Sick in Mumbai
 I’m sick. Two nights ago I felt it creep into my joints and chest. I walked to the Chemist (Pharmacy) and they gave me a number of pills to take. Some antibiotics, decongestant, and pain reliever, most of which would require a prescription in the states. I paid a dollar or two. Despite these I had a rough night, racked by coughing, pain, and shivers. The next day was better. We went on a very old boat with no life preservers, save one for the captain. Our guide claimed the tires strapped to the side of the boat would serve as life-preservers, to which I tried to assure her they would not, but alas, this is India and risk comes with every day. When we got to Elephanta Island we climbed hundreds of steps through a mess of vendors pushing all types of souvenirs. For six bucks I could have had four guys carry me up in a chair (like C3PO in the Ewok village), but I didn’t have enough cash for such a luxury. The caves were hand cut and it took 150 years to complete, which means a lot of people spent their lives chipping at rock in some pretty intense heat. 
Mumbai is India’s New York and it feels like it. Batches of high-end hotels restaurants, new buildings, and condos can be found tucked into the corners of this vast city. But again, the poverty and people living on the streets is sobering and mind-boggling. Babies stand naked in piles of trash and sewer water. We passed miles and miles of this on the way out to Reliance Communications, one of the country’s premier businesses. The lush green campus with its sleek modern buildings was a significant contrast to the wretched conditions elsewhere. Reliance hosted us like we were dignitaries and really treated us well. The walk across the bridge overlooking the company’s control center was a highlight. NASA’s Johnson Control Center would offer justice as a comparison. Every part of their network countrywide was being monitored, really amazing.
I still keep thinking of the entrepreneurs our group interviewed in Bangalore, Mr. Prakash and Mr. Shetty. Not only did they give us great interviews that inspired us and offered many valuable lessons, Mr. Prakash was even kind enough to take us out to “13th Floor,” which is a very nice rooftop lounge. On the way up we overloaded the elevator and got stuck. Despite warning the elevator operator that it looked like there were too many of us, he tried anyway and we were stuck for a good 10 minutes. I think I definitely saw panic in Barron’s eyes until someone outside finally pried the door open. The appetizers and ambiance were a nice change from the buses and hotels, plus it was a good chance to get to know Mr. Prakash more. He sent us all samples of his new product Invisglove, which is like Purell and lotion together, except that it also forms a barrier that protects the skin for many hours from absorbing various chemicals, oils, and dirt. It is an amazing product and I have found myself wishing I had it on several times since then. I guess I’m working backwards in time at this point. We’ve been so busy that I’ve missed a lot in my blogs and the next blog or two will be a bit of catch-up.
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