Embarking on a work visit from Mumbai to Ahmedabad can be both exciting and challenging. Join me on a day filled with unexpected delays, delicious food, and the joy of reuniting with a friend. From the hustle and bustle of Mumbai's morning rush to the vibrant streets of Ahmedabad, this journey had its fair share of memorable moments.
Early Morning Struggles: My day began with a struggle as I dragged myself out of bed at 6 am. Despite the early wake-up call, I gathered my energy and quickly freshened up, eager to begin my journey. I booked an Uber to take me to T1 Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport, which arrived promptly. By 7:30 am, I found myself at the airport, ready for the day ahead.
Airport Experience: With ample time before my 9:15 am flight, I headed to the check-in counter and completed the necessary formalities. Feeling a bit hungry, I decided to indulge in a delicious masala dosa and refreshing pomegranate juice from Balaji. Satisfied and with a newspaper in hand, I patiently waited for the boarding announcement.
Mesmerizing Views: As I boarded the flight, little did I know that I was about to witness a breathtaking sight. The flight's delay of half an hour allowed me to take in the mesmerizing view of the Arabian Sea from the window. Unfortunately, my fatigue and awe caused me to forget capturing this scenic moment in photographs, a regret I would later ponder upon.
A Power Nap: The short, 45-minute flight turned out to be a perfect opportunity for some much-needed rest. Overwhelmed by the early morning and captivated by the view, I dozed off like a contented baby. The occasional interruptions for snacks and seat adjustments were no bother, as I understood the flight attendants were just doing their job.
Arriving in Ahmedabad: After landing at approximately 11 am, I felt fortunate to find one of my team members waiting to pick me up at the airport. Ahmedabad's scorching heat can be quite unforgiving, but thanks to their timely arrival, I was spared from the sweltering conditions. We set off to our first destination, but not before indulging in some mouth-watering Gujarati snacks like khandavi and khaman along the way.
Exploring and Savoring: Our work-related visits to various stores were interspersed with delectable food experiences. We savored a delightful Gujarati thali at Athithi, featuring a wide array of dishes including roti, dal, vegetables, papad, chutneys, rice, khandvi, chaas, salad, shrikhand, and gulab jamun. Each bite was a symphony of flavors, offering a glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of Gujarat.
Quality Time and Unexpected Rain: Following our visits, I had the opportunity to catch up with a dear friend I hadn't seen in two years. We spent quality time together, sharing stories and cherishing the reunion. However, as luck would have it, the skies suddenly opened up and poured down relentlessly. Hastily, we rushed to find shelter and decided to head to the airport.
The Return Journey: With the rain still pouring, we managed to secure an auto-rickshaw to take me back to the airport. Despite being drenched, the excitement of the day kept my spirits high. My friend kindly dropped me off at the airport, bidding me farewell as I embarked on the final leg of my journey.
Reflections and Farewell: Currently, I find myself sitting at the airport, writing this blog, waiting for my delayed flight due to the bad weather. Although the day was filled with unexpected twists and turns, it was undeniably an exciting adventure. As I eagerly anticipate reaching Mumbai on the 8th, reminiscing about the day brings a smile to my face.
Conclusion: From the early morning struggles to the delightful culinary experiences and the joy of meeting a long-lost friend, my work visit from Mumbai to Ahmedabad was filled with memorable moments. Despite the flight delays and unpredictable weather, the excitement of the day never wavered. It's these unexpected twists that make each journey unique and remind us to embrace the little surprises that life throws our way.