Who wants to be a millionaire?

I am in Mumbai and yes, every movie theater is showing Slum Dog. Being here is a lot like being in the movie. Life is fast passed and action packed, full of sounds and smells and the weather is very warm. The plane flew in right over the slums so I got a good view of the frenetic life down there and the haphazard urban landscape, with sky scrappers rising right out of shanty towns dotted with temples and mosques and with the train tracks right through the middle. I took the urban train all the way in from the airport - it is exactly how you would imagine a train in India with all the passengers running on and off at each stop and fighting over the door so they can lean out and feel the breeze. The weather is very warm; I don't think it will ever cool off! The city sticks right out into the ocean, but there's not many chances for swimming given the extreme pollution in the water. Strong smells are ever present here, most of them unpleasant. The food is plentiful and cheap. Lodgings are low quality, but also cheap. My bed takes up 85% of my room, but at least there is a fan! The architecture in this city is spectacular, but decrepit. The traffic is non-stop, but I think I am figuring out the proper technique for crossing the busy streets. People are everywhere. This is India, the first impressions have not disappointed - it is all those things you imagine! Tonight I will sleep well, after two nights sleeping in British Airlines world traveler class (I don't mind sleeping on the plane, but flying east makes the night time so short!). I miss everyone very much! I wish you could all experience this with me, it is truly awesome!