Today we make the journey to Elephanta. I avoid working out so I don't bring on any stomach issues. I eat a hearty breakfast of eggs and oatmeal before taking the doxycyclin just to rule out that possibility as well.
The ferry costs us about 3 dollars. It's a big, two tier vessel with benches and chairs cast about to accommodate the large number of passengers. We move at a decent clip and the breeze feels refreshing. Sitting still in Mumbai can be miserable, so even the slightest breeze from walking comes as a relief. We pass by a network of pipelines and an impressive navy cruiser.
It's a short hike up to the caves, but the heat makes it feel difficult. Also travel isn't conducive to getting much cardiograph conditioning, so we're huffing and puffing while the locals don't seem to sweat. The stairway is lined with market stalls selling the usual fare of souvenirs.
At the cave entrance we were treated to a spectacle of hundreds of painters and sculptors filling the dark passageways to create their own renditions of the cave walls. As it turns out there is a festival going on over the weekend, part of which features an art competition. We didn't stay long enough to find out who won, but we got to witness the behind the scenes as each artist diligently went about his or her work. Although the caves were quite busy, this event definitely enhanced the experience. I'm sure we would've enjoyed the caves regardless, but this added so much flavor.
We spend the rest of our afternoon being pummeled by the sun as we explore the old fort and cannons that mark the summit. Varun and I meet a friendly dog who we named Gulab. A monkey steals an empty lassi bottle from me, and we watch them relentless take food from other passersby. Nicole befriends several more puppies. The usual.
Getting back is a bit chaotic. The return ferry "system" resembles that of anything in India, after all. After being kicked off of two different boats they finally let us embark. I sit on the floor of the boat and write for a while, enjoying the occasional ocean spray to come up over the side and cool me off. The heat cycles will likely get more extreme as we head south to Goa, so I relish this moment while I can.
The ferry costs us about 3 dollars. It's a big, two tier vessel with benches and chairs cast about to accommodate the large number of passengers. We move at a decent clip and the breeze feels refreshing. Sitting still in Mumbai can be miserable, so even the slightest breeze from walking comes as a relief. We pass by a network of pipelines and an impressive navy cruiser.
It's a short hike up to the caves, but the heat makes it feel difficult. Also travel isn't conducive to getting much cardiograph conditioning, so we're huffing and puffing while the locals don't seem to sweat. The stairway is lined with market stalls selling the usual fare of souvenirs.
At the cave entrance we were treated to a spectacle of hundreds of painters and sculptors filling the dark passageways to create their own renditions of the cave walls. As it turns out there is a festival going on over the weekend, part of which features an art competition. We didn't stay long enough to find out who won, but we got to witness the behind the scenes as each artist diligently went about his or her work. Although the caves were quite busy, this event definitely enhanced the experience. I'm sure we would've enjoyed the caves regardless, but this added so much flavor.
We spend the rest of our afternoon being pummeled by the sun as we explore the old fort and cannons that mark the summit. Varun and I meet a friendly dog who we named Gulab. A monkey steals an empty lassi bottle from me, and we watch them relentless take food from other passersby. Nicole befriends several more puppies. The usual.
Getting back is a bit chaotic. The return ferry "system" resembles that of anything in India, after all. After being kicked off of two different boats they finally let us embark. I sit on the floor of the boat and write for a while, enjoying the occasional ocean spray to come up over the side and cool me off. The heat cycles will likely get more extreme as we head south to Goa, so I relish this moment while I can.
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