Mango Taste Test 2011

We are getting into Mango season here in Mumbai. As one of the only fruits grown in Mumbai, I knew I needed to try it. What I didn't know was how many kinds of Mango there are. In the grocery store I went to, there were five variations. One of my team members was able to eliminate 2 right away leaving 3 for the taste test: Badami, Alphanso, and Tapuri. One of the mangoes (Alphanso) was about 3 times the cost of the others so it was the front runner right from the start. I recruited Mike, currently visiting from Minneapolis as well, to be my fellow taste tester. After trying all variations, Alphanso was indeed the best. It wasn't even close. It was by far the sweetest and you can tell from the picture, the most colorful (left most mango). I fancy myself a true mango connoisseur now. I'll probably repeat this test in a month to see if the results stand. I'll keep you posted.

It's Raining

No, not outside but rather in my apartment. We're months away from monsoon season but my ceiling decided it couldn't wait. Unfortunately I didn't notice it until I had quite a puddle. The hotel staff fixed the leak (apparently from the AC unit) quickly. It was a good display of separation of duties. The maintenance man came and fixed the leak and the housekeeping team was then called to clean up the mess.

Who Knew

I've been having problems with the corners of my mouth since just days before my visit to the US. The corners seem to have cuts that are pretty painful. At first I thought it was due to stress since there has been so much going on preparing for the trip and then actually traveling. However, when nothing seemed to heal them, I did some research. Apparently, my problem is the leading symptom of a Vitamin B deficiency. When I looked up sources of vitamin B, it made sense since the best sources are red meat and dairy products. Both of which I don't eat/drink at all in India. I visited the chemist (pharmacy) today to get some supplements. Hopefully, they will take care of it and I won't look like I have a clown mouth anymore. Oh the things you take for granted when you can eat/drink anything you want.

Yada Yada Yada

I finally made it back to Mumbai after a very long 24 hrs of travel. For anyone traveling to Mumbai, my advice to you is avoid the Paris airport. There is no comparison to Amsterdam. The Paris airport is so spread out, I had to be bussed from the plane to the arrival gate, from the arrival gate to the departure terminal, and from the departure terminal to the plane. Each bus ride was packed and about 10 minutes long. I also had the wonderful experience of sitting next to a man that loved to talk about himself, how much money he and his children had made, how working for a company was a waste of time, how statistics is the only way to make a decision, yada yada yada. Even when I had my headphones on listening to a movie he would interrupt to talk to me.

Jet lag seems to be much worse this time. I can't seem to get a handle on how best to handle it. I'm hoping a good night's sleep tonight makes everything better!

Paris Airport

I'm halfway through my journey back to Mumbai and have made it to the Paris airport. After a surprisingly long bus ride to terminal C, I only made one faux pas with security. Trying to find the lounge, I accidentally went down the wrong steps and found myself in the security back room. Quickly realizing my mistake, I hitailed it out of there so I didn't land in French prison. I eventually found the lounge and am enjoying a nice French cappicino. One flight to go. I was adding it up and I'll have had 14 flights in 6 months by the time I return from my honeymoon. Pretty crazy year.

To and From

I am now in the Minneapolis airport waiting to head back to Mumbai. It has been a productive two weeks back in the states. I had many meetings while here and started onboarding for my new job as Mobility Program Manager. On a personal front, I did my taxes, addressed and sent wedding invitations, had a dress fitting, attended my wedding shower, wrote and sent thank yous, visited my matron of honor's newborn daughter, attended a neighborhood cleaning party, finalized the wedding menu, cake, and rehearsal dinner menu, and even got to see my fiance, family, and friends a little. I do feel better about the wedding after being here for a couple weeks. At least things are in motion. I can't wait to get the final count and really start checking things off. See all of my Mumbai friends soon, and I'll miss everyone I'm leaving behind. 6 more weeks of adventure and then it's home for good. The end will be bittersweet.

Cricket Mania

I'm not even sure how to explain the phenomena that is cricket in India. Then, when you have a game between India and their biggest rivals Pakistan, the excitement is over the top. It is like the World Series and Superbowl rolled into one! The picture included is during the end of India's batting while the snack was being served in the cafeteria. Although you could here cheering throughout the match while sitting in the office. I feel privileged to have been here during such an exciting time. I flew back to the US the day before India won the Cricket World Cup in Mumbai but I was assured I witnessed "the final before the final".