This morning I took a boat to go explore Elephanta Island (a series of rock-cut temples). I was looking forward to it as my first solo adventure and not so nervous as these types of tours are regulated by the government.
So we set sail across the Arabian Sea and I am reminded of other peaceful boat rides... to see seals... a day trip to Monhegan Island, etc... except here there are no announcements, no signs for life jackets, in fact no one seems to be in charge. The only sound is the clanging of a bell signaling for anyone in our path to kindly (and quickly) move out of the way. It was actually quite the picturesque outing as the Gateway to India Arch faded slowly into the background and we headed out to sea. That is, until our boat hit some waves and the boat started swaying to and fro.
Now, I love the water and love to swim and boats don't really bother me. In fact, a little swaying makes things kind of interesting. But then the creaking started. This was a two level boat (10 extra rupees to sit on top, I was watching my budget and chose the bottom level) and everyone on the first level started to look up at the ceiling. It literally sounded as if the boat was going to split open and the roof would cave in.
This wouldn't be worrisome except for the fact that a man who had been sitting off to the side and I guess somehow operating the boat suddenly jumped up and started to inspect the boat as if he too believed it was about to crack. If he was worried, I figured I should be. At that moment a few things went through my head... at least I am a good swimmer... too bad my camera will get wet... and uh-oh Tom is going to be pretty displeased if I have to call and tell him that my boat sank to the depths the Arabian Sea.
Note: my dad has told me on numerous occasions not to take overcrowded ferries (this boat was not overly populated so I guess I followed his directions) and that if I end up in a Thai jail, I will be disowned.
Back to the boat... as I tried to decide what part of the roof would collapse first in order to plot my escape route (and noticed others doing the same), the man apparently in charge of operating the boat quickly disappeared into a hatch and the rocking stopped. I don't know what he did, and it was probably a combination of his actions and the maybe smaller waves, but everyone on the boat breathed a sigh of relief as we continued on our way to the Island.
Whew. So after that lovely experience with my first Indian boat ride, I arrived at Elephanta to climb a very long set of steep steps to reach the opening of the caves. I will attempt to upload pictures of the carvings and temples although I must admit I was pretty distracted by the numerous monkeys and ended up taking most of my pictures of them pruning themselves and their little friends. What can I say? I am an animal lover.
FYI in case you were wondering, I have managed to see two cats here. They were both strays but happen to live in the garden behind my flat.
Overall, today's adventure was quite lovely although I am still trying to acclimate to the different ways people do things here. For example, on the boat ride back, the man next to me finished a can of soda and then tossed it over his shoulder into the Arabian Sea. No one seemed to blink or take notice but it is rather appalling to see such behavior and know that it is a regular occurrence over here. On the positive side, there is the rather fun body language including the infamous head bobble. I am not sure exactly what it is, but it seems to occur when someone doesn't understand what has just happen so they jiggle their head side to side. Not quite a shake, not quite a nod.
Stay tuned: tonight involves my first overnight train ride in India as I make my way south for a few days. In Goa, I have been warned to stay away from Israelis who have just finished their commitment to the army as they are very much the party people. Let's see if I can find them. So far my experience of alcohol in India has involved Mati (my kind hostess/the equivalent of a homestay mother) and her maid opening a bottle of Bourdeaux to inspect and pour me one glass of wine. They told me they were unfamiliar with it and asked if the special label and year of 2003 meant anything... needless to say, it was a very good glass of wine.
Of course, I am also looking forward to seeing a cleaner version of the Arabian Sea and all the historical sites the Portuguese have left for me to find.
PS I hope you are understanding how much I am loving this.
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