Namaste

I'm about to fall asleep for the last time (this trip) in India and can't help but reflect on these last 4 weeks. The big take away I hope everyone gets from reading my blog is the beauty of India, it's culture, and it's people. The kindness and compassion that has been shown to me throughout my stay will be locked in my memory. When I first arrived last month, I noted to everyone that Namaste translates to "I see the divine in you". I can't imagine better parting words as I truly see the divine in India. Thank you for following my blog and for everyone's support- Namaste!

Never a Dull Moment

As most know I was in the hospital this week and am now home. I've had lots of brave people that I love deal with much worst than what I had. The courage of the people I know in worst situations humbles me- they were my "be brave like them" thoughts. So I'm not going to write much about my treatments, just that all went well and I'm perfect now! I also had a life changing/affirming experience with regards to my views of health care for all Americans. Finally, I will always be grateful to the country of India, to Hirananadani Hospital, to my doctors and nurses, and to my colleagues here in Mumbai who took me in and got me better. My Mom, Dad, and sisters were amazing. Somehow my Mom tracked me down in an emergency triage unit at 4AM in India and I got to hear her voice and my Dad's when I was most scared. Those are some awesome parents, I must say! While the stay in the hospital was not planned - I learned more about kindness, compassion, and care than I could have anywhere else. It was a life-changing experience filled with miracles and God's grace and all I can say is how grateful I am to India for taking me in and accepting me fully, and getting me all better. XOXOXO Madeleine

Work, Pool, Work

The weather in Mumbai this weekend was beautiful!! I spent most of the weekend working but managed to take my work outside to get some sun and relax under the palm trees. It was awesome! They have a beautiful pool here. I met some fun people traveling in from the UK. One of the guys asked me if Cleveland was in the SW - we all shared a laugh when I said no, NE. Thank goodness he didn't ask me to place his city on the map:) Hope everyone is doing well. Special thanks to my Mom who's gone above & beyond taking care of Camden! This trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I could not be doing without her and my Dad. Best Love, XOXOXO Madeleine

Friday!

Hi everyone! Another quick post! Thought I'd share some photos from the drive home tonight. You will see these cute little diorama-like stores I pass each day on the way to/from the hotel. A dad giving his young daughter a ride on his bike (reminds me of when we'd ride with you, Dad!), some rickshaws, and a picture that doesn't do the beautiful community park in Hirindani Gardens (where I work) any justice. It was a great week! I miss everyone very much but am feeling well and enjoying beautiful Mumbai and India. Best love, XO Madeleine

Happy Thursday!

Hi everyone! Quick post to thank you all for your get well messages. Special thanks to Sharoni, I am so appreciative for your wonderful tips, advice, and care!! Look forward to responding to everyone's emails from this week and last very soon. All of your wonderful words mean so much to me! Have been sick most of the week but still managed to work from the office and hotel and have been feeling much better yesterday and today. Posting a pic to wave hello and a pic of ginger ale which is my new best friend :-) XOXO Love, Madeleine

Montezuma's Revenge

Montezuma's Revenge, Delhi Belly, call it what you will - but I can tell you first hand that it is real! When they say "don't drink the water" they mean it! Yesterday I woke up with a fever that was 103 in the morning and 104 in the afternoon. I spent all day throwing-up, etc. Also had a killer headache. But today my fever is gone and although I'll be working from the hotel today (stomach still a bit upset) I plan to be back at the office tomorrow. My Dad told me that according to my Uncle (who's been here twice) getting sick is almost unavoidable... that made me feel better! I hope I don't get sick like this again though! XO Love, Madeleine

Colaba Causeway

Hi everyone! I should start this post by mentioning my driver, Ram Krishav. My company has a car service so that each day I can get to work and home safely. Most days, Ram Krishav is my driver. Since it was the weekend and I felt like getting out of the hotel, I arranged to have Ram Krishav drive me to the Colaba Causeway which is a popular tourist destination in Mumbai. In this post, I've included pictures from the drive. India is full of contrasts. You can see the richest of the riches and then the poorest of the poors. I hope some of my pictures capture that experience. On today's drive I was able to see the Arabian Sea for the first time. You will see a picture below of the Arabian Sea with a bridge that is very similar to the Ravenel in Charleston! Also, some pictures from the road and the Gateway to India. Colaba is definitely an experience. The vendors set-up their stands along the sidewalk infront of about 6 or 8 blocks of stores. For the most part, each stand is almost identical. You'll see a stand of purses, scarves, belts, compasses, and key chains..... Repeat! While every website I had read, said that Colaba was a tourist attraction - I felt like the only tourist there! Vendors will follow you half a block to get your business. Let's just say- I stayed for 45 minutes, picked up a few souvenirs, and luckily Ram Krishav was waiting for me the whole time so could make a quick exit! It was character building.:) I'm glad to be back at the hotel tonight - which is more like a resort. Powai Lake is very beautiful and I'm finding more and more cool things about the hotel. It has it's own mall of stores in it and a really beautiful pool. My plan is to charge-up the computer and enjoy a day pool-side tomorrow, inside the resort. Hope everyone's doing well! Happy Halloween Aubrey, Devan, & Casey - wish I was there and can't wait to hear all about it! XOXO Love, Madeleine