The day after

We were all meeting for lunch in town at a restaurant before most
people flew back that night, leaving me to my own devices for a couple
days. I had loosly planned to go south to the slendid beahes of Goa,
but had nothing set up yet. I went to the train station in Mumbai on
Sunday hoping to purchase tickets down and back. The journey would be
about 8-12 hours each way, depending on the train. I hoped to take an
overnight train Sunday night so I would arrive Monday morning.

I arrived at the train station a pro, already having booked a ticket
in Delhi a week prior. I filled out my slip and approached the
foriegner ticket counter and waited as there was one person in front
of me. As soon as he finished, the gentleman behind the counter
informed me he was on his lunch break and placed his wooden "KINDLY
WAIT" sign in front of his ticket window. To his credit, it was
clearly posted that lunch was from 11:50-12:10. I couldn't complain.
While I waited I watched the Russian tourists sittin next to me be
loud and obnoxiuos while sipping straight from a Bailey's bottle.

Upon the ticketman's return I confidently handed him my paper. He
confidently handed it back and informed me that all trains to Goa were
full for then next two days. Ugh. All the advice I had gotten told me
to book early. That's what I get for not listening.

I decided to figure it out after lunch, for which I was already late.
I entered the restaurant to find all the family and guests spread out
amongst a number of tables. Aashumi's one uncle and aunt who I had
chatted with during the mhendi and wedding ceremonies beckoned me to
sit down next to them. The uncle poured me a glass of beer and the
aunt explained the menu to me.

This was a thali restaurant. Thalis are basically a big metal dish
with different comparmenta that are each filled with different dishes.
This restaurant had one big plate and then a bunch of small stainless
steel bowls for the food. There were three kinds of thalis, from three
different regions of the country. I of course opted Goethe combo
plater, consisting of all three. Beyond the food that fills the bowls,
you also receive endless bread, fried treats and coitleas other things
that seemed to just appear on my plate. Half way through the meal I
had more food than when I started out! I managed to stuff my fat face
as much as possible... And then I had a little more. It was all so
delicious!

We walked next door to a music store where I purchased some Indian
music and possibly the coolest t-shirt ever.

I decided that hanging out by myself for three more days in Mumbai was
not an option, so I went to the Internet cafe and bought a cheap (thnk
Southwest) ticket to fly to Goa. Done and done.