Long day, long post.

So far I have spoken to four people. Asked each of them what they thought of America, in each case they brought up Trump as the first item. Your country is in trouble like ours. They liken him to Modi “the same”. Very willing to discuss politics both of America and India. Hindu nationals versus white Christian nationals. out only for the rich. this summary is more gentle than their voices

See below for a further explanation.

After many years, staying in many of the great hotels of the world complements of my sister-in-law, I am familiar with many of them. This one seems to rank up at the top if not the top very close to the top can’t think of a better one right now.

after liberal application of mosquito and sunscreen, headed out to the main street. Hopefully fully protected

far too many cars and clearly far far too many horns. Number is somewhat like China and Saigon. people sitting outside and low stools sidewalks filthy and cracked and broken. Have to walk in the street. If you told me I was in Saigon of 2007 I might agree. Air quality was better in Saigon though. 

in tourist area, which is where the hotel is one has assaulted every minute or less by people trying to sell you tours around the city or other things. Typical of other places I’ve been.

Got an Airtel card. Process took about 45 minutes and not the promised three days. Totally different story here than what I found on the Airtel website in the United States. Here for about eight dollars. I have gotten 2 GB a day for 30 days with the phone number.

Dahi Batata Puri (Puffed puris, potatoes, dry mango chutney, green chutney, sweet curd, vermicelli)

Met Sandeep as guide

Chowpatty Beach

Malabar hill and temples

Lovely park built originally by the Parsis. Adjoins city park with nursery rhyme theme and wonderful view

Many temples circle the tank.

Shima and family. She called and invited me to the Bombay club- with her mom and two sisters. Quite a treat.

More on the Trump Modi. Shima‘s family explained that Modi is not only smart but doing a good job for India and it is much more inclusive than the press ever makes it out to be. He has taken care of all of India at least on the macro scale if not always on the Micro scale. Trump, however, is greatly disliked understandably. Didn’t know that the tanking of the Indian stock market was related to Trump. Shima’s view is that I was most likely talking to Muslims along the causeway and in the town clearly they would have a different view.

Across from the Bombay club, what seemed like a kilometer of these clothing outlet stalls. brand name, possibly with defect or just over stock.