What a roller coaster my life has been since I started the joyful venture journey last week. I have learned that the highs and lows are just part of the journey of life and the Universe has a bigger picture in mind, orchestrating every move, so that I can live my best life. There’s a reason behind everything that happens in our life. I just have to learn to be patient and keep my positive spirit.
If I didn’t meet Marc, Amsterdam wouldn’t have been on my radar to visit, and explore the opportunity of moving here one day. I met some great people who showcased resilience, creativity, entrepreneurship, love for adventure, free spirit and willing to be helpful. From Tamas to the friendly staff at Hotel Fine Seasons – Melvin, Evalina and Anna, want to genuinely help me if I decide to move here. How fortunate I am to cross paths with these caring souls 🤗
As I leave Amsterdam early morning, the sun has risen to bless me as I continue my journey of learning and self-love.
I head to the train station to take the train to the Schiphol airport. I try to use the automated ticket machines but sadly it is not equipped to accept my US credit card and, nor does it accept the Euro cash, so I schlep my luggage to the other end of the station to pick up the ticket. I quickly grab an egg sandwich and chocomilk for breakfast, since breakfast is the main meal for the day and I was already hungry.
A speedy 20 minute train ride took me to the airport. The check-in process, security check and immigration was the fastest I’ve ever experienced in any country. I had a lot of time on my hand before boarding my flight, so I enjoyed the modern amenities of this lovely airport from the super sleek and clean toilets to the library reading room area.
Finally, it was time to board my Turkish Airlines flight to Mumbai, India with a quick stopover in Istanbul. I could have flown direct and shaved off 3 hours of travel time but by doing this I saved $500 and used only 50,000 points to fly for free. Since I was in no hurry, I opted to travel for zero dollars.
The layover in Istanbul was a bit depressing – way over crowded, dirty and old. The toilets smelled of urine and cigarette smoke. Luckily I was just there for 2 hours. Thank God.
Sleep and I, have been having some discord for the past few days. I tried to convince him to let me rest for few hours. We played tug of war, sometimes I succeeded and sometimes he did until six hours were up and we landed in Mumbai at 5:15am. I did watch the movie – Papillon. What a beautiful movie about freedom and resilience! And above all it’s about friendship and belief and faith and love. I highly recommend this movie because it will touch your heart strings as it did mine.
Exhausted both mentally and physically, I just wanted to go home but the 90 minutes wait at the immigration check point at Mumbai airport was painful. Felt like herds of cattle waiting to be marked. On the bright side, my luggage was waiting there for me.
Getting a local SIM card at the airport is not easy and it takes time to activate your account. Having encountered this problem on my last visit, I was excited to test the GigSky eSim card. I got the 1 day India plan for $10 before I boarded my flight. When I landed in Mumbai, it was a breeze to turn it on and it worked like a charm. I was able to get on their wifi network and order my Uber ride. Voila! No more stress about asking strangers for help or getting frustrated.
The sun had risen to greet me as we drove through the Sea Link bridge and within 30 minutes I arrived to my family home. This is one of the perk about arriving in Mumbai before 8am.
My Mum and Dad have been waiting for me and welcomed me with open arms. My Mum had made hot saffron almond milk, toast, carrot halwa and green chickpeas almond halwa. Oh! I so missed her home cooked yummy meals. I look forward to being spoiled for the new few days before I head to my yoga retreat.
