7 Feb_First impressions

Some observations-

India has a unique smell- that's the first thing that hit me on my transition from the plane to the jetway, as I went from breathing 'Recycled European', to 'Mumbai Masala' air.

It's a smell that is not wholly offensive, but strong for the untrained nose. This is a scent that will forever stay with you, and in an instant prompt you of memories from past visits. In that sense (or scense?!), it's an old friend that welcomes you on arrival!

The airport exit at 1am was chaos! Dozens of drivers with signs waiting to pick up their parties and no end to human and automotive traffic.

If there's a job to be done, you'll see two people on it, and neither of them doing much! Case in point- the exit to the car park at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM). One guy sitting inside the booth and another one standing outside collecting money from the cars, and passing it to the guy inside.

Posh German cars are everywhere now, a far cry from my previous visits!

I'm very excited to get out and see more- alas it's 4am and I think my old nemesis Jet Lag and I have a few days of wrestling before the real fun can begin.