The car ride to Pune from Mumbai was about 3 hours long. The route at times was very nice, curving through the Sahyadri mountain range. The Sahyadri mountain range was formed by volcanic ash thousands of years ago. Along the road people are stopped all over taking pictures of the many waterfalls throwing water over the trees. In the distance it is hard to see but there are monkeys up in the trees. There is a park in this area, where many people go to have some food and sit to break up the drive.
While driving to Gauri's parents house, I noticed the traffic pattern the Indian's follow is something to be desired. Unless you are battling your way through a demolition derby. The only thing is I never saw any cars hit each other. But we came real damn close...often!
Finally arriving at our destination after more than 20 hours of traveling, I was introduced to the family I would be staying with for almost 3 weeks. First, I would like to introduce the family that I left the states with: Gauri (friend and colleague) and her family - Shashank (husband), Sameera (daughter), and Neil (son).
Gauri's family who we would be staying with:
Mom: Kaku
Dad: Kaka
Sister: Dhanashree
Brother in-law: Gautam
Their two children: Ruchi (daughter) and Mihir (son)
Gauri's family who we would be staying with:
Mom: Kaku
Dad: Kaka
Sister: Dhanashree
Brother in-law: Gautam
Their two children: Ruchi (daughter) and Mihir (son)