Want to be a Bollywood Star?

Date Night took an interesting turn tonight!  After leaving Bungalow 9, Rick and I were working up our courage to cross a very busy intersection when we noticed a man walking toward us with what appeared to  be purpose.  He quickly introduced himself as being "from Bollywood."  A casting agent by trade.

I admit, I was taken aback just a bit!  I mean...is Bollywood a real place?  Could he possibly really be a casting agent, or did he just see a scam waiting to happen?

 He asked if we were traveling and I proudly declared that "No, we live here. I am a teacher!"  To which he replied, "At the American School?"

"Why, as a matter of fact, yes." I replied rather slowly.  Now he is getting my attention.

 I have read, and been told by other teachers, that American's are often recruited as extra's in a Bollywood film or to be in Indian catalogs and magazines.  Could he possibly be legit?

We chatted for a few minutes and he dropped the names of a couple of teachers, including a neighbor and friend, who he knew lived "off Carter Road".  It just so happens that she live right across the street and Tully and her son play together about once a week.  He encouraged me to call her and verify that he had, in fact, just used several students from ASB in a "voice over" for a movie.  I assured him that I would call her later and if, in fact, he was legit, we would get back to him.  We exchanged phone numbers and names and parted ways.

Tomorrow, I will call Julie, but tonight I googled him.  He is, in fact, a Bollywood casting agent.  Now I'm not sure that Bollywood is quite ready for me, but Tully and Larani might have fun with it.

This is just another example of how you never know what you are going to experience from one day to the next living in Bombay, er, Bollywood.

Friday Night, Date Night

After a long and hectic week, my husband decided what we needed was a date!  Gladly, I accepted his offer.  We left Tully in the capable hands of Larani and left their dinner to Lemon Grass and away we went!

We had several recommendations for places to go eat, but we finally decided on Bungalow 9.  Several friends had told me what a neat place it was and how good the food was, so we found it on Google Maps and set out for a lovely evening out in Bandra.  I made a reservation and then we hopped a rickshaw and headed to Hill Road.  I had been wanting to check out some shops on Hill Road for a while and since B9 was a short walk away, we spent out time before dinner picking up a few things at Cheap Jack's (india's version of Dollar Tree) and Nature's Basket(supermarket/delicatessen/boulangerie/patessserie ...according to their website!).

After wandering aimlessly for about 20 minutes, we finally found our landmark and made our way to Bungalow 9.  Our reservation was for 7:00, and we were prompt, but they were still having their employee meeting inside, so we were seated on the patio.  Within about 15 minutes, we were escorted inside.  Bungalow 9 is a charming restaurant which resides in an old, well... bungalow!  The beautiful thing about that is that the owner preserved the originality of the bungalow, leaving the beams, wood work and tile flooring.  They serve up a delicious wood fired pizza and the Kahlua cheesecake was to die for!  We enjoyed the food and the conversation with our waiter, who was excited to learn that we actually live in Bombay and that we weren't just tourists!  

Bungalow 9 Patio

Can you tell the sun has been shining in Mumbai?

After dinner, we walked  back toward home, just enjoying the sights of Bombay.  Every day you see something new, something unusual, something that makes you think.  Here's a peek at what caught our eye tonight as we strolled along.

Bandra Loves Jesus!

The occasional military vehicle 

Cows, of course!

And more cows!  Notice the traffic speeding by beside them!

Beautiful fruit stands litter the roadways 

Oh!  Guess what?  More Cows!

Rick and I are both fascinated with the architectural that is simply wasting away!

Loving Friday Night, Date Night in Bombay!

Paintball in Powaii

Today a group of 12 hopped in a school van and headed north to the area of Powaii, which is a new expat community in northeast Mumbai.  Our destination was Headrush Paintball in Hiranandani Gardens, Powaii.  Preyanka had arranged the paintball and I took care of getting the school van so we could all ride together and avoid having to get separate taxis.

  

We met at Gloria Jean's Coffee Shop at 9:30 and Darshan, our driver, drove us to our destination.  It was the first time I had  been north of Bandra and as always, we saw many new, interesting and unusual sights!  

Headrush Paintball is located in a neighborhood known as Hiranandani Gardens and the view was significantly different than we see in our neighborhood!  

Once we arrived, we invited Darshan, our driver from the school, to play with us.  He quickly waggled yes, parked the van and joined us.  We were a bit early, so we sat around and visited.  Anytime a group goes on an outing, there is always a few people who may not have spent much time together:  new hires, returning teachers, teachers from different grade levels or departments.  It is a great way to get to know other teachers from ASB.  Tully spent this time scoping out the arena and learning a little Hindi from Darshan! 

Finally, and quite punctually by India standards, the operator's arrived and said it was time to "gear up!'  Gear consisted of camo jump suits, "bullet proof" vests, and a face shield.  

Meet my funny Aussie roomie, Sarah Trevaskis

Paintball was Preya's great idea!

Tullinator geared up and ready to go!

Lovely Larani

Zach (USMC) and Nancy

Jordan, who is asked daily if he is Tully's dad!

Team Thexton

ASB Paintball 

Ready for some fun!

Then it was time to choose teams.  Now, Rick and Zack are both Marines, so this created a dilemma!  Should they be separated or together against everyone else?  Tully wanted to be on Dad's team, and Team Ginger was created.  Obviously, Jordan had to be on this team, too, so it was Team Ginger against everybody else!

Team Ginger:  Jordan, Rick, Tully and Zack

Preya, Sarah, Larani, Molly and Nancy

Darshan, Larani, Sarah, Molly, Waciuma, Nancy, Preya, and Bryan

The guns were distributed and games determined...Elimination, Capture the Flag and Capture the Fort.  2 hours of spraying bullets and lots of bruises to prove it.  I think Sarah and Preya win the prizes for Best Paintball Injuries.

Sarah's goose egg.  She got hit AFTER she was already out of the arena!

Preya's Point Blank!

Over all, it was a great day!  Several enjoyed paintball for the very first time, including Larani, Tully and Darshan.  I can't help but smile, knowing the story Darshan will have to tell his friends at work tomorrow!  

Darshan and Tully

Preparing for the Final Battle

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesha Chaturthi is a Hindu celebration honoring their elephant-headed god, Lord Ganesha, who is worshipped for his ability to remove obstacles and bring good fortune.   

After a short walk down to Carter Road, where we often take our evening strolls along the sea front, we saw a family carrying their Ganesha down the promenade.  I politely asked if I might take a picture and the family was more than willing!

We were so excited to see our first Ganesha up close and were thankful for the snapshot.  We thanked the family for the opportunity and prepared to continue our stroll.  At that point, the man carrying Ganesha insisted that we join him for a picture...or two...just in case!

We were then invited to join them and Dr Mahesh, one of the family elders, made sure I had a good vantage point so I could capture the celebration with my camera.

Thank you, Dr Mahesh, for inviting us to join your celebration!

The family gathers around to honor Lord Ganesh.

Ganesha is adored with flowers, representing the sky, fragranced with incense to represent air.  The burning oil lamp corresponds with fire and the sprinkling of water denotes the earth.  

After this portion of the celebration, each family member whispered into Lord Ganesha's ear.  Dr Mehesh explained to me that you whisper your wish into Ganesha ear and he will carry away all of the obstacles which stand in the way of that wish coming true.  

Whispering a wish into Ganesha's ear
.

Sweets!

We solemnly watched as the family gathered Ganesha and lovingly carried him down the water for immersion.  What an honor to participate with this family of strangers who generously allowed we Firangs to be a part of such a special family tradition!

"Ganpati Bappa Morya, Agle Baras To Jaldi AA."

(father Ganpati, next year come again.")