Llorene

Yes we've landed.

I have to admit I was definitely apprehensive and anxious about arriving here. I had no idea who was going to pick us up or where we are going to stay. A late night phone call to Vaithegi did calm my fears though- and she had reassured me that everything will be taken care of.

I was definitely glad to see three seemingly looking strangers who approached us and asked, "AIESEC?" A sigh of relief came over me- because although they seemed like strangers- a warmth of familiriaty was also in the air.

Passing through the roads of Mumbai, I really can't help but think of Manila as I had remembered it. The palm trees that sway in the warm tropical breeze, the traffic jams and honking cars that occur even at 1:00 in the morning, also the street vendors showcasing their wares. And though I know it's not Manila, the thought that I have seen something familiar to this gives me a bit of comfort.

One thing that I am certainly happy about is the warmth of the AIESECers that I have come to know here. I have received nothing but a warm welcome from all of them. Bhuvan, our host from AIESEC Mumbai has been wonderful and his family has welcomed us and I am very thankful for that.

Day 1--
We also met with other AIESECers, especially the new and old MC. And though I must admit that I don't remember all of their names- as I met 20 of them today, what sticks out in my mind is certainly the friendliness and warm hospitality we have been greeted with. Indian hospitality is truly something to be experienced. I really feel very well taken care of.

It's so pleasant to see the new MC- and not only that- they are very eager to talk to us and get to know us. Although I know that they are in the middle of transition- and are very busy- work was put on hold for a bit to ensure that we are okay. I will certainly miss this. I know that I will miss this type of mindset. Relationships are certainly more important than the work that needs to be tended to.

On to the experience of commuting. Today was our first time on the Mumbai trains and auto rickshaws. Yes- Indian drivers are well-- shall we say they have their own interesting way of getting around. Certainly not the type of traffic I am used to in Toronto. Not to mention having to cross a street with these drivers! But sensing our fears about crossing, the AIESECers here took our hand and led the way.

The day went by quickly, but it was a day well spent meeting with everyone. We went to a pub in Bandra with the old and new MC. An experience as well. When we got there, there were no lights, I think the power had gone out. But we went in anyway, and the place was quiet but full of people amidst the candlelights and flashlights. Finally, within about 10 mins of us there, the power was back on, and the hip-hop music came on the loud speakers.

The food
I am loving the food. It's all new to me, and I can't remember most of what I've been eating- but it's awesome I'm really enjoying it. And for you who may be worried about whether I can handle the spice, it's actually not that bad. Well, I guess it's also that our hosts have accommodated us and have made it so that the food is not so spicy for our tastes.

More to come of my reflections soon. Today we're going to have some chai and meet with the VP of People Development.