Grounded in Mumbai

I should be home right now. A couple of hours ago I was fuming about this fact. I was pacing back and fourth chanting, "I am stuck here, I am stuck here, I am stuck here." feeling very claustrophobic. "How could this happen!" I said a bit too loudly as a little boy holding a Handy Manny backpack looked up at me like I was crazy. Because of the......um...whats it called? Whatever...volcano in Iceland, I am grounded in Mumbai. The smoke/ash from the volcano has spread so far that it has caused planes all over Europe to not be able to fly. As the already crowded room filled with more and more angry people, I started to go crazy. I pushed, squeezed and slid through the crowd and finally made it to the exit. To my luck, there was a little goofy taxi right in front so I hopped in and said the only phrase in indian I knew: Maiṁ khānā kahām̐ mila sakatā hai?-Where can i get food? I didn't care where it took me, I just needed to leave the airport.
We only drove about 5 minutes when we slowed to a stop. I handed the man the money without looking, and slowly stepped out of the cab. It was amazing. There were loads of people everywhere, even though it was 11:30 at night, and tons of little carts and people selling food out of the backs of there cars. Although it was a bit intimidating and scary, I couldn't wait to join the natives in the fun. At first i was sort of shy as i walked through the streets, but when i remembered what a travel sight on the internet said when i was searching for things to do here in Mumbai I quickly realized my mistake. It stated "You must never be shy in India or the locals will get the best of you." I spotted a stall that looked interesting and i squeezed my way through, accidentally elbowing a woman's side. I looked up prepared to apologize for 5 minutes and get glared until i am gone like i have to do in California, but to my surprise, she didn't even look up. Apparently that happens a lot. When i found the end of the line a delicious smell wafted into my nose. It was the famous Tandoori Chicken backed in a Tandoor oven served with Naan. I ordered a small serving and almost immediately got handed it. It was mouthwatering! It had a red tint and it was made with lemon, yogurt, malt vinegar, garlic, and ginger. I wanted more but by then the line was twice as long as when i got there, I guess the crowds come at midnight! I all of a sudden became horribly thirsty. I picked out a stand that i saw people walking away from with cups in there hands. It turned out to be sweet Indian Lassies' made with yogurt, sugar, fruits such as strawberries, lemons, and fruit juices. It tasted almost like a milkshake! It was so delicious but all of a sudden i got extremely tired. I one again squeezed through the crowds and caught a taxi. The taxi driver was very friendly and speaks english. I told him the whole story of my day and he told me the reason i felt so tired is because Lassies' cause drowsiness! Once i got back into the hustle and bustle of the airport I realized that if my flight didn't get canceled, this amazing experience would have never happened. I should be home right now, but its ok.

The Philippines Day 1- by Lili De Voto

Most of our first day was filled with flying. We are all traveling together, Lili, Maddy, Julia, and Katie. When we finally did arrive, we found a hotel because we hadn't planned one. We were lucky enough to get a room at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila. Since it was already fairly late, we didn't do much. We went out to dinner and had amazing Chow Mien, except Julia, who had 'Crispy Noodle'. The dessert looked to good to not have! Everyone ordered an almond jelly lychee. It was so good. Lychee's basically taste like candy, except for the fact of how slimy they are in your mouth! After dinner, we browsed around on jewelry stands, where Katie got a bracelet with a very unique Philippine design on it, Julia got a necklace with blue and white checkered beads, which stood for something, but we didn't catch what for. Lili got small Buddha earrings, and Maddy was interested in a lot of things...so she bought various necklaces and anklets. We got back to our hotel, un-packed, and off to bed.