a glimpse of India

Hundreds of boys out playing pick-up cricket at the park

Awaiting a bowl in this pick-up game

I always describe cricket like this: it's kind of like baseball, but more exciting! Each pitch (or bowl) is a potential run scoring opportunity while a "home run" in cricket is worth SIX runs every time you hit one over the fence – this is creatively called a "six". The batsman can hit the ball in any direction (forward, to the side, even backwards) but must protect the plate, or the “wicket.” Behind the batsman, the wicket consists of three posts with a crossbar balanced across the top. If the ball hits these posts, knocking off the crossbar, the batsman is out. Each batsman is up at the "plate" or wicket and continues batting and scoring until he is out. You only get one out per match, so you better make it count. The best players can sometimes score a hundred runs (a century) in a single at bat (see, i told you it is more exciting than baseball).

A bowler comes running in from the left and the batsman winds up on the right

A batsman swings for glory while protecting the wicket

The most famous rivalry in cricket is between England and Australia, and it is called the Ashes. The Ashes series began way back in 1882 and has been played every year since. Last year England beat Australia to reclaim the Ashes trophy for the first time in 19 years! This year the best of five Ashes series is being played in Australia, which just kicked off last week. Australia drubbed England in the first of five test matches winning by 277 runs!

Labels: Ashes, Australia vs. England, cricket, India

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Women strolling in their brightly colored garb

Fresh roasted peanuts anyone?

My colleagues and i hired a car for the day to get out and see the city. Normally i would be opposed to such luxury, citing the backpacker ethos of cheapest, slowest, and most uncomfortable. However, we are staying a good 45 minutes drive from the downtown area and our time is limited, so hiring a car made sense. It actually worked out great as we were able to see a lot of great things over the course of several hours.

Where can i get a hat like that?!

Profile of the Gateway of India

One of the major sights in Mumbai is the Gateway of India. This fine structure was built to commemorate the King of England's visit in 1911 during colonial rule, hence the Victorian influence. It is only fitting that when the British were ousted in 1948 that they left from this same point. Today, the only boats that depart from here are ferries that take tourists across the harbor to visit the historic Elephanta Island.

Is it me, or do these parents think their kid is going to bolt any second?

Mumbai is a city of fascinating contrasts. Forty percent of the country's GDP is generated in Mumbai, yet poverty remains a major issue. Crumbling structures lie right next to brand new buildings. Billboards advertise mutual fund investments while children beg for pennies on the street. When you think of Hollywood, celebrities, sunshine, and beaches may come to mind. Believe it or not, Mumbai (aka "Bollywood") boasts the largest film industry in the world, but the ocean is not fit for swimming.

This family lives under a tarp on the side of the road

Old and soon to be new buildings

The most amusing part of the day came when we visited the Gateway to India. Several touts swarmed around us the moment we stepped out of the car, hounding us constantly by attempting to hand us things and then request payment.

After tying us in knots, these girls demanded payment

Two young girls managed to tie bracelets on the wrists of my three female colleagues and then begged for payment. The trick was that they tied the bracelets on with a knot that my companions could not get untied(!), despite their best efforts. As we walked away, the girls followed, protesting that they were being taken advantage of until we finally escaped.

The stamp of British rule remains visible today

Some of the city's most beautiful buildings were built during the colonial era

Labels: Gateway of India, India, Mumbai

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I have decided that Switzerland is possibly the most beautiful place in the world. It would be absolutely perfect if it was warmer and had beaches, but the Alps more than make up for what is lost with the lack of ocean scenery. My flight crossed the Atlantic during the night and as we approached Zurich for our stopover the sun rose in the east, casting a pink glow over the snow-capped Alps.. spectacular.

cafe' and chocolate.. mmmmmm!

During my layover in Zurich, i was fortunate enough to visit with my friend Hasmik. We met a few years ago in Australia and have kept in touch ever since. She was gracious enough to meet me at the airport for cappuccino and a croissant filled with swiss chocolate.. c’est magnafique. Hasmik is recently engaged to her awesome boyfriend Erwin – congratulations! It was great to see her and catch up. On my flight home from India i am going to try and see my cousin Charlie in Frankfurt, who i haven’t seen in over five years – hopefully it works out!

Hasmik and i during our quick visit

After arriving in India, i was surprised at how quickly the baggage came out and was even more surprised when we had to have our luggage scanned on the way out of the airport. Already i could feel the moisture in the air thickening as i approached the airport exit. The warm air was a welcome surprise for me. In short order i was whisked away by a driver who held my name on a placard and my life in his hands as he negotiated the fantastic madness that is driving in India.

The key is to hang on tight when driving (or riding) in India!

Labels: Alps, Arrival, Zurich

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Labels: India, travel

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