It was a good omen, the sun shone brightly in a blue Toronto sky as our SCAW team met at Pearson International Airport for our trip to Belgaum, India. The team consisted of Duncan Macgregor (Team leader), Andrea Tynan, Marg Goodwood, Larry & Anne Kell, and Bill Sergeant. The overnight flight to Amsterdam went smoothly and after a couple hours on the ground there, we were airborne again winging our way to Mumbai.
We arrived in Mumbai an hour earlier than scheduled, which was needed since it took a while to get everyone’s luggage. We were met at the airport by Morali Iyer and Morgan with two vans to transport us and our luggage to the YMCA International House. During our trip through this city of 21 million people there were many things that struck us: the smog, dust, and smell caused by the diesel exhaust and the small wood-burning fires. The fires were used by groups of people on the side of the roads to cook their dinners or keep warm, and some looked like they were just enjoying the comfort that an open fire gives a person as they stare deep into its flames. We noticed one group of about twenty ladies, some sitting and some sleeping, on the side of one road preparing spices and other products for the next morning’s market. Considering the time of the morning, 1:45 a.m., there were a lot of people about and the limited traffic gave us a chance to study the local rules of the road. Red lights were a suggestion; and the vehicle’s horn and momentum seemed to determined who had priority at intersections or when obstacles had to be circumnavigated. Thank goodness we were being driven to the hotel by an expert driver.
The YMCA International House, where we are staying for two nights, was most welcoming. The rooms were clean and comfortable, which was a welcome site after being on the road for the past 24 hours. The staff were friendly and accommodating despite the hour of our arrival.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
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