I love India

I gotta say, I'm really loving India. The people are just so sweet and kind and funny. They joke a lot and get most of our jokes. We spent about 7.5 hours interviewing and shooting today in Mumbai. Got some great footage of professionals talking about their interesting projects and things they're passionate about like Engineers Without Borders, cricket and their families. They were very nervous to start and wanted to use scripts but we talked them out of it and had them smiling in the end.

On lunch break, professionals in Mumbai play ping pong (in the elevator lobby). Here's a pic as proof:

We were kindly invited to visit two expat homes today. The first was a Brit, along with his wife Emma and 3-year old son Benji. Very spacious apartment with many bedrooms. There was a nanny or a maid, wasn't sure which. Lynne got some action shots of Benji riding his scooter and playing at the playground. He loved Lynne and showed her his favorite toys -- cricket bats. Janak Poojara invited us to his home for lunch. He gave his wife about an hour warning that we were coming to eat and shoot video. She was a great sport and we dined on chicken salad sandwiches, chips, zucchini bread with an Indian kick, green bean/potato curry and a Coke. The view of the lakes and mountains from their apartment is amazing and they have a humongous jetted tub for two that takes 3.5 hours to fill. They haven't used it yet. Interesting couple. He's originally from India but has lived in the U.S. 40 years and I believe is an American citizen, so now an expat in his own country. He and Linda (from Texas) met in college 40 years ago. Very kind to us.


We felt like we were leaving old friends when we had to leave to drive to Pune. I just can say enough how wonderful Jitendra Sambare and Sabina Fernandes were. I really hope they come to KC one day so we can return the favor.

There was much debate over how long the drive from Mumbai to Pune would take. Some said 3.5 hours, some said 5, it depends on rush hour. 3.5 was the winner and we were glad to get here about 7:30 p.m. Very pretty drive through the mountains.

Update on the suitcase situation: Pune Marriott is sending it out for repairs so hopefully I'm rolling again in time for next leg of trip.

Ran into fellow KC professional Angela Hoffman, B&V's Treasurer in Mumbai today. Her luggage hadn't yet shown up from her Sunday flight. She went shopping but couldn't find much to fit as she's very tall, probably 5'9.

That's all for today. Should have time to blog again tomorrow. If you're having challenges commenting, I think you can do it as anonymous and then just add your name to the email. Shout out to Aunt Donna for commenting!