Retreating to Mahableshwar

I have been on the road for over a month now, and I’ve finally found myself back in Mahableshwar, and on vacation until the second week of January. This break really couldn’t have come at a better time, as I am really feeling the effects of traveling and working for a month. So far, the trip has been:

• Fly into Bombay, 1 day recovery, then meetings all of week 1.
• Relaxing weekend in Mahableshwar
• Hectic week full of meetings in Pune
• Fly to Bangalore, repeat hectic week of meetings
• Fly back to Bombay, 4th week of meetings.
• Leave on Thursday night for Pune, for 2 more meetings on Friday.
• Leave Saturday for Mahableshwar.

All of this has been exciting from a career perspective, but extremely taxing in other ways. The transportation has been what makes it hectic, as each meeting requires careful planning in order to not get lost in the maze of taxis, rickshaws and trains in a metropolis area that takes 2 hours to cross from end to end (due to traffic) and has no roadsigns and no drivers that speak English. Thankfully, I’ve been able to find accommodations with family everywhere so far, which made things easier.

Also playing a part have been my eating and exercise habits. Staying with family means Indian hospitality of continuously shoveling food on your plate. This makes breakfast and lunch much heavier meals than I’m used to, and dinner is usually after 9pm. I’m still running, but it has been quite difficult in the cities.

I’m happy to be back with family in Mahableshwar, where I can run out to beautiful scenic points, relax during the day, and play with our new German Shepard puppy, who we picked up in Pune yesterday. We bonded last night as he kept me awake all night, and is now sleeping on my feet as I type. My family is arriving in two days, and my friend shortly thereafter, so while it doesn’t feel like a traditional Christmas, I’m looking forward to the holidays more than ever.

Tagged as: , mahableshwar, Traveling