a point? No. My mission is to experience the health care system in India through learning and teaching.  I can't deny I'm nervous and outside my comfort zone but these types of experiences challenge my strength, independence, and influence the woman I am both today and in the future.

P.S I have to thank Project HOPE for providing me with opportunity and scholarship.   Here is there website, check it out! http://www.projecthope.org/