Four Go RTW

Arrived safe and sound in Mumbai!

After a hassle free and very roomy flight (85 passengers on a plane with 350 seats!) we arrived in Mumbai yesterday. Expecting all kinds of mayhem at the airport, the bags were off in no time, immigration was a breeze, we emerged into the sunshine to be met by our driver from the hotel (even though the flight was nearly an hour early) and sat in air conditioned comfort for 20 mins to the hotel, thanking our lucky stars we would not be backtracking to Italy to pick up our luggage. Hotel is fine - functional, clean and our 1 bed apartment is perfect for our first couple of days, giving us all a bit of space.

We managed to get takeaway chips and drinks from the coffee shop downstairs for a snack - no-one really sure whether they were hungry or not - and then had a little siesta.

Later we cheated and went off to an air conditioned mall for dinner and a leg stretch, also to get some water and bits and pieces to cater for tomorrow. We did go both ways in an auto-rickshaw though, which the girls thought was fab and we played the game 'spot the wierdest thing you can see on the back of a motorbike' A 4ft pane of glass was the winner!

We all had a reasonable night - woken not by jet lag but the incessant beeping of horns outside! Ready for breakfast now, and downtown Mumbai beckons later.

See ya

Rachel xx

So with a little less than 2 weeks to go, we thought we should put some stuff in a bag...

The stuff:

Kit:
3x outfits = trousers/zips/shorts, shirt/blouse/tops short and long sleeve.
Assorted underwear (c.9 days)
2x pairs shoes each = shoes/Crocs/thongs
2x Wash kits = 4 toothbrushes / shaving oil / razor & blades / scissors / shampoos etc
7x swimmers (4x spares)/goggles
4x Waterproof jackets.
4x Lite fleeces.
2x Medical Kit = Patch and repair until get to hospital.
4x travel towels
2x spork (combined spoon and fork)
4x Sun Hats – wide brim
3x Buff (scarf/hat/bandana)
1x camelbac backpack
2x water bottles (sports tops)
2x small bowls
Antibiotics – tabs and suspension for kids
4xmini lights (Maglite and LED)
Vitamins – Pre and Post biotic
2x pack covers
4 block extension
Antibacterial Washing up soap & multi plug
Chargers = phone / computer / DS & GBA
Roll ducted tape
Homemade toilet packs (bag containing wipes/tissue/nappy bag)
Various books – educational KS1/2 & Preschool couple of travel ones too.
Insect repellent = apply direct to skin and version for clothes
Juggling Balls
Pacsafe – bag security device
Multiple Plastic zip lock bags
Leatherman Tool.
Swiss Army knife/ credit card utility
2x Mobile phones – Sony Ericson
1x Note book
1x binoculars.
Pack of Kid tags (contact wristbands)
2x wrist straps for children

Total weight = 45kgs.

In bags:

Oh and here's Sadie telling Team Leader Edmeads to think of 'happy things, like Father Christmas' to lessen the pain!

See ya

CRFS xxxx