Leah’s Day Out OR Soft Rock Reigns Supreme

On Wednesday I had my first independent adventure. Being as Mumbai has around 15 million people, few street signs, crazy traffic, and I’m staying about an hour to an hour and a half from the downtown area (depending, again, on traffic) getting around is not nearly as easy as back home.

Thus Wednesday was my first true test of independent navigation. I caught a ride from Sunitha to her college, and from there got a taxi to take me to the downtown area so I could hit up a museum.

The taxis here look like they’re British cars of the 1960s, and only the modern ones have AC. It was fun taking one, minus the times you are actually stopped at a traffic light and people are trying to sell you pirated books, movies, or magazines, or begging…I still have not got used to that. And as I am super western, they especially like to plead with me.

The museum I went to is called the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharah Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as Prince of Wales Museum of Western India. I’m really glad they changed it to something that rolls right off the tongue.

Museum had all sorts of stuff illustrating history of India; perhaps the strangest thing was a vast collection of snuff jars from the famous historical figure, Tata (I forget the full name). My favorite thing though were the hordes of school-age kids who liked to walk by me and yell “Hi!” as loud as they could. I appreciated their zest for practicing English with me.

After I had my fill of the museum and a Greek tourist offered to take my pic (see token touristy photo) I made my way to the famous Leopold’s Café, where I lunched on Kashmiri Naan (Naan with tomatoes, pineapple, and something else mixed in—I still favor garlic naan) and Paneer Tikka Masala (chunks of cottage cheese, but not like U.S. cottage cheese in the masala sauce). This is where I realized India’s affinity for Soft Rock. I was greeted by a Willie Nelson song which was a pleasant surprise (yes, the place caters to tourists) but then Willie was followed by Richard Marx “Right Here Waiting” and the Police “Every Breath You Take” and so on and so forth. (Notice in the food pic the silverware is clean--I eat with my right hand like a "proper Indian!"

I was able to successfully navigate my way back to Sunitha’s college by commandeering another cabbie. Sunitha said upon my return “This must be what it feels like to worry about your kids!”

It is strange to go from knowing everything and feeling so comfortable for so many years to being somewhere where street signs are hard to even find. I leave tomorrow for a two week trip with my cousin Maria starting in Delhi; when I return I will try and learn to read basic Marathi (the local language here in Maharashtra, the state Mumbai is in) so I can figure out what buses to take! Baby steps, baby steps.

Vamos a la playa

One of my favorite things to do so far since reaching Mumbai is go to the beach.

Now this is not the "go to the beach" in the traditional sense. Here, it's winter, just like back home, so people are not sunbathing on the beach; rather they are engaging in one of many activities. I myself usually go in the mornings each day for a run. I thought I would have pangs of longing for my dear Denver City Park back home; but jogging along the Arabian Sea is a more than adequate substitute. During the weekdays, I am accompanied by hundreds of others, mostly walking, who are out putting in time for their daily exercise.

Often in the morning there will be several sets of young men playing cricket on the beach, or football (soccer). So far I've only had to dodge 2 footballs and 3 cricket balls; then again, maybe those numbers are higher than they should be!

Occasionally I have made the trek along the beach at night. This is a completely different crowd. Men selling balloons, vendors selling food, and families having a picnic are just a few of the sights. My favorite thus far was when I wandered up to a crowd of a few hundred people, surrounding about 10 men, some with shirts on, some off. The men were chasing each around and trying to tackle each other. I thought maybe this was an Indian version of Lucha Libre wrestling, but later I found out it is a popular game played in India (I'll look up the name later). On the same stroll I saw the Tourism Police (seriously what they are called) chuck a few maybe 16 year old boys in the back of their yellow police vehicle. I'm not sure what they did, but again, a huge crowd surrounded them.

Another morning there was a small TV crew interviewing a man who could have been a movie star for all I know; but my best guess was that he was a famous runner who was planning to participate in the Mumbai Marathon that was held on Sunday.

Speaking of Sunday, that is THE day to go to the beach. Many more beachgoers all day and night. The number of cricketers exponentially increases, the volleyball net is full of young men slinging the ball about, and at night to be at Juhu Beach is the Thing to do. Completely entertaining at any rate, and beautiful. The picture I took is of a woman at sunset on the beach last week.

Once my stomach is stronger, I am totally hitting up the Hot Corn they sell on the beach! Hmmm, tasty.

Chandi Chowk to China

Hold onto your seats, folks. I met an Indian boyfriend!

Sure, he doesn't talk much, refuses to where a shirt, and is only working on growing a beard, but he has LOTS of tatts and is a really, really good listener.

Truth be told, the photo was taken in the multiplex theatre walking distance from my friends' home on Friday evening. Sunitha and I took in Opening Night of the latest big Bollywood flick, Chandi Chowk to China. It was everything you could expect--assigned seats, an intermission, those working the concessions would take your order from inside the theatre rather than us having to stand in line, and maybe the best part was that people would clap at the exciting parts and also yell out comments--which may at first sound annoying, but based on the content--mindless samurai action moves combined with cheesy comedy--it fit the bill quite nicely. The movie was in Hindi with no English subtitles, but as anyone that has viewed a Bollywood epic knows, that is not really an obstacle to understanding the plot.

Other recent fun adventures include a trip to Fab India, also walking distance from Sunitha's place, where I purchased 3 cotton shirts so I know have a bit more "Indian garb". No saris yet though--Sorry! (hahhaha, I could not resist).

Yesterday I spent the day chopping food and watching Sunitha concoct an amazing Indian meal for 10 of us last night--notice the spread. I was able to meet 7 of Sunitha's relatives during dinner, including 2 aunts and uncles and her brother Nehlu. Her sister, Deepta, flew in (she is a pilot) late last night as well, and it was a pleasure to meet her for the first time, too.

I also went to my first Hindu Temple, a Hare Krishna one nearby, which was an overwhelming and very cool experience--live music, bowing at certain parts, all the while Sunitha's brother attempting to explain to me what everything means as I nod because I can half understand him with all the noise around. This is also where the International Society for Krishna Consciousness is located. I am looking forward to visiting more temples--they are truly visually mesmerizing.

More to come--especially about some Lucha-Libre type wrestling I saw on the beach the other night! I also get to go to my first restaurant today. Chicken, I think, is on the menu!

3 cow sightings

I've seen three cows in the street thus far.


They all looked different. The first one was my tannish with horns and sauntered across a busy road, as if he owned the place. He was my favorite, and this sighting was immediately preceded by seeing a KFC motorcycle delivery man (yes, they have delivery here). The second cow I saw on Tuesday from the bus on the way to where my friend Sunitha teaches at Sophia Polytechnic School. The third was on the way back the same day, on an extremely narrow street (Please reference blurry photo taken from the car).

I was very excited to see cows in the streets, not in pastures. I predict this novelty may soon wear off.

Speaking of streets, off of the main streets everyone walking/riding bikes shares them with cars, and street signs are not everywhere here. I have yet to venture out much on my own, and am curious to see how that pans out. While my sense of direction is generally OK, I do like to rely on street signs, but I think landmarks will work well. For example, after I ran on the beach this morning I looked for The Mango Stand with Lots of Dudes (or maybe it was a coconut stand) and The Big Brown Gate. Bingo,--as soon as I saw these things, I knew to turn off the beach.

The beach is awesome. Besides one ball from a cricket game coming strangely close to me this morning, there have been no major altercations (the lad chasing the cricket ball was yelling and running at me from behind, and thus I started fake-yelling, which made him laugh and run away).

I mentioned driving here the other day. Again, I could never do it, and not just because I am not a fan of driving, and not because they drive on the other side of the road, but because it is wild and crazy and swerving every which way. I admire those who maneuver the roads successfully. Everyone uses their horns regularly; and while I am a fan of the occasional honk-honk more than most back home, it's taking a little getting used to here.

On Monday Sunitha and Ashwyn took me on a bit of a driving tour of Bombay landmarks (technically their house is in Juhu, a suburb, but it all runs together very differently than 'burbs back home. It's non-stop people, buildings, etc., so the big-city feel does not fade). We stopped at the Taj Mahal Hotel on the tour. Here is an example of one of the many extremely dorky photos that will likely continue to appear during the duration of my stay.

Motorcycles are very popular here. Drivers have to wear helmets but passengers are not required to. Note how the woman with the sari sits sideways on it. Impressive. If I ever get a ride on one, I am taking the helmet!

India Arrival and the Search for Bacon

It's been a great first few days in Mumbai (Bombay). As I sat down at the computer tonight, the sounds of loud singing from a wedding party at the Army Club across the street filled the house--it's wedding season, and I hope to crash at least one Indian wedding while I am here!

I arrived without incident just after midnight on Saturday, and despite bits of jet lag, have entirely enjoyed my experience so far! I'm living with Sunitha, my roommate from graduate school at Indiana University, and her husband Ashwyn in their beautiful home. They are fabulous hosts who have filled me full of homemade Indian food (trying to avoid any sickness we are eating at home before I try out any restaurants).

Some of you have asked about the food--it is all SO good--lots of rice, vegetables, yogurt and veggies. I've had some good Indian beer (Kingfisher), dal (which is like lentils with a soup texture), homemade spicy chutney, and flatbread called Roti, to name a few things. I have even been practicing the proper way to eat with my right hand only, sans fork and spoon (I need a bit more practice as I am still a poser right now).

We visited a few small groceries today in search of Bacon for me, but thus far came up empty-handed. We did find some ham and Chicken Bacon, but the search for REAL bacon continues. We had some sausages though on Saturday night, and Sunday morning I took a walk through the Juhu Market (Juhu is the neighborhood I am staying in--there are Bollywood stars around in the area) and saw lots of vegetable sellers, local stores, temples, and even some turtles.

There are rickshaws everywhere taking people around--they are motorized, have three wheels, are driven usually by barefoot men, and run on Petrol. There was a nationwide Petrol strike a few days ago, so I was privvy to see lines and lines and lines of them lined up to refuel Saturday once the strike was over, and got in my first Indian traffic jam--one thing I know, I could never drive here.

I took a walk along the Arabian Sea with Sunitha and Ashwyn on Saturday evening as they live a few short blocks walk from the beach; to my surprise and delight I saw an Indian man wearing a Black Hills South Dakota t-shirt. SD, represent! I also saw a young man with a dancing monkey. I was really excited about that.

The weather has been delightful, and I was able to see a great view of the sea and city from the roof of my friends' building. Things are quite different here, but very exciting and fun--though it may take me a bit more getting used to being stared at for being a tall, white, western woman.

Best Post-it Ever

As most of you know, I am in a transition state. Thus, I am cleaning my office at work. Today, I found the best post-it note EVER amongst some files from 2005. On it were important things to do, namely update my blog on the following:

To point out, I did make bacon ice cream with Stacy back in 2006, I'm not sure what show I was going to pontificate about, but I do so love Beard Season. It's in full effect right now in Colorado, though since I have not frequented the mountains in months I have not yet this winter experienced the Full Extent of Beard Season.

Do I need new hair?

First Snow

First snow in Denver today!!! Picture taken at around 6:20 when I went to the gym. It will all be melted today, but, still so so so pretty.

Obama Excitement

Tuesday night was monumental, what with our new President getting elected and all. The mad-excitement shifted into high gear here right at 9 (mountain time). I was amused by some of the texts I got from frineds, so decided to include them here. As well as a pic of my friend Kate in her stylin' Obama shades.




The texts started rolling in right after 9...here are a few tastes:

• Woo! Can u believe va (Virginia)?
• Woow! We have a new president
• Hell yeah baby!
• This is historic! Unbelievable! Yeah!
• Hell yea!!!
• Woo hoo!!! i am so excited i actually teared up when they announced!
• Yay!
• I'm crying like a sissy!
• Yea obama! the world is a better place
• Yes! We won't have to move to canada!
• Holla!
• "Bush, you're FIRED!"
• Pop the chmpagne yet?!!
• Obama is prez and ur leaving the country-waz up with that? Good speech.
• I so happy. Woohoo!
• And Colorado is blue !
• I'm just so happy. I knew it would happen it just feels so great!!

And indeed it really does feel so great.

Monifa

My love for hippos is no new news for most of you. So, no big surp that I must post about the 3-week-old hippo shown off for the first time today at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Aussieland. The choppers on that little ball of beauty are impressive at 3 weeks!

Little Monifa (meaning I am Lucky) is an endangered pygmy hippo. And so damn cute. I mean, I bet they aren't THAT endangered that she couldn't come hang with me for awhile, right?

Click on either pic for the story link.

Big Blue Bear

Look what I found when I was leaving a conference today at the Hyatt--the one and only Big Blue Bear! Plus since one of my favorite things in the world is to hug mascots, it was doubly great.

Vote! Vote! Vote!

I am sooooooooooooo excited I can hardly stand it! Tonight is going to be so great...holding my breath and crossing my fingers. It's a historic day, make sure you go VOTE! As you can see, I did!

Happy Halloween Everyone! Yes, this is what I wore to work today. Hooray!

Obama Madness

A few pix from the 100,000 person rally for Senator Obama in Denver on October 26th, 2008

Politically Tinted Weekend

I've always liked politics and this past weekend I got a big dose. Colorado is a Swing State, and Obama and McCain are both vying for its 9 electoral votes. Thus, this past weekend I was able to see Hillary Clinton speak on Friday on the campus I work at. Then I was able to go to a rally on Saturday where Ben Harper played a few songs and his wife, actress Laura Dern, spoke.

Sunday was the highlight when Senator Obama spoke to over 100,000 people inbetween the capitol building and the City and County Building in Denver. I volunteered from 8 a.m. to just before noon when Senator Obama gave his speech, and was very close to the front of the masses. It's the third time I have seen him speak--first before the CO Caucus in January; then at Mile High Stadium in Denver during the DNC Convention, and now here.

It really is an exciting time in our country--but as the director of the Obama Campaign in Colorado reminded the 1,200 volunteers who showed up for a meeting Saturday night, we are "not normal" with our interest in politics.

Embracing my abnormality, I dropped off my ballot yesterday. I can't wait to see what next Tuesday brings--for me, I am hoping it does bring Change, the buzzword of the campaigns so far, and I excitiedly casted my vote for Senator Obama.

Hot Dogs

I am just saying, I love them. Hot Dog Shirt + Hot Dog = Awesome.

Check it at www.nataliedee.com

Baby #2

Corazon "Cora" Kinney, AKA Baby #2, came into the world Sunday night at 10:33 p.m. This is the second child for my friends Annie and Randy Kinney, and Cozette now has a baby sister.

I went to visit the new addition to the family and her parents Monday tonight, and she was quite delightful, as you can see. And that is me holding her, and I don't even look freaked out! Wrapped up in that blanket she was like a little burrito baby, and seriously, seriously awesome. Annie is doing very well, too.

Health Care First and the 15 bus

Having worked in health research for almost four years, the state of health care and access to health care in the U.S. has become of higher interest to me. I also am taking a Health Care Policy and Politics class this semester, so I was intrigued upon hearing there would be a “Health Care Reform Forum” on Wednesday morning, Day 3 of the DNC. My co-worker Patti and I headed downtown (my first ride in 5 years on the Denver light rail!) and it was a well-spent two and a half hours, as we heard from several legislators, governors and other major players regarding what needs to be done in the 1^st 100 days of the Obama administration to make Health Care First. One of the most powerful speeches came from a 13 year old boy who had to relearn to walk and talk following a car accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury, who spoke about the importance of having health insurance.

A highlight for me was hearing former South Dakota Senator and former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle speak about the importance of improving access, lowering costs and improving quality of health care in the United States, as well as destroying the myths of how the U.S. has the best health care system in the world—when it is far from it.

The overall highlight was hearing Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton speak. It was my first time seeing her speak in person, and she didn’t disappoint. She discussed making health care affordable to all; moving forward legislation at the beginning of hopefully soon President Obama’s first term; that there is no option of doing nothing; the importance of modernizing the system to make all records electronic; and to press hard outside legislative sessions to make health care reform a reality.

I had on my purse a “Health Care First” button and as I was riding the 15 bus home from Obama’s speech Thursday night, I gave the button to a nurse on the bus who asked where I got it. Then I got hugged by a drunk Polish man who REALLY LOVED Jesus. I’m just saying, that 15 bus, it’s never dull.

And wait, that's not all for Tuesday

We left the Watch Fest before watching, so Patti, Laura and I viewed Hillary's speech from the comfort of the apartment with some wine. I thought it was well-delivered and a great choice for an orange pants suit!

After our little watch party, I picked up Mbayja and we decided to check out some action downtown. We ended up at Theorie, which some of you Denverites will know as the former Denver Real World house. We ended up talking to a 25-year-old delegate from Minnesota who is an Iraq War Vet and was SUPER and I mean he was SUPER excited to be at the convention. Also had an interesting chat with a fellow from New Zealand who was in Denver on business and had never been to the states before, but was fascinated by the high level of interest in politics here; especially the protesters aspect, the large number of police, and the general hoopla. I was pleased to learn he found Americans overall more friendly than he anticipated, plus, he bought me a Manhattan.

Of course, Mbayja and I had to get our pix taken on the red carpet. Naturally.

Tuesday with the DNC in town

Tuesday night my friend Annie and I headed over to City Park to volunteer for the Denver Dems Watch Fest. Turns out, we mostly watched, too, as there wasn't much for us to do, except for watch the opening musicians. But as you can see, we managed to visit a huge, inflatable art exhibit in the park, and we saw Bobby Kennedy's son Max speak. We also got to where those impossible-to-miss florescent yellow t-shirts, but alas, they had to be returned.

Below, Annie with the inflatable art. There was no sign explaining its purpose.

Using all my strength, but it resists.
Max Kennedy, son of Bobby and Ethel Kennedy, gets the crowd riled up!
They finally got that fountain working in the middle of City Park.
It's even pretty all lit up with the inflatable art!

Some more pix from Day One of the DNC

Me, modeling at the Convention CenterSeriously, the Big Bear can't even get in the Pepsi Center. Pretty much how I feel.
Soooooo many cops downtown! See it, believe it.
Cops on big bikes, and a protestor.
Robo-cops (notice the guy taking the pic super close).

A small part of history

Yesterday I lent a good part of my day to volunteer at the Democratic National Convention here in Denver. I did not have the sexiest of assignments--I was part of the Greening Team, and my duties included standing next to trash, recycle, and compost receptacles and telling people where to place what. Problem was, my new buddy from Nashville, Mbayja and I were in a corner where no one else was. We were able to see parts of the African-American Caucus though, and see two protesters be escorted out.

After awhile, we started wandering looking for other fun things to do, when we got tricked into volunteering in the kitchen with Susan, another volunteer. This was pointless except we got to see all the desserts being made for the events, and one of the cooks made us french fries on the sly. Here we are wearing our hairnets and showing off our rubber gloves.

We ended up escaping after lunch to wander the convention and I was able to purchase 10 pieces of Obama flair (buttons, if you will) and meandered down the 16th street mall. The only celebrity I spotted was Willington Webb, Denver's former mayor. Below are pictures of me, trying to be excited at the beginning of the shift, and of my favorite Big Blue Bear as I left the Convention Center.

I returned home for a few hours, than made it back downtown where I encountered an overly talkative ABC news producer whom I could not shake for the remainder of the evening. I joined a few friends and saw the end of Michelle Obama's speech, but since I had been downtown mostly since 6 a.m., I headed home around 9:30. My friend Alice got in though to the Pepsi Center! I also have some fun photos of police in Riot Gear that I will post later.

It's a really exciting time for the city having the DNC here, and even more exciting is that I have credentials to get into Obama's speech on Thursday at Invesco!