World Travels

One of the fun aspects associated with Eric's job is the opportunity it gives him to see the world.  This year Eric made a long trip to Mumbai, India and Verona, Italy.  These two destinations were definitely in contrast to one another.

Gateway to the World, India

Roman Colosseum, Italy

The trip started in Mumbai.  The intensity and variety of the sights sounds and smells was a bit difficult to get used to.  It is the first time Eric has been around true poverty and the experience was very overwhelming.

Most of the trip was spent in business, but Eric did have a chance to visit a few interesting sights.  The most interesting sight was a trip to the Elephanta caves, a historical and religious Hindu sight built right into some caves located on a small island off the coast.

The most shocking sight was  trip to the municipal laundry which consisted of several city blocks of people standing up to their knees in dirty wash water as they washed all their linens and clothing by hand.

In stark contrast to India was Italy where Eric spend several days in both Venice and Verona.

Venice was beautiful and exactly what you would expect with gondolas, canals, carnival masks and Italian cuisine.  The timing of the trip, however, could have been better as Eric found himself stuck in the hotel on the second day because the island flooded, but the Italians took it in stride.  The city brought out raised walk ways and Eric toured the island in two feet of water.  Good thing he brought shorts!

Verona was a treat.  It was a quaint little town and Eric had a chance to stop at "Juliet's balcony" and after writing his little love note to me locked it up on the gate and brought me back the key.