What a cultural awakening we had last night. First of all, I must tell everyone how thankful I am to have been board into a country and culture where, as a child / woman, I had a chance to progress.
Curt and I started our evening by jumping into a Tuk Tuk (not Rickshaw). Tuk Tuks are motorized 3-wheel little vehicles with a driver (usually barefoot) on the front seat steering with a motorcycle handle bar and a bench in the back for Curt and I. If we brought the kids we decided we'd need at least 2 for the 5 of us.
Our first Tuk Tuk driver didn't read. We showed him the name of the hospital and realized that most of them probably don't read. We took another one who understood the hospital name when we pronounced it and took us in what seemed to be a direct route. How he maneuvered through the chaotic traffic was amazing. At times I had to close my eyes convinced that we were going to get hit by a truck, car or other Tuk Tuk. We finally got to the hospital safely and it only cost us 20 Indian Rupees (about 50 cents US).
On the way I discovered many things about Mumbai. First of all, this is the only place where I've seen a dirt bike being used as a family vehicle. Dad drove with 2 kids and wife on seat behind him. Amazing!
We drove through an area congested with school kids in their school uniforms. A graying khaki color seemed to be the popular color amongst the many uniforms. Probably wise in a polluted, dirty city.
The hospital was another incredible experience. It wasn't too overpopulated as I had expected. We got in right away but had to take our shoes off before going into the operating theater where Curt would receive his stitches. The doctors were all very friendly and spoke great English. All of them seemed to have worked in the US for short stints which was interesting.
While we were waiting, the theater door next to us kept opening and closing with doctors / nurses going in and out. My curiosity took over and I had to watch as they performed an operational procedure on a man about my age. I found out later he was having liposuction! He lives in the US but flew back to India (he's Indian) for the operation as it was only costing him an equivalent of USD1000 with a USD75 for the night's stay. The plastic surgeon was very friendly and shared this information with me freely.
While I sat bare footed on a stool in the small hallway, Curt went in with the owner of the hospital for a look at his forehead. The surgeon decided that a butterfly stitch would be ideal for his deep cut. We paid him a fee of USD2000 rupees (about USD50) and made an appointment to return for a follow up the next evening. After we left we were excited to return as we noticed a COSTA coffee shop on the other side of the hospital! We were wizzing by in our Tuk Tuk so couldn't stop last night but will definitely get some giant lattes tonight!
One thing that I found amusing while waiting for Curt was the hospital's price list for baby deliveries. They charge based on a 2 hour labor and it's a fee of 4000 rupees (USD100). Episiotomy, a Vacuum, Forceps are all an additional 750 rupees. However, they charge additional emergency charges on Sundays. I wonder how many woman get yelled at for going into labor on a Sunday?
The Tuk Tuk dropped us off near our hotel where we wanted to walk along the streets and look at the shops, buildings, etc. We were told by the concierge that the restaurant that we wanted to eat at was too far to walk (at least 15 mins). Curt and I thought that was funny so decided to walk. He really had no idea as it was a good hour of walking before we found Aurus. An amazing restaurant with a giant terrace over the ocean. It was worth the adventure of walking through the dirty streets, passing begging children, barking stray dogs, sleeping cows, teenagers heading out for the night, etc. The city was just coming alive and it was funny to witness it. Only when the stray dogs barked our direction did I get nervous.
Dinner was romantic (the only lights were candles - they were everywhere) and great. We tasted Indian prawns and lobster. It was incredible. Their usage of sauces were creative and delicious. Lots of lemongrass, koriander, coconut, all my favorites.
Today is a new day. We are still a bit jetlagged and staying up late and having trouble waking in the morning. We have a lot of work today on our presentation which has been postponed until Thursday morning.
Now we are going out for our first meal of the day (it's already 1:45pm!) More soon.
