Arrived in Mumbai

We arrived on Tuesday after almost 24 hours of travel (via Frankfurt). We’re staying at the Lawrence Hotel – a humble and modest hotel near the main bazaar and tourist shopping areas.

There are noticeable changes since we came to India four years ago. India is taking its place as a world leader in business, entertainment (“Bollywood”), and other areas. “India isn’t running into the future – it’s galloping,” says the CEO of one of India’s biggest corporations. Members of the growing middle class stand out in contrast to the multitudes in the lower classes. We recently heard that India’s middle class numbers 300 million—almost the size of the U.S. population (its total population is over 1 billion).

It’s hot here – in the 80s and 90’s; and this is the “cool” time of year! India’s had a serious drought this year, and there’s concern about water usage. Mumbai depends on three lakes for its water supply, and they’re drying up. The city has mandated a 20% water cut, which may be increased to as much as 50-60% until the monsoons return next summer.

We’re adapting to the difference in climate, culture, and food. The food is easy—it’s fantastic.

Tomorrow we’re off to a 30-day meditation retreat about three hours outside of Mumbai. We’ll be in touch after the retreat.