FINALLY HERE!!!!

As we flew over South Korea I did not like what I saw; everything looked dead or dying.  Trees were leafless and grass was brown.  When we got off the plane a realized why… it was winter here in Seoul.  That changed my perspective right away and it changed even more when everyone was super friendly to me.

My bag is getting checked straight through to Mumbai so I had no need to worry about it.  I took out rupees at the currency exchange, which was a little difficult but I managed like I always do.  Then it was off to the third floor to catch the free shuttle to my hotel.  I walked outside and could feel my cheeks freezing and my breath could have been mistaken for cigarette smoke.  Great relief was felt when I got into the warm bus and even more so when I checked into my room and collapsed on my bed.

Lots of blogging was done while I had the chance with free Wi-Fi, which worked exceptionally well.  I got to Skype my sister as well as my mum and dad, which is always nice but my tummy was getting hungry and I needed to find food.  I found a very small sushi place and this is where I tried raw fish for the first time.  I tried cuttlefish, flatfish, egg, crab, octopus, and two types of shrimp; it was a little strange but I think I like sushi.

I got back to my room and out of the freezing cold weather and hopped into a very hot shower, I stayed there for some time.  A nap was much needed and I fell asleep the moment my head hit the pillow.

At 4:28 I caught the shuttle back to the airport and tried to find what counter I was suppose to go to.  I don’t know how to describe how busy the airport was… the whole population of Vancouver was on the one floor.  I had my ticket so there was no need to check in, all I had to do was go through security.  I would have enjoyed this if it weren’t for the people behind me that were constantly bumping into my bag, I came close to swearing when they decided to try to cut in front of me.

Inside the airport it is like one giant shopping mall!  There are stores everywhere; it is the most impressive airport I have ever seen.  I got myself a smoothie and headed to my gate where I played the waiting game.

When it was time to board I was the last to get in line, I didn’t feel like standing up at the moment.  I boarded my flight with no problem at all and began typing right away.

To give you an idea I have been in the air for 6 hours now and haven’t gone to sleep, I’ve been watching movies and typing the while time.  As you will find out though… my blogs are now completely caught up now!

After I wrote this I fell fast asleep never to be woken again… except when we started landing!

I thought everything was going to be easy getting into India, it kind of was.  Customs was probably the worst part because there were so many people!  I waited in line for 30 minutes only to be told that the line I was in was for India passport holders only.  So I switched lines but the line I switched into didn’t have anyone at the desk so I switched again!  Finally the line was moving and I was through customs with a huge smile on my face, I couldn’t wait to see Pranav! I grabbed my bag and was thankful to see it safe and sound.  I went through one more checkpoint and was out in a crowd of people and couldn’t see Pranav.  Then to the far right I saw him jumping up and down waving!  I practically ran over to him and we couldn’t stop smiling!  He has defiantly grown up since I’ve last seen him and he’s got a beard now. 

On the drive to the apartment in Mumbai we talked about all the diving we have done and how college is going for him.  Anything I saw along the way that was strange Pranav would just say “its India”.  Finally we arrived at the apartment and I am now showered and in my pajamas feeling excited and tired.  Tomorrow we leave for Pune and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the family!